We are nearing the end of our second trimester, which means we are in the midst of our Inquiry Schedule.  I have referenced this in past newsletters, but being that this is still new to Skokie, I wanted to take another opportunity to highlight this student-centered aspect of our building schedule.  Each trimester, we have designated two weeks (which ends up being 8 days as we do not utilize Mondays due to the shortened schedule) for Student Inquiry.  The word 'inquiry' is utilized more and more in education now when referencing learning opportunities centered around student interest, project-based learning, passion projects. etc.  This is a movement reminiscent of John Dewey's influence in education, and deeply connected to our Progressive roots in education, in which the value of the whole child is considered when designing learning experiences that provide a balance of academic exposure and real-world application.  Additionally, there is consistent research that shows that students are more successful, more engaged and more likely to apply their learning when it is connected to an interest of theirs.  

The Skokie Inquiry period provides 40 minutes at the end of the school day for students to pursue a project related to an interest of theirs.  This trimester, we have 20 different Inquiry groups running with the facilitation of a staff member with some interest or background in that area.  These groups were formed after both students and staff responded to an interest survey.  The groups range in focus from vocal music to astronomy to book making to architecture, and more.  Student projects/pursuits range in depth from learning to play a musical instrument to building a launch-able model rocket from scratch.  In this first week of Inquiry we have seen motivated, inspired students interacting with staff members they may or may not be familiar with, and able to see the diverse strengths and talents we all bring to our school.  Students are engaged in pursuits that extend a particular subject they are already passionate about, or perhaps trying something completely new and unfamiliar to them.  Take a moment this weekend to ask your 5th or 6th grader about the project/group they are engaged in and what they might like to pursue next trimester.  

For more information about student inquiry and the power of considering student interest when designing learning opportunities, click here.  

 

Enjoy this final weekend of February, and we look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Monday.