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 to learn, and passionate about making 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 learning experiences too. Because I am familiar with the curriculum, I'm able to provide experiences that meet curriculum requirements, so you can feel confident that you're covering the bases.

In my capacity as homeschool tutor in a classical tradition, I am working with, and learning more about Charlotte Mason and the Memoria Press Classical Core Curriculum.

Inquiry-based learning is a teaching approach where children 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, making learning real for children.

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

Myth: “Children just do whatever they want.”

Fact: You set learning goals and frameworks while giving children 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 children need beyond school and home.

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