Project Idea

In the primary grades, reading is really pushed. There is very little time allocated  for social studies, science or writing. I wanted to utilize technology for my project and was thinking about a PowerPoint presentation on a social studies or science topic. I met with Mrs. Fluker's second grade class to discuss the project. I explained I was taking a college course and I chose their class to participate with me in a project. At the beginning, I explained this was going to be their project and they would chose a topic that interested them. We discussed all the technology tools we could use: computers, printers, projectors, cameras and software. I talked a lot about doing a report using PowerPoint. The idea of working with pictures really sparked their interest and everyone wanted to take pictures and have their picture in the PowerPoint. The questions was really flying. The first idea we discuss for a topic was “All About Me.” However, most thought that would be a little boring. Of course, you would know, this was my idea. Now, as I reflect on that, I realize they probably did this the first week of school and last year as well because it is a typical beginning of the year activity.  We discussed other science and social studies ideas for the PowerPoint: community helpers, plants, dinosaurs, space, and several others. I could not get them to buy into any of the typical science or social studies topics. Then boys wanted to report about something more exciting, football. Of course the girls was not fond of that idea. I explained again it would be their project and we needed a topic everyone liked. Once again I tried to pull them back to the typical science and social studies ideas. Then someone suggested the topic of Halloween, which went well with most of the children. However, a couple of students reported they did not participate in Halloween.  We discuss how we needed to choose a topic in which everyone could participate. There was a long pause. Then someone said, “Surely, everyone like Christmas. What about Christmas?”  Everyone was excited about this topic. I asked the students “How many of you celebrate Christmas.” All responded they did. We discuss what they knew about Christmas. We talked about how each child would create a slide and they could place their picture it. We also talked about different holidays celebrated during the month of December. We talked about presenting the PowerPoint. Then, the students wanted a printed copy of their slide with their pictures. Then, they wanted copies of their friends slides. Finally, someone asked, “Why can't we put all the pages together, like a book?” “Yea, a book with everybody's picture.” Mrs. Fluker had been talking about authors and how books were written earlier. I went with the flow of writing a book instead of doing a PowerPoint, although this will mean a lot more work in printing and assembling them. Of course, the students can help with assembling the books. Once this proposed project idea is accepted, I will send a letter home explaining the project and request permission to participate in writing a “December Holiday Book” and “What December holiday does your family celebrate?”   

I thought this class discussion would last about twenty minutes. However, it turned out to be over forth-five. It probably took so long because both the students and I were new at letting the students have a voice in their learning. I now have a better understand about having a topic the students are really interested in working on. By allowing students to choose their own topic instead of the teacher's topic, they are more interested in it and more willing to work on such a project. It will be more fun to write, research and report on what interest you. The same is true with us.  It was hard to let them take the lead.