Student Choice and Fourth Grade Capstones!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/venosdale/7176770413/ ,Created by Krissy Venosdale.


Some time ago I came across this online poster, created by a teacher.  This idea of choice is at the core of my professional educational beliefs.  I want students to feel that they have real choice in their learning. I want them to be thoughtful, analytical and creative about their choices. 

Over the last few weeks, Beth Redford, teacher librarian and myself have been supporting fourth grade students in the completion of their capstone projects.  At times we have felt crazy (at least I have!) as we try to track and support students doing projects that have been completely self selected---from the topic, to the question, to the format which they will share their answer. 

We have been thrilled as students cheered when we announced the start of these projects!  We have watched as students taught themselves new digital tools (check out this post I wrote about the variety of tools students selected: http://enrichmentatres.blogspot.com/2013/05/technology-in-capstone-projects.html), as they celebrated small victories with each other, as they taught each other new ways of thinking and learning.  We have held our breath as students changed topics to align with their interests and went back to the drawing board after hours of work.  We have smiled as students check off that they are "proud of their work" on their list of to-dos! We have been supported by volunteers--other teachers and community members-- sharing their skills and their time. 

Students choosing! Students learning!

On Monday, June 10th from 6- 7pm students will be celebrating this learning at RES. Students will share their capstone projects in the RES gym.  I look forward to this event.

Below is a list of the topics which will be shared (just so you can see what I mean by student interest and choice!) If you cannot make it to the RES event, I encourage you to check out examples of this great work on our working class blog-- linked below.

2013 RES Fourth Grade Capstone Projects
How are airplanes built?
How do koalas survive in the wild?
How does the weather in the rainforest affect the environment in the rainforest?
What did Vikings wear for protection?
How were castles defended and attacked in the middle ages?
How do different types of screens work different ways?
What did a Civil War soldier carry and why?
How did different breeds of dogs become different?
How do rhythmic gymnasts get their arm movements?
How do saltwater fish survive?
How should a family spend their Disney vacation?
How do volcanoes affect the environment around them after they erupt?
How are cars manufactured?
How do elephants survive in the wild?
How did the Minecraft creators create Minecraft?
How are songwriters inspired to write songs?
How do computers work?
How do MRIs work?
How do leopards survive in the wild?
How do you make video games?
How easily did Usain Bolt become a professional runner compared to Yohan Blake?
How do you animate video and computer games?
Why is France a popular place to visit?
How do you choose the right food for your dog?
What is the history of sign language?
How do companies make tennis rackets differently?
How do you use Minecraft?
Why are beagles good pets?
Why are some cars faster than others?
How do farmers plant and raise organic bananas?
How are netbooks made?
How do you set up a website?
Why do bumble bee hummingbirds act the way they do?
Why is Italy a popular place to visit?
How do seahorses survive in the water?
How do you become a player of the MLS soccer league?
How do you become a player in the MLB (Major League Baseball)?
Why are elephants able to live in Africa?
Why is Barcelona FC the best soccer team in the world?
How easily did Usain Bolt become a professional runner compared to Yohan Blake?
How do you animate video and computer games?
Why is France a popular place to visit?
How do you choose the right food for your dog?
What is the history of sign language?
How do companies make tennis rackets differently?
Why are some cars faster than others?
How do farmers plant and raise organic bananas?
How are netbooks made?
How do you set up a website?
Why do bumble bee hummingbirds act the way they do?
Why is Italy a popular place to visit?
How do seahorses survive in the water?
How do you become a player of the MLS soccer league?
How do you become a player in the MLB (Major League Baseball)?
Why are elephants able to live in Africa?
Why is Barcelona FC the best soccer team in the world?

Class Blog Capstone posts:
http://thinkcreatecollaborate.blogspot.com/
(Select May and June Capstone Posts)