プロジェクトベースの学習体験

*Now accepting late enrollments! If you'd like to enroll in a session that's already started please reach out before your first meeting so I can share details about what to expect.* 

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 Fall 2024 we're working on a story project). 

As we work through the process of identifying, researching, planning and creating projects I utilize Developmentally Appropriate Practices to support learners in dynamic explorations of literacy skills in areas including STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math), reading & writing and social-emotional. 

Learners can expect each session to offer unique experiences. In this class we have created group projects such as 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. 


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In each class 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 while practicing skills including:

Social-Emotional:  
identifying & expressing feelings, taking turns, listening & sharing (with an emphasis on practicing collaborative skills)

Cognitive: 
discovering, forming and articulating theories and/or connections about & between concepts (including anything related to STEAM, social studies, history, literature, etc.) through the Hundred Languages* 

Speech & Language: 
introduction to new/diverse vocabulary, guided discussion, Q & A, reading & writing

Physical: 
fine motor (i.e. building, writing & art-making)

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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!