Project Based Learning Leading the Way

Project based learning is defined by Edutopia as "a dynamic classroom approach in which students actively explore real-word problems and challenges and acquire a deeper knowledge" through these experiences. I have been working to create a project based learning classroom from the beginning of school. We began with the task of creatively introducing ourselves and becoming authors through story bags, the first project of the year. Each student brought in and presented items from a plastic bag (teacher provided bags and instructions at parent orientation) that represented themself. Students then decorated a book cover to tell their personal stories. They took turns sharing their items, book covers, and stories in class. We also connected our classroom to the national and global community with our Ginger Friends, see Traveling Gingerbread Friends post here.  As the 2nd 9 weeks began, I followed our district pacing guide and started a project based on ALCCRS learning target K.G.5-[I can] model shapes in the world by building shapes from components (ex. sticks and clay balls) and drawing shapes. We learned all about geometrical shapes and solid figures. Inspired by Kinder World Way's Blog on PBL, the students started to plan their learning experience. We decided to design, construct, and map out our own classroom city. My kinders brought in 3D figure-shaped empty containers from home (cereal boxes, shoe boxes, oatmeal cans, empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls, etc.)   We brainstormed types of buildings and establishments that cities need to function. The students decided that a city would need a house, school, park, library, church, airport, hotel, and two restaurants (Little Ceasar's & Panda Express). I divided the students into pairs and they picked the buildings they would like to construct from the list they created. Here they are working together to design the blueprints for their buildings.

Next, I allowed each pair to choose their building materials. They were able to choose 4 items from our supply pile. (We had a surplus of toilet paper rolls, so after everyone had their 4 materials, they were able to come back and get more rolls if needed.) Then construction began. 

The students worked diligently, guided by their blueprints, to construct the model buildings for our new city. They planned and stacked then brought the buildings to my table to be hot-glued and taped together. Over the next few days, we integrated a lot of art aspects, one of which was painting our buildings. 

The students decided their buildings needed labels and signs to let people know more about them. So they decided on names and made signs, windows, and doors. (Pardon the outfits, it was "dress like your favorite character day" for Red Ribbon Week.)

This group wanted to add plenty of details so "the people in the city will know about their school."

Next it was time to decide the best placement for the establishments and to add roads in the city. Students discussed things like: Should the school or the hotel be nearer to the airport? Should the library be close to the school or across town? They were all in agreeance that the park should be in the middle of the city and there should be roads and parking lots. Here is the city ready to be mapped.

Finally, it was time to learn about maps and create a map for our city. After teaching about maps and guiding the students to decide what maps are for and why they are needed, I modeled drawing a map of our Kinder City on the board, including a map key. The students were then set free to map out our  city. They were to include a map key, buildings, roads, and labels when possible. Some students changed the name of the city once they drew it and began to take ownership of their work by  creatively adding other buildings (gas stations, Wal-Mart, etc.) Here are some of the finished maps.

Over the course of this project, my kindergarten students took on the roles of architects, designers, engineers, contractors, artists, topographers, and more all while working cooperatively with one another. They tackled challenges, discussed options, and compromised when necessary to build a one-of-a-kind Kinder City community while learning important Math, ELA, Social Studies, and Art skills. 

They were all so proud of their creations!

My students did so well with this whole class project! I'm looking forward to incorporating more project based learning experiences with my kinder kids. If you have any great learning projects you have been a part of, or PBL ideas and sources, please share them with me by leaving posts and links in the comments below