Project Palooza!

I joked with the sixth grade on their first day back from Thanksgiving break that they have now entered “project palooza.” Mini term is a time for collaboration. Teachers and students share in the telling of the Advent stories. Students are in blended groups for mini term electives. And their work in class reflects that collaborative spirit.

The seventh and eighth grade teachers and I have planned an integrated study of the 19th century for this time in December. In language arts students have been researching the Brothers Grimm and their take on fairy tales. Next students will read fairy tales from other countries and cultures discussing together how this type of story is told to prepare them for the last step in this process which is to write their own fairy tale. Students will work in multi grade collaborative groupings to perform and record a fairy tale written by the group.

In social studies and science students are focusing on 19th century scientists and historical events. They will research, prepare timelines and slideshows on their topics of choice. This is also an opportunity to work collaboratively within their sixth grade learning community.

While researching the 19th century, I learned there were many mathematical discoveries, particularly in the field of geometry. So in math students are working together on various projects that have leaning towards the math strand of geometry.

Collaboration has always been a part of our learning at Mustard Seed, and even in COVID times we continue the tradition. So many habits of the mind, learning and heart are utilized as students navigate other people’s ideas, feelings and learning styles. It’s the most wonderful time of the year for many reasons, but for me “project palooza” also makes it more joyful, exciting and adventurous!