Guided Discovery

Articles

“Guided Discovery is an inviting way to introduce students to materials, classroom or school areas, or activities. A teacher might use Guided Discovery to introduce a learning center, such as the library or computer area; a specific material, such as crayons or a compass; or an activity, such as journal writing or quiet time.

Working with the whole class, small groups, or individuals, teachers can use Guided Discovery both to introduce new materials, activities, and areas, and to help children explore new ways to work with those that are familiar. Offering a Guided Discovery for every material or activity is unnecessary; instead, teachers use it selectively in situations where they want to encourage creative exploration and elicit a wide variety of ideas from students about how to use a material or area or do an activity.”

–from The First Six Weeks of School

You can find our latest articles on Guided Discovery below.

Explore our approach, fostering safe, joyful, and engaging classrooms. We prioritize social, emotional, and academic growth, guided by principles.

Classroom Management & Discipline Special Times in the Year
Keep Learning Going During Holiday & Vacation Times

Suddenly, it seems like the class is falling apart. Classroom routines that were going smoothly just a few weeks ago now seem rough around the edges. More and more children are forgetting to follow classroom rules. The noise level is higher, and academic productivity seems lower. What's going on?

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Discipline Teacher Language
When Children Are Defiant

I once taught a second grader who sometimes subtly refused to go along with what we were doing. For instance, if we had to leave the classroom and John didn't want to go, he'd get in line—but then walk as slowly as possible. The more his classmates and I urged him to walk faster, the slower he would go. At each deliberate step, I could feel my blood pressure rise. But in that moment, I could do little. I couldn't physically make John walk faster; nor was he ready to rationally discuss his feelings or options. Rarely did a student's behavior get to me, but John's resistance always did.

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Middle School Middle School Teacher Language
Reinforcing Language: Giving Middle Schoolers Supportive Feedback

Teacher language—the words, tone, and pace we use when we talk to students—may be the most powerful of all our teaching tools. After all, language permeates nearly every interaction we have with students; we use words to exchange friendly greetings, give instructions, deliver content, and check understanding.

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Guided Discovery

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