Emergent Inquiry based Curriculum : What does it mean to ‘Notice, Nurture, Respond and Reflect’ in Practice?
In recent years, the terms ‘ emergent interests’ , ‘inquiry’ and ‘child-led’ curriculum’ have been at the forefront of early years discussions and a focus for early years inspectorates. It is important to note that these are not new terms, nor are they a new concept in practice. In fact, most educators are implementing these every day but may not recognise it under the above terms.
So what is an Emergent inquiry-based curriculum? It is a curriculum based on the interests, skills and dispositions that are emerging from the children. Inquiry comes into play by educators extending on these interests, skills and dispositions through the provision of open-ended resources, materials, questions and learning experiences.
The recent update to Aistear’s Guidance for Good Practice (2024) highlights perfectly how to implement an emergent curriculum.
What do these terms look like in our day to day practice? Below are some examples of how this cycle takes place for Babies, Toddlers and Young Children.
Documenting this cycle of Noticing, Nurturing, Responding and Reflecting does not need to be complicated. Each service, room, educator may capture these emergent interests in ways that suit them best. Some examples may include:
– A notice board with sticky notes – anecdotal notes on what you have noticed or observed
– Planning template using all headings with small outline under each
– Photos (in learning journal or on online platform) with notes on what has been noticed, how it will be nurtured etc
Example
The new Aistear Síolta Practice Guide has an excellent resource on Planning and assessing for babies, toddlers and young children’s learning and development
Kilkenny County Childcare Committee offer training on the Updated Aistear Curriculum Framework as well as the Síolta Quality standards. If you wish to receive information on our next round of trainings, please contact Kilkenny County Childcare Committee on 056 7752865.
Robyn Gaule – Development Officer
Further information and resources
Planning and assessing for babies, toddlers and young children’s learning and development
Updated Aistear Curriculum Framework 2024
Aistear: Guidance for Good Practice
The benefits of an emergent and inquiry-based curriculum (Birth-6 years)
An Emergent and Inquiry-based Curriculum Approach in Early Childhood – Professor Iram Siraj
Better Start – Quality Development Service
Department of Education – A Guide to Early Years Education Inspection
Developing a rights-based, emergent and inquiry-based curriculum
