Creature Creators Pt 2: Completion!
11/7/2020
While there’s always excitement when beginning a project or task, there’s great satisfaction in finishing things. Bringing a large project to completion is an important thing for young learners to experience. The sense of accomplishment and efficacy that comes from successfully meeting a goal helps build confidence and teaches learners that they have control over themselves and how they shape their own learning.
This week brought 4th graders to the end of two long term projects: Creature Creators and their maps of Imaginary Lands. In both cases they were completing long term projects that were designed to show their knowledge and understanding: of animal structures and geographical features. Pride and excitement were the overriding feelings as students brought their final creature models to the lobby for the school to see. Maps will be hung throughout the school as well. The most critical question on students’ minds was: “Will we get take them home?!” They are all very excited to share their work with their families; many shared that they already have places picked out where they will display them. This is a critical aspect of PBL: students who complete projects of this nature have an investment in their work, a genuine desire to share what they have created and accomplished. They have invested themselves in the process and the product. Are the final projects exactly what they originally envisioned? In many case, no. Was the process painless and perfect? Usually not! There were cracks in the models; plans that were too grand; struggles with tools and materials; poor time management. But every single student persevered and felt the satisfaction of finalizing their work. They were proud of their accomplishments and were able to share what they would do differently. And as exceptional learners, they are excited to tackle our next new learning experiences. |
Martina HenkeMartina Henke has been a K-8 educator for 30+ years. A life-long learner, she loves working with kids of all ages, new technology, great books, fiber arts, and her wonderful family! Archives
April 2021
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