In our preschool classroom, children engaged in a project on recycling, tackling the question: "How can we throw away less trash?" Through this project, they were able to engage in a project with a community and environmental impact, utilize critical thinking and problem solving skills, all while addressing the early learning standards. In this session, we will share about the important components and phases of project work in a preschool classroom, exploring the topic through our own implementation of a project with the children. We will explore the seven essential project design elements, how to determine if a project topics meets all these elements, and ways in which to make learning integrated and meaningful. Through project-based learning, teachers can cover important standards, teach valuable skills, all while giving children opportunities for agency, allowing them to be at the helm of their own learning. By looking at a project that we did with our children, participants will be able to see what a project looks like when put into practice.
