Bat Wraps
1/25/2020
You've probably heard of the devastating fires wreaking havoc in Australia recently. So many people and animals have been affected by these deadly fires and it's easy to feel helpless and hopeless. However, PNA's 2nd and 5th graders learned this week that they can actually make a difference. They were empowered to put forth their knowledge, time and commitment and sewed bat wraps for rescue organizations helping to care for injured and organized animals. This PBL project with our 5th grade buddies is what PBL is all about. Students took a real world problem - the needs of injured and orphaned bats - and posed questions to contribute to a solution. What can we do? Is there really a way to help? What do the bats need? Who is saving them?
After learning more about the situation, and having some information from professional agencies about what was needed, students decided that they could sew bat wraps to send. However, during the course of this project, a wonderful problem emerged. So many people from all corners of the globe rallied to create and send items for the animals and carers in Australia, that they put a hold on accepting items from overseas. As we were full into the swing of the project, we went looking for other places to donate our bat wraps. We found just the place in CARA (Crafters and Artisans for Rescued Animals). This group offers listing of a great many rescue facilities in the United States that are in need of items. Despite the fact that many academic skills were taught, practiced and learned throughout this project, students learned some arguably more valuable lessons. They learned that empathy is a very strong trait, when people work together amazing things can happen, that helping others provides an intrinsic reward and that they can make a difference in this world. Power of Play
1/18/2020
If you look at the picture above, you might notice some kids deeply engrossed in playing with legos. While this would be true, there are also a multitude of other things occurring that aren't as apparent at first glance. Renowned psychologist Jean Piaget notes, “Play is the work of childhood.” and Mr. Rogers elaborates on this statement by saying “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.” In a school setting, there needs to be a balance of both play and serious learning, across all grade levels. When we structure our teaching to include an element of play, even in higher grades, children are learning as well as having fun. They are working with materials that are familiar and intuitive for them which helps them to concentrate on the new information being taught. Different types of play also incorporates multiple learning modes (auditory, visual, kinesthetic) which can also help children retain concepts. This specific activity was actually a science lesson on the very basics of matter, intended to visually show kids how a group of small objects can be assembled and then re-assembled into a completely different object. This is the basis to begin to understand the somewhat abstract concept of how and why matter changes. Were students having fun "playing" with the legos? Of course they were! They were also using problem solving, critical thinking, reasoning and reading skills, as well as exercising fine motor skills. When they combined into groups to create their new objects, they had to collaborate and communicate with their group members.
Entrepreneurs!
1/10/2020
The second graders finished up their latest PBL project with a community event right before break. The annual 2nd Grade Store was a great success and the store opened just in time for holiday shopping. This yearly project has many different facets. Students are first tasked with coming up with a product idea that they will be able to create. These range from magnets, to ornaments, to toys amongst a variety of other things. They need to take things into consideration such as time and efficiency in creating their projects, as well as the material needs. Once they have a good idea, they begin production of their product, often gaining new skills as they learn how to use different types of tools. Students then turn their attention to advertising. They come up with a name for their business and create signs for their booths. They also utilize their knowledge of persuasive writing to write and records commercials, which are then sent out the prospective shoppers before the store opens. The viewers are then given an interest survey designed to help the producers set their prices based on the anticipated demand for their products. Thought is needed to set up each booth, with students considering space available, efficiency and aesthetics for their booth. This includes the best way to display their product as well. Once everyone is set up and ready to go, they eagerly await the shoppers! Their work isn't finished yet as the second graders are now expected to make change, sell their product and offer great customer service. Their customer base consists of first graders, third graders, middle schoolers and a spattering of teachers and parents. The shoppers fill out a customer satisfaction survey to give the second graders some feedback. This ranges from the ultra positive - "This was so amazing! I wouldn't change a thing!" to constructive comments "Maybe next time make sure you have enough product so you don't sell out or maybe make your prices a little higher if you don't have a lot of product." Once the store closes, it is time for cleanup and reflection. The second graders reflect on what went well: selling and making the product, what was challenging: making enough product, and what their favorite part of the project was; selling to all the people. They also offer advice to the first graders who are already brainstorming ideas for next year's store. "Do not sell the product to classmates before the store." "Make people interested in your store." "Make creative products." "Make a lot of things." "Think about the prices." While this project hits grade level standards in different areas, the real benefit is the authenticity and real world experience that the kids gain. While technically they were in a competition with their classmates, that didn't stop them from offering each other help and ideas throughout the process. They used their critical thinking skills to solve problems, creativity in designing product, booth, and commercials and their communication skills got a workout as well. Students were able to see the economic terms and concepts that they had been studying firsthand and apply their knowledge in order to have a favorable outcome...authentic learning at its best.
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Marcella HitchcockMs. Hitchcock teaches second grade, is a mom of two, an avid reader, lifelong learner, and a seeker of sunshine! Archives
March 2021
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