Class projects are popular activities for both teachers and children. Many education professionals agree that class projects are also a great learning experience for young children. Your class project ideas should come directly from your children. You can inspire their ideas with thematic units, books, songs, or brainstorming during large group time.
Big Ideas
The preschools found in the Italian province of Reggio-Emilia use classroom projects as a main focus in activity planning. Teachers brainstorm with their classes to decide on the project. Years ago, one class loved to watch the birds from their class window. So, the children decided to do something special for the birds—they created a carnival for them! The children had many discussions about what to have at the carnival and what they could make for the birds. The teachers asked them to draw their ideas on paper, and then create models of their drawings in clay.
They discussed making a Ferris wheel, an elevator for baby birds that fell out of their nests, a big water fountain, and other ideas. The teachers helped the children create their carnival items by collecting materials and tools from parents and local merchants. They asked the local water company to come out and install a small wading pool for the fountain–which they donated for free! After creating their gadgets and the fountain, the teachers called the paper to announce the opening of the bird carnival. The paper wrote a story, and local officials came to the school for the “grand opening.”
Throughout the class project, these children exercised their problem-solving skills, literacy skills, social skills, math skills, physical abilities, science skills, and art skills. They learned about their community and took pride in their work.
Choosing Your Class Project
Have a group discussion to discover what your preschoolers want to create. You may find several projects are created as it may be difficult to get the entire group behind one idea. If they want to build a garbage truck, train, or mail truck, find an old refrigerator box to paint, cut, and label. Take them to see a real truck, and talk with an operator or driver. Encourage your preschoolers to solve the many problems that may arise, such as, “What will we use for a steering wheel?” “How will people know this is a mail truck?” and “Who will drive it?” Of course, you may have many great ideas, but try to resist telling your preschoolers what to do! Guide them by supplying materials, tools, and a good set of rules for working together.