Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Day Three: Something New

This year, we are starting off a series of independent research and presentation projects that will last through the year. The mission of these projects is to give students the opportunity to practice the skills we are learning in a real-world, interest-based setting. They are designed to have help from home, but the focus should be on the student. Our first project is…


SOMETHING NEW

Each student has selected “Something New” that they want to learn how to do. These things range from playing a song on the guitar to learning how to count in a different language to how to bake cookies from scratch.

Students have until September 30 to bring in evidence of their learning and strategies for success. Their evidence will depend on their project. They can perform for the class. They can bring us cookies. They can bring in a video of them doing something at home. Students do not have to master the project. Instead, it is truly about making progress toward a goal.


How is this “homework?” This particular assignment works on the following skills…

Goal setting: pacing, choosing appropriate goals, coming up with a strategy for learning, perseverance, understanding that learning is a life-long skill
Real world math: most things we do in real life require a skill set of math, including facts, measurement, and problem solving skills
Real world literacy: research for how to do things, exposure to books/internet/interviews, deciding on credible sources, speaking and listening to the class about what is learned
Please help your child come up with an “Action Plan” for learning and sharing. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.


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