What is a key component of inquiry-based learning for young children?

Inquiry-based learning is centered on children's natural curiosity and encourages them to explore, ask questions, and make predictions about their experiences. One of the key components of this approach is predicting outcomes based on prior knowledge and experiences. This process fosters critical thinking and allows children to engage actively with their learning.

When children make predictions, they are using their observational skills and previous knowledge to hypothesize what might happen in a given situation. This not only enhances their cognitive development but also encourages them to investigate and explore further to see if their predictions were accurate, thus deepening their understanding of the concept being studied.

The other options do not align with the principles of inquiry-based learning. Relying solely on teachers' explanations restricts children's active participation and ownership of their learning process. Comprehending written texts, while important, does not inherently involve the exploration or critical thinking that is fundamental to inquiry-based learning. Similarly, engaging in repetitive tasks for mastery can lead to rote learning rather than a deep understanding, which inquiry-based learning seeks to promote through exploration and discovery.