Inquiry-Based Learning

🌟 Inquiry-Based Learning at Pegasus International Preschool —
Where Curiosity Soars

🌿 What Is Inquiry-Based Learning?

Inquiry-based learning is an approach where children lead the questions, investigations, and discoveries. Rather than passively absorbing information, children learn to:

• Ask meaningful questions
• Explore hands-on solutions
• Test ideas and reflect on results
• Communicate discoveries to others

Inquiry exists on a spectrum:

• Guided Inquiry: Children explore a teacher-provided question with some structure
• Open Inquiry: Children generate their own questions and experiment freely

Through this progression, children develop ownership of learning, moving from guided activities to self-directed exploration. Inquiry aligns naturally with how young children already learn — observing, wondering, testing, and adjusting — while teachers act as facilitators and co-investigators, not just transmitters of information.

Globally, inquiry-based learning is celebrated for developing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, independence, and agency — all vital for lifelong learning.

🕊️ How Pegasus Brings Inquiry to Life in the Classroom

At Pegasus, inquiry is not an add-on — it’s the lifeblood of our curriculum, seamlessly integrated into every part of preschool life.

Inquiry Through the Learning Cycle

Children move through phases of:

• Engage: Spark curiosity with thought-provoking questions or phenomena
• Explore: Hands-on investigation and experimentation
• Construct: Draw conclusions, reflect, and organize ideas
• Extend/Apply: Use insights in new contexts

This cycle mirrors classic learning models from Piaget and Kolb, adapted for young learners, and reinforces our Soar of Confidence philosophy.

Integrated, Thematic Inquiry

Learning isn’t divided into rigid subjects. Each theme spans Language & Literacy, Numeracy, Science, Creative Arts, Social-Emotional Development, and Motor Skills.

For example, a “Water Cycle” theme might involve:

• Collecting and measuring rainwater (numeracy & science)
• Drawing clouds, rain, and rivers (creative expression)
• Storytelling about clouds and weather (language)
• Discussing teamwork in building a rainwater collection model (social-emotional skills)

Through integrated inquiry, children see connections across subjects while developing problem-solving skills and confidence.

Documentation and Reflection

Learning journals and portfolios allow children to track their questions, discoveries, and reflections, reinforcing memory and critical thinking. Parents also gain visibility into their child’s learning, building a bridge between home and school.

Teachers as Facilitators and Co-Learners

Our educators carefully observe children’s interests and pose questions that stimulate thinking. They intervene just enough to deepen exploration while letting children take the lead. This balance builds confidence, independence, and joy in discovery

Physical Environment as a Provocation

Our classrooms and play areas are intentionally designed with:

• Provocation corners that spark questions
• Loose parts and open-ended materials for experimentation
• Natural elements for observation and reflection

These spaces encourage children to pause, notice, experiment, and revisit their ideas — fostering curiosity and creativity at every turn.

Time to Ponder and Persist

We dedicate daily inquiry windows to ensure exploration isn’t rushed. Children learn to test, fail, rethink, and try again, understanding that mistakes are opportunities for deeper learning — and that there are no wrong answers, only insights.

💫 Why Inquiry-Based Learning at Pegasus Matters

Inquiry-based learning empowers children to take charge of their own cognitive growth. At Pegasus, it’s more than an educational method — it’s a way of life in our classrooms.

Children learn to:

Through inquiry, children don’t just prepare for school — they prepare for life, embodying the Pegasus ethos: Soar of Confidence.

🏫 Experience Inquiry at Pegasus

We invite you to visit our Reggio-inspired campus in Novena, meet our passionate educators, and see how our inquiry-based learning environment helps children explore, create, and soar with confidence.

Pegasus International Preschool
72 Keng Lee Road
Leve 2 & 4 (within the Kim Mui Hoey Kuan Building)
Singapore 219248
Tel: (65) 6291 8286
Email: sgpegasus@yahoo.com
Address: View in Google Map