developmental impact of emergent projects in the williamsburg northside preschools

Developmental Impact Of

Emergent Projects In The

Williamsburg Northside Preschools

EMERGENT PROJECTS FOR PRESCHOOL AGED KIDS• Projects are an important part of preschool

education in Williamsburg Northside.

• Project topics are emergent as they are chosen based on observations of children by teachers, their knowledge of growth and learning goals.

• Topics (concrete and open) and skills are woven together according to the standards specified by the state.

• These emergent projects are a way to help children build knowledge and acquire a sense of ownership over their own learning.

IDEAS FOR THE EMERGENT PROJECTS

• The topics of these projects can range from anything between firetrucks to the study of light.

• It is a small idea that can bring all the young minds together, and help the students know each other and their classrooms better.

• The primary aim is to target socio-emotional learning, get students to work collectively and engage with each other.

EXAMPLE OF AN EMERGENT PROJECT

• A simple example of such an emergent project from the preschool classrooms of Williamsburg Northside is that of a pizza-based project.

• Students learnt about the concept of fractions, about yeast and buying groceries from a store among other things.

• Through the activity, students could engage and learn, without being burdened by academic intentions.

EFFECTIVE TARGETING OF KEY SKILLS

• Within the context of these fun projects, preschool kids can master cognitive skills like color/shape recognition in an organic and engaging way.

• Patterns and rhythms in the projects help students build on their numeracy and math skills.

• Hands-on approach in making stuff from recycled materials helps in mastery of science and engineering in the future.

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING

• Socio-emotional learning is targeted as the preschoolers of Williamsburg Northside learn to share ideas and build on each other’s ideas.

• From beginning a task individually and struggling with it, to finishing it in the best manner as a team, children learn about team spirit and cooperation.

• They also build on their perseverance, grit and resiliency through these emergent classroom projects.

Thank You