You've Piqued My Interest
10/8/2020
When you think back to what you liked most about your school experience as a child, it's probably not that time you completed a parts of speech worksheet. We remember the things that got us excited, the times we got to complete an interesting project or went on a field trip to the zoo. Although not everyday can be a field trip, including choice and appropriate tools and materials can help motivate and engage the minds of our students. Interest-based learning focuses on the standards that students are expected to learn while also adhering to their strengths, abilities, and interests. In order to accomplish this, assessments, projects, and assignments are tailored to the individual. The social studies project we have been working on for quite some time now is all about trade and how location affects the presence of different types of agriculture and industry. Each student created a 3D model of one resource made in their state. They had several mediums to choose from, however, clay was the favorite! After setting up a market, they bartered with their peers. They had to keep in mind how much their items were worth and what scarcity would do to the value of their product. The leftover agricultural items were "donated" to the food bank. While projects that involve creating, application of new knowledge, and a display of understanding are important for many reasons, I've also found that the little things can add a higher level of engagement and the solidification of learning. Providing students with multiple types of manipulatives and allowing them to use digital and/or traditional materials to complete tasks makes learning meaningful. This school year has been largely adapted to the circumstances we are facing; however, gearing educational experiences towards interests is still at the forefront of our mission as a learning community.
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Jessica GrahamMs. Graham graduated from the University of Alabama with a BS in Early Childhood/Elementary Education, and is currently working on her master's in reading. She enjoys hiking, traveling, arts & crafts, and playing the ukulele. Archives
April 2021
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