Michel Happold, principal at Martin Elementary School, is launching a new program for students in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades.
Happold said, “We are introducing Project Based Learning to the students.”
Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students learn by actively engaging in real-world and meaningful projects.
Happold said, “When I was teaching, I asked the students to think of five topics that they were passionate about and research them. One of the students chose the New York Black Out in 1977.”
What were the expectations?
Happold said, “He had to do a lot of research since he did not live through it and make a presentation. Presentations can be made in a variety of ways. A slideshow is frequently used, but it could be a play, or a commercial to sell a product, or a video.”
The Project-Based Learning Program needs one critical component: volunteers. Sun City residents have been volunteering for different Huntley School District programs. They are reliable and passionate, and they bring learning and passion to the job.
Happold said, “I am hoping that we will get a number of Sun City residents to volunteer and work with our students. They will assist our students in developing and researching their topics. We have ‘collaboration rooms’ in the library that will give them a quiet environment to work in.”
What is the time commitment?
“Once a week for not more than an hour. The days and times of the day are flexible. The more volunteers we get, the more students can benefit from this program.”
What skills will the students be using?
Happold said, “The project will require critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and various forms of communication. It could include some math skills. In a past project proposal, the students wanted to bring garbage and recycling bins back to the school. They researched not only the benefits but the cost of buying the receptacles, and the weight of items if they had to be shipped and eventually choose a spokesperson to present the results to the superintendent.”
Students learn about a subject by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to a complex question, challenge, or problem. It is a style of active learning and inquiry-based learning.
Hannon said, “The recycling/reused project and other Project-based learning develop life skills. In this project, they had to use math to compare prices, including shipping, and work within a budget.”
Sun City residents can make a difference, they are positive role models and student motivators. Volunteers are viewed as contributing to better school attendance, improved grades and test scores, matriculation, less misbehavior, better social skills, staying in school, graduating, and going on to college.
Consider donating your skills, knowledge, and time to help with this initiative.
If interested, please contact Huntley School District Volunteer Coordinator Eileen Delahanty at edelahanty@district158.org or 847-659-6152.
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