Wow! I really can't believe that this cohort experience is coming to an end. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with this great group of educators. This experience was very beneficial for me as a professional, and is one I'll always remember.
WHAT I USED TO THINK........
After learning about the various phases of PBL last summer when the cohort started, I thought "maybe the PBL approach would be a little much for preschoolers to handle." I thought, "maybe my little people are not ready to handle working collaboratively or even making decisions about their learning." Because of these thoughts, I approached the project in the fall with a lot of nervousness! But, to my surprise, I was very wrong!
NOW I KNOW........
Not only were my little people ready, but they exceeded my expectations with their questions and discoveries throughout the fall and spring projects! Now I know they can totally do it! Now I know that unlike older students, little people need a little more teacher direction throughout a project. Preschool teachers have to work hard to allow as much student-led instruction as possible, but keep in mind that the students will still need some teacher direction. Now I know that I'm ready to go full force with PBL next school year!
Hi Tieraney,
ReplyDeleteI have thoroughly enjoyed participating in this cohort with you and watching throughout the year how you've implemented project based learning with your preschool students. I am glad that your students showed that they were able to learn through discovery and inquiry and that they enjoyed it. I appreciated so very much how you shared with our group that while preschool students do require more assistance they can thrive with opportunities to drive their own learning. I love that you are ready to go full force with PBL next year!
Sincerely,
Dawn