Children’s working theories change and develop as a result of their experiences. As they explore the world around them, there are countless opportunities for questioning, exploring ideas, and challenging their beliefs.

Karen, a teacher at Country Kids, describes how Theo, one of the children in their centre, developed a series of working theories that started with an interest in how water moves through pipes. His theories on how water moves informed his understanding of how blood and oxygen move through the ‘pipes’ in our bodies. Karen explains how they were able to respond to his questions and thoughts by providing him with opportunities to develop and expand his theories. They explored his theories within their garden, learning about how the roots of plants also act as pipes that bring water from the soil to feed the plant.  Karen describes the importance of responding to children and their ideas, and how this can lead to sophisticated and far-reaching learning opportunities.