Fostering a Spirit of Community through Project-Based Learning

Spring, 2009

Spring Projects at Harris and Eastside

Harris and Eastside classrooms are collaborating on learning projects this spring. All projects are intentionally designed to help kids get acquainted and to build a sense of shared identity among students, staff and parents as two schools become one.

Projects in Action

Look for new groupings of kids and teachers putting their heads together over projects in May and June. Time capsules, birthday buddies, and studies of families and neighborhoods are just a few of the projects in the works. You can get an inside look at what your child will be doing by visiting the project Wiki: http://campelot.pbwiki.com and clicking on the “projects index”.

The Project-Based Learning Approach

Teacher teams are planning and implementing projects using an approach called Project-Based Learning (PBL). PBL is centered on the learner. Lesson planning focuses less on how to deliver instruction and more on setting the conditions whereby children construct their own meaning. PBL often applies and extends math, reading, and speaking skills in very natural ways. The goals for spring projects are more in the social-emotional realm rather than in “hard” academics, and are intended to give teachers and kids a chance to get their feet wet with project learning in a fun, spirited way.

Next Year and Beyond

During the summer and beyond teachers will continue studying how to design and implement effective projects. Next year you will see the project approach in action as kids gain new knowledge, skills, and learning habits, particularly in social studies, science and the arts.

In full flower, a PBL unit of study is likely to include these features:

a.    An introduction to "set the stage" or anchor the activity;

b.    A task, guiding question or driving question;

c.    A process or investigation that results in the creation of one or more sharable artifacts;

d.    Use of resources such as subject-matter experts, textbooks, and digital media;

e.    Scaffolding, such as teacher conferences to help learners assess their progress;

f.    Collaborations, including teams, peer reviews and external specialists; and

g.    Opportunities for reflection and transfer, such as classroom debriefing sessions, journal entries and extension into new learning activities.

Every Event an Opportunity

Upcoming spring events will also build community spirit. A Community Dance for families is set for the evening of May 20. Families will get a chance to mingle and learn new dances during this fun event. Field Day will be held the afternoon of June 16. Field Day has been re-imagined with the intention of honoring kids social styles and promoting cooperation, free-form fun, and light competition. For both these events view the Projects Index on the Wiki (URL above) to see planning as it unfolds.

Families a Key Ingredient

Harris and Eastside are adding collaborative projects to an already busy spring schedule. Ask your child’s teacher how you can get involved. There are ways you can help, too, either in your child’s classroom, or with other teachers and kids. (Remember, this is a chance for everyone to get acquainted!) Look for announcements about the Community Dance, Field Day, and other opportunities where you can help out and soak up the spirit of –soon-to-launch- Camas Ridge Community School!