ABSTRACT
Children are keen to participate knowledgeably in present and future life experiences. Children’s efforts to learn reflect their inquiries into personally meaningful matters and ideas. The serious nature and content of these inquiries are proposed as “fundamental inquiry questions.” Underpinning children’s inquiries is a goal to develop multiple identities. Hence, the concept of funds of identity is also explored. Examples illustrate ways concepts of culture, play, interest, agency, and imagination combine to explain the importance of interests, inquiries, and identity development. Finally, relational pedagogy is articulated as an approach for responding meaningfully to these interests.
