Imagine a classroom where the air buzzes with curiosity, where little hands are raised not just to answer questions but to ask them, and where every corner presents an opportunity for discovery. This is the essence of the HighScope curriculum, a distinctive approach to early childhood education that emphasizes active participatory learning. At its heart lies the questioning method—a powerful tool that propels both teaching and learning. DreamSpark Academy leadership chose the HighScope curriculum because we believe it has the best chance to unlock the potential hidden inside our students. We want to give you a quick glimpse into what the curriculum is about.
A Brief Overview of The HighScope Curriculum
Developed in the 1960s and refined through decades of research, the HighScope curriculum is built on the principle that children learn best through direct experiences with people, objects, events, and ideas. It’s a philosophy that champions child-initiated learning activities, encouraging kids to plan, do, and review their own work. This approach not only promotes engagement and retention but also fosters independence and critical thinking.
The Role of Questioning in HighScope
Central to the HighScope curriculum is the art of questioning. Rather than a classroom where the teacher leads and the students follow, HighScope educators position themselves as co-learners and guides. They ask questions that provoke thought and inspire children to observe, hypothesize, experiment, and reflect. The goal is not simply to find the right answer but to cultivate a deep love for the process of learning.
The questioning method helps to develop higher-order thinking skills, including analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Questions such as “What do you think will happen if…?” or “How did you decide to…?” encourage children to explore cause and effect, make predictions, and articulate their decision-making processes.
What are the Benefits for Children?
The benefits of the questioning method within the HighScope curriculum are multifaceted. Here are some of the key advantages:
Empowers Critical Thinking: Children learn to analyze situations and think independently, which is essential for academic success and problem-solving in real-life scenarios.
Enhances Communication Skills: Regularly engaging in discussions and articulating their thoughts boosts children’s vocabulary and refines their language skills.
Encourages Active Learning: By asking questions, children take ownership of their learning journey, staying engaged and motivated.
Builds Confidence: As children reflect on their experiences and express their ideas, they develop a sense of self-assurance in their abilities and judgments.
Promotes Creativity: Open-ended questions stimulate imaginative thinking, pushing children to consider multiple solutions or answers.
Supports Social and Emotional Development: The HighScope classroom’s collaborative nature, supported by the questioning method, helps children learn to listen to others, work together, and appreciate different perspectives.
Can You Implement the Questioning Method at Home?
Parents can absolutely extend the HighScope curriculum’s benefits by incorporating the questioning method at home! You can start by engaging with your child by asking thoughtful, open-ended questions about their day-to-day experiences. Encourage them to describe their play, explain their choices, and ponder the outcomes of their actions. Celebrate their responses, whether they are accurate or not, to reinforce the value of their thoughts and perspectives.
The HighScope curriculum offers a robust framework for nurturing inquisitive, independent, and well-rounded individuals. The questioning method is not just a teaching technique but a powerful way of interacting with the world. By fostering a culture of inquiry both in the classroom and at home, we equip children with the tools to become lifelong learners, ready to explore, understand, and innovate.
We will provide more examples in the coming weeks to help you develop your strengths with questioning methods you can use with your children. Please stay tuned!