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Letter for Educators
Dear Colleagues,
This month we explore the topic “Light and Shadows.” As we mentioned before, it is a
complex topic but which can be approached in many ways. Start with simple activities of
exploring a variety of light sources and looking for interesting shadows. Based on your
individual students’ strengths and interests try to uncover more sides of the topic. A simple
advice is to try not to get stuck to the direct link between light and shadows. Instead, try to
connect light and shadows to different concepts such as transparency, reflection, water,
electricity and many more! Look for interesting projects and fun and provocative activities.
One of the most significant aspects of this topic is that it promotes by itself inquiry. With
this letter we aim to help you to discover and adapt techniques that will enhance inquiry and
therefore a child’s thinking! Before we start, let’s wonder why it is important to promote inquiry.
First, it encourages students to be more creative and more flexible. Also, it helps them to take
‘ownership’ of their learning through the question forming process. But most importantly,
inquiry connects to the real world. In other words, it prepares students for real life situations as it
enhances multiple skills and allows students to build the confidence and to know how to get the
information they need.
Your role as a teacher is to be a facilitator, guide and partner. Initially, you will pose the
questions but eventually students will follow this path and form their own questions. This
technique undoubtedly motivates students simply because their own questions and interests
ultimately become the focus of exploring and learning. Also, don’t forget that questions that ask
students to elaborate, justify and extend their ideas helps with metagognitive reasoning. Other
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