At PNA, we implement project based learning which is a teaching method where students learn actively in meaningful and real world projects. In our EK class, students engage in PBL projects to solve real world problems and investigate topics that are important to them and their community. Even though we may be ending the year virtually, we believe that Project Based Learning is the best way to engage and instruct our students.
Project Based Learning Includes... Driving Question(s): Each student chose an Alaskan Animal of their liking. The students then set out to find answers to several questions about their animal. For example, “what does my animal look like, where does it live and what does it like to eat?” Students explored vocabulary words including appearance, habitat and diet. Critical Thinking Research: Students used knowledge about colors, shapes, and textures to describe their animal. Afterwords, they used a variety of materials to create their animal replica. They practiced important preschool fine motor skills while cutting, pasting, painting and coloring. The students used many different materials from homemade play dough to cardboard to make their animal creations. Their creativity shined in this part of the project! In the upcoming days, the students will research their animal's habitat and create a model based on their findings. Collaboration/ Communication: This pandemic has made it especially challenging for students to collaborate and communicate with each other. However, we are using communication platforms such FlipGrid and Zoom to allow student and teacher communication to continue. During this week's whole group meeting, students had a chance to become the 'teachers' and share facts about their animals and present their animal replicas with the class. It was amazing to see the hard work they put into their projects! Technology Integration: The students have used a variety of online resources to do their research. Next week, they will create a short video on FlipGrid explaining their animal's appearance, habitat, diet and some fun facts. They may also showcase their animal replicas and habitat models in the video as well. I can't wait to see their wonderful creations! Project based learning allows students to be creative as well as develop deep content knowledge, critical thinking skills, and communication skills. It also releases a creative energy among students and teachers. Check out this website to learn more about PBL: https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl Comments are closed.
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Anna RamseyArchives
April 2021
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