Children as researchers: the way young children engage in research (3-7 years)

Facilitated by Jo Fahey

Young children are naturally curious: they seek to find things out, to explore possibilities. They engage in research in ways that occur naturally to them. How do we support children’s natural inquisitiveness, balancing autonomy for the child with manageability for the educators?

There is a range of effective and developmentally appropriate ways for young children — especially those with emergent reading skills — to carry out research. This includes the selective use of technology. Through these strategies, children can develop the research skills that will become the keystone of much of their later learning.

Jo will focus on:

  • A range of practical strategies proven to support children’s research in early years settings 
  • Examples of children forming expert groups and/or working with older buddies
  • Ways of engaging parents and caregivers in helping children conduct surveys or interviews
  • The power of researching through ‘place’ and experiencing a place over multiple visits

Bring along your ideas and examples to share in small groups.

Contact Jo Fahey: [email protected]
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