Project-based Learning

What is project-based learning?
Project-based learning is an in-depth teaching strategy implemented in our preschool classrooms.
Projects focus on a worthwhile topic and target key Preschool Standards & Benchmarks (aligning with Kentucky Common Core/Core Content).
Various grouping arrangements include the entire classroom, small groups or individuals.
Research of projects focuses on questions posed by children, the teacher, or collaboratively by both.

How will project-based learning benefit my child?
Projects motivate children to be responsible for their own learning. With a sense of purpose, student involvement increases. Also, projects are learning opportunities to master skills of literacy (reading; writing), math, scientific thinking, problem solving, and positive social relations.

Our first project: The project was selected based upon observations of and interest in the butterflies in the butterfly garden as the children walked to the playground.

Getting started:
1. Gathered information from observations, texts and digital media to decide what we KNOW about butterflies.

2. Posed questions about what we wanted to LEARN about butterflies.













Our Research:
Field study (visiting a site) is important for visual and kinesthetic learners. For this project, we went to Ms. Edie Bell's butterfly garden.



We were able to ask her our research questions - what we wanted to know about butterflies.

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Applying what we learned:
We used our experiences to document what we LEARNED about butterflies.

Ms. Bell gave us artifacts (seeds from her garden, caterpillars, etc.) to bring back to school for further observations and research.
Then, we will use this information to develop our own habitats