I would like to share more about Project Based Learning (PBL) and how this pedagogy supports student empowerment. PBL is a practice that takes a learning-by-doing approach. In a PBL classroom, you often find students solving problems, participating in simulations, conducting case studies and designing research projects based on different areas of inquiry. Students are encouraged to investigate real world issues and develop practical solutions. Strong PBL practice implements a cross curricular approach, where teachers collaborate to support differentiated skill building and sustained inquiry, further developing individual student voice and choice.

Project-based learning focuses on “more authentic experiences in the real world beyond school walls,” says John Larmer, editor in chief of the Buck Institute for Education’s PBLWorks. He notes that the “project” in project-based learning isn’t just a robot or computer program that students show off at the science fair; rather, projects are comparable to “units of the curriculum that teach both content and skills.”

Students continually ask teachers, “When am I ever going to use this stuff in real life?” And they have a point: we often teach content without explicitly explaining the relevance it has in their life. Project based learning doesn’t just add relevance to the standard model; it builds the learning within a relevant context from the very start, so students are naturally more engaged. Many PBL-based schools move to a cross curricular model so that students can spend time engaging in applied, investigative learning. This model cultivates the curiosity of students. Research shows that curious, engaged, and intrinsically-motivated students become deep learners who master complex content, and develop a sense of its relevance to their life and the world around them.

If you have a few free minutes this week I encourage you to ask your child about what they are currently doing in their classes. I am confident you will be very impressed with the engaging lessons teachers are preparing for your child.

If you would like to learn more about PBL here are two great resources:

I welcome any questions or feedback you may have regarding PBL in your child’s classroom.

I hope each of you have a wonderful week and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns or questions.

Kindly,

Kim

314.645.9600 (607)~kwright@premiercharterschool.org

Garden:

Join us for a garden clean up day on Saturday, October 29th from 9am-12pm as we prepare our garden beds for winter. Visit our garden link below for information on tasks needed completed, material donations needed, and the sign up form.

Garden Website

Hope to see you there! Don't forget, please sign up if you plan to attend so that we have your contact details in case weather requires any changes.

Sign up here

Thanks,

Jessica Smyth

Girl Scouts:

If your child is interested in Girl Scouts please reach out to the contact listed on the flyer below.

Library News:

The Fall Book Fair is just around the corner! Our fair runs from Tuesday, 10/25-Thursday 10/27Tafter school and during conferences. See the flyer attached for book fair hours.

Can't make it to the fair? Students may shop during the school day starting Thursday 10/20. Sign up for an e-wallet account (see the flyer below) or send money in an envelope marked with your child's name and the amount enclosed. Don't forget to include tax! You can also shop the online book fair at bit.ly/bookfairpcs.

We need volunteers! Sign up to help with set up, previews, book fair nights, or pack up here.