This is the process of finding out what children already know about a theme and what they are curious to learn about. Children’s interests act as a catalyst to support child-initiated enquiry.

Links to IEYC Learning Principles 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8:

• Children should be supported to learn and develop at their own unique pace.
• Play is an essential aspect of all children’s learning and development.
• Learning happens when developmentally-appropriate, teacher-scaffolded and child- initiated experiences harness children’s natural curiosity in an enabling environment.
• Knowledge and skills development lead to an increasing sense of understanding when children are provided with opportunities to explore and express their ideas in multiple ways.
• Learning should be motivating, engaging and fun, opening up a world of wonder for children where personal interests can ourish.