Elevating children's thinking: Conceptual understanding through inquiry and play

The International Baccalaureate (IB) emphasises concept-driven inquiry. In the Primary Years Programme (PYP) learners explore broad and transferable ideas, enabling deeper thinking and application across different contexts. This powerful way of thinking and learning begins with our younger learners who inquire into the world around them and develop conceptual understanding through both educator-led experiences and play.

Read Sue's article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/elevating-childrens-thinking-conceptual-understanding-through-inquiry-and-play/

This episode is sponsored by the International Baccalaureate:

Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate (IB) pioneered a movement of international education and now offers four high quality, challenging educational programmes to students aged 3-19. The IB gives students distinct advantages by providing strong foundations, critical thinking skills, and proficiency for solving complex problems while encouraging multiculturalism, curiosity, and a healthy appetite for learning and excellence. In a world where asking the right questions is as important as discovering answers, the IB champions critical thinking and flexibility in study by crossing disciplinary, cultural, and national boundaries. Supported by world-class educators and coordinators, the IB currently engages with more than two million students in over 5,900 schools across 160 countries.

To find out more visit: https://www.ibo.org/

Our 2026 conference info & tickets:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/early-years-conference-2026/

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

· Enquiry led learning: A curious classroom by Stuart Cloke – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/enquiry-led-learning-a-curious-classroom/

· What is an early years curriculum? By Jan Dubiel and Ruth Swailes – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/what-is-an-early-years-curriculum/

· The Cornish Curriculum by Mandy Richardson - https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-cornish-curriculum/

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Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

Episode break down:

00:00 – Welcome!
03:00 – What is the International Baccalaureate?
04:30 – What is conceptual understanding?
09:30 – Taking a curious stance as an educator
12:00 – Looking beyond what children are doing
13:30 – Having the time for analysing observations
15:50 – Educator planned inquiries
18:50 – Learning the concept of responsibility
22:30 – Self-expression in different ways
24:30 – A responsive planning process
29:00 – Concepts or skills & facts?
31:00 – Adult extended inquiries
36:00 – Honouring children's thinking
37:00 – Key takeaways

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com