TSSA WORKSHOP

Growing Curious Minds:
Inquiry in Early Childhood
with
Leigh Walker
16th October 
9:00 - 15:00
Pridwin Preparatory

Nurturing Curiosity

Through Play, Tinkering and Inquiry

Children are naturally curious. They arrive at school full of questions, eager to explore, discover and make sense of the world around them. But how do we create learning environments that nurture this innate curiosity rather than replace it with answers?

Growing Curious Minds is a highly interactive, hands-on professional learning experience designed for Early Childhood educators who want to cultivate classrooms where curiosity, wonder and thinking thrive. Rather than simply learning about inquiry, participants will experience it firsthand through play, tinkering, provocations and purposeful reflection, leaving with practical strategies that can be implemented immediately in their own settings.

Throughout the day, you will discover how to intentionally create learning experiences that inspire children to question, investigate, collaborate and take ownership of their learning.

​

What You'll Explore

The Power of Tinkering

Discover how loose parts, open-ended materials and Thinking Boards can become powerful tools for developing creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving. Experience the difference between making and tinkering, and explore how productive uncertainty encourages children to persevere, take risks and think more deeply.

​

From Awe to Wonder to Curiosity

Learn how to transform those magical "wow" moments into meaningful learning opportunities. Explore practical strategies for moving children beyond fascination towards questioning, investigating and making sense of their world, laying the foundations for rich inquiry and lifelong learning.

​

Scaffolding Inquiry with Confidence

Inquiry doesn't happen by chance. Discover practical ways to intentionally scaffold children's thinking, nurture increasingly independent learners, and create classroom environments where curiosity flourishes. Explore strategies for documenting learning, making thinking visible, and empowering children to take greater ownership of their learning journey.

Provocations that Inspire Thinking

Experience a wide range of engaging provocations that ignite curiosity from the moment children enter the classroom. Discover simple, practical and affordable invitations that encourage observation, questioning, exploration and meaningful conversations across all areas of learning.

​

Learning Through Experience

This is not a workshop where you'll spend the day sitting and listening. Expect to build, tinker, investigate, collaborate, reflect and wonder alongside fellow educators. Through immersive, hands-on experiences—including SIX BRICKS challenges, tinkering invitations, Thinking Routines and collaborative inquiry—you'll experience the same excitement, curiosity and joy that inquiry creates for children.

​

What You'll Take Away

By the end of the workshop, you will leave with:

• A deeper understanding of inquiry in Early Childhood

• Practical strategies to nurture curiosity every day

• Ready-to-use ideas for provocations, tinkering and play-based inquiry

• Greater confidence in scaffolding children's thinking and independence

• Strategies for documenting learning and making thinking visible

• Inspiration to create learning environments where curiosity is celebrated and sustained​

More than a collection of activities, you'll leave with an inquiry mindset that will transform the way you design learning experiences for young children.​