No you don't need to purchase a curriculum. Each country or state's education authority provides the curriculum content on their website for free. The curriculum standards are what they expect you to teach, however how you teach them is up to you. You do not need to purchase expensive curriculum boxes or packaged lessons to teach effectively. You do need to be willing and passionate about teaching children using strategies that meet the curriculum outcomes, and simultaneously make learning authentic and joyful for children.

When you're teaching through an inquiry lens and using picture books to teach everything from literature to Science, learning fits with any curriculum. I am most familiar with the Australian Curriculum, however the power of AI allows me to attach common Core Standards to my lesson plans too. Because I am familiar with the curriculum, I am able to provide lesson plans that meet the knowledge and skills component of the curriculum so that you can feel confident that your children are learning appropriate content.

In my capacity of homeschool tutor I am working with and learning more about Charlotte Mason and Memoria Press Classical Core Curriculum.

Inquiry-based learning is a teaching approach where students explore questions, problems, or scenarios rather than simply memorizing facts. It emphasizes curiosity, investigation, and critical thinking.

Curiosity drives inquiry. When children are encouraged to ask questions and investigate, they become more engaged and motivated to learn — making learning stickier and more meaningful.

The best picture books for inquiry are those that make children wonder. Look for stories with rich illustrations, open-ended themes, and emotional depth. Books that explore big ideas — like change, community, belonging, or growth — naturally lead to meaningful conversations and investigations.

Learn more about choosing picture books in this post.

Research shows it boosts critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning.

Picture books provide a common thread for integrated, inquiry-based learning. For example, a story about a garden can lead to science lessons on living things, math lessons on measurement, art inspired by illustrations, and writing tasks linked to the story’s theme, allowing children to make connections across subjects.

Leading with picture books is powerful because stories engage children’s emotions and curiosity, helping them connect ideas, ask deeper questions, and explore learning across multiple subjects.

Begin with a single unit or lesson. Pose an open-ended question, let students explore, and facilitate discussions. You don’t have to do it all at once. Check out this post to learn how.

Myth: “Students just do whatever they want.”

Fact: Teachers set learning goals and frameworks while giving students choice in how to explore.

Myth: “It’s only for older kids.”

Fact: Inquiry can begin in early childhood with simple, hands-on explorations.

It mirrors real-world problem-solving, builds resilience, collaboration, communication, and adaptability — skills students need beyond school and home.

No. Inquiry can be adapted to all ages and abilities. It’s about guiding students at their level, offering scaffolds, and encouraging them to take ownership of their learning.