Project-Based Learning Experiences

In this engaging, Reggio-inspired class, learners develop essential social-emotional skills while working on individual and collaborative projects over Zoom. Through interactive, hands-on activities, learners practice effective communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and empathy—key skills for building positive relationships and achieving shared goals. In our virtual classroom, students learn to express their thoughts, listen actively, and appreciate different perspectives while co-creating meaningful projects using digital tools and shared online resources.  

 **Key Social-Emotional Skills We Focus On:**  

✅ Effective Communication
- Expressing thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully  
- Practicing active listening and responding thoughtfully  

✅ Cooperation & Collaboration
- Working as a team to reach shared goals in a virtual space  
- Sharing ideas and digital resources fairly  

✅ Conflict Resolution 
- Identifying and addressing disagreements constructively  
- Finding solutions and compromises together  

✅ Empathy & Social Awareness
- Understanding different perspectives and feelings  
- Showing kindness and respect in all interactions  

This class creates a supportive online environment where young learners can grow socially and emotionally while exploring creativity and curiosity through engaging, project-based learning!

Learners can expect each session to offer unique learning experiences. In this class we have created group projects including cardboard houses, origami, stories, maps, games and collaborative drawings. Individual explorations have included a range of projects inspired by nature, community helpers, playgrounds and imaginary creatures realized through building activities, art, oral & written stories and drawings. 

This is a great class for homeschoolers who are looking to connect with other learners who love projects. The meetings offer learners a chance to "show & tell" about their personal projects as well as collaborate on creative group projects (as of Spring 2025 we're working on a group story project). 


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In each class meeting learners will have the opportunity to interact with all participants through Q & A, show & tell, and guided discussion. I am committed to continually supporting each learner's unique needs in ways that include  modeling social-emotional skills and offering gentle redirection, where appropriate. In each class learners can expect a structured, yet fun experience. Learners can also expect to engage in dynamic explorations of child-suggested topics and teacher-framed project activities.

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CLASS FLOW (times are approximate):

0-5 minutes: introductions and/or check-ins + teacher-led sharing about the meeting plan

5-15 minutes: invitation to show & tell 

15-40 minutes: creating, teacher-led sharing (instructions, inspiration, skills, etc.) and guided discussion

40-45 minutes: final shares, teacher-led sharing about upcoming meeting plan

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My teaching style is informed by Social Constructivism, Reggio-inspired practices and the work of Fred Rogers (aka Mr. Rogers). In addition to this, I utilize my skills as a video artist to create a visually engaging and aesthetically pleasing Zoom “classroom”. 

 As a Reggio-inspired educator I embody the role of teacher as researcher. This enables me to identify each learner’s unique interests and needs, and construct learning experiences that are dynamic and engaging. One of the guiding principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach is no pre-set curriculum (i.e. emergent curriculum approach); while this class embodies that principle the learning experiences are structured as outlined in the syllabus. 

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*Emergent curriculum is a philosophy of teaching and a way of planning a children's curriculum that focuses on being responsive to their interests. The goal is to create meaningful learning experiences for the children. Emergent curriculum can be practiced with children at any grade level.

*Hundred Languages of Children is a metaphor for the many ways in which children learn and express themselves. Based on the work of Loris Malaguzzi, it refers to the many ways in which children communicate and construct knowledge. Examples include drawing, painting, movement, vocalization, dramatic play and writing. 

*Guided discussion is an active learning technique that encourages students to reflect on their own experiences, explore alternative ways of thinking, connect to a topic, and improve analytical skills.

*Project-based learning is a student-centered pedagogy that involves a dynamic classroom approach in which it is believed that students acquire a deeper knowledge through active exploration of real-world challenges and problems.


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Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for reading!