As an elementary teacher I am always striving to find new and exciting projects to enrich my students' classroom experiences and build a joy toward learning. Below I have listed some of my best loved projects that not only teach required standards but also peaks their interest as well.
Labor Day
My students research and interview someone that works in a career that interest them. Then they are to dress the part and share this job, it's purpose, the tools used, education required, and average income.
Veteran's Day
My students learn about the branches of our government and our military. During this unit they are each assigned an American symbol or an important American event. They each complete research on their assignment and are required to write a short speech and create a visual (such as a dioroma, poster, or model). While completing this unit they also write to soldiers, help make a care package, and learn patriotic songs. On the Friday before Veteran's Day we invite family and veterans to our Patriotic Program. During the program they share their projects and sing the patriotic songs. At the end we have all of the veteran's in the audience to stand while we dedicate and sing GREAT DEFENDERS by Lee Greenwood. This is a very moving project for my students, our visitors, and me.
November - December project
During this time my students are learning about how to be great citizens and make a difference in others' lives. My class holds a toy drive for children in need. Last year my students chose to collect coins and new toys for the Pennies From Angels foundation. This local foundation helps families that have reached financial difficulties due to the hardships of living with cancer. It was amazing to see the joy and importance that my students felt when the founder of the foundation came to pick up the toys. She discussed with them the impact that they were making to kids living with cancer themselves or that have a family member in their household who has cancer.
Winter Holidays
We “travel” to different countries to learn about their winter celebrations. While “visiting” we participate in their most notable traditions.
Earth Day
My students not oly hear and read about taking care of the Earth, they also write and participate. My students put on gloves and collect trash on our school year, which they later graph. They also write a story about a beautiful site in the USA. While looking at a photograph or calendar picture they describe the beauty. Then they elaborate on how to keep the Earth this spectacular.
