Inquiry-Based Learning through the Creative Thinking and Expression in Early Years Education

Aikaterini Michalopoulou

Department of Early Years Education, University of Thessaly, Thessaly, Greece.

DOI: 10.4236/ce.2014.56047                

Abstract

Many different skills make up inquiry-based learning for children, and children need many opportunities to develop and use these skills as they progress through the Kindergarten years. Inquiry skills should not be taught in isolation, but integrated into interesting topics and ideas. Children need many opportunities to generate and discuss ideas, make plans, brainstorm solutions to problems, reflect and give reasons for their choices. The aim of the research conducted at kindergartens in Volos, is to explore pre-school age children’s responses, thoughts, ideas and feelings through pictures of art. Our study involved asking children to study paintings and create opportunities for them to express their ideas through a wide range of types of representation. Creative expression influences children’s growing competence as creative problem solvers.

Keywords

Creativity, Imagination, Art, Investigation, Inquiry, Curriculum, Early Years

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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