Engaging young children through open-ended Learning Invitations

Abstract

The aim of my study was to investigate the relevance of Learning Invitations in two Maltese kindergarten classrooms in the same school, where I explored the different knowledge, skills and attitudes young children can acquire as a result of such an experience. I aimed to achieve this by observing the children and talking to them during their engagement with Learning Invitations. This helped me understand the children’s learning process and experiences. I also held informal conversations with the Kindergarten Assistants about their perspectives on Learning Invitations and how these can be implemented in local classes. The tools used for data collection were photographs of resources, a research diary and audio-recordings of the children's play. The findings of the study reveal that children learn knowledge, skills and attitudes from engaging in Learning Invitations and convey profound meaning through exploring relationships when dealing with others. Consequently, I propose that educators provide children with open-ended Learning Invitations to help them grow holistically.