Over the past couple of months, I had the wonderful opportunity to collaborate with other teacher candidates to create a TLCP plan, with a focus on inquiry. We explored the social studies curriculum and investigated how we could use the big ideas presented in the curriculum as a starting point for an inquiry cycle.  We chose to focus on the Grade 5 Curriculum, specifically strand A of the curriculum. Our big ideas were: How can resolutions to conflicts be achieved? What happens when groups have conflict? What role do different perspectives play when attempting to resolve conflict?

The main objective of this unit was for students to understand the perspectives of First Nations and European settlers in Canada, and to think critically about how our perspectives shape our understanding of issues in the past and present. Life in general is a series of pushes and pulls, of tension and conflict resolution. It is crucial for students to make personal connections to conflict management and communicating in interpersonal situations.  By thinking critically about conflict, students will be better able to face these challenges and create a positive learning environment in the classroom and the school community.

To create an Inquiry TLCP, we first chose our big ideas, then thought of how we could create a task for students to showcase their skills at the end of a unit. From there, we designed a lesson sequence that would allow students to develop the skills required to complete the culminating task. We also considered differentiation for all learners, and including experiences outside of the classroom to make the learning richer. Although we designed a lessons sequence, many of the lessons are open ended, to allow for inquiry, and student driven learning.

I was surprised by how easily a unit could come together once the big ideas had been determined. My biggest piece of advice would be to take time to flush out the big ideas for the unit, and consider what will create a meaningful and engaging experience for the students. I also highly encourage collaborating with other teachers to create an inquiry cycle. Two heads are better than one, three are better than two. The more ideas, the better. Identify your vision for the unit and then bounce ideas off one another.

Here is a link to the TLCP document we created, as well as other Brock Teacher Candidates TLCP. I hope that you can benefit from it in some way, and gain insight as to how you could incorporate some ideas into your classroom.

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch!