Far-A-Way Friday

Do you ever need to get away from it all?  Students at Wilkins Elementary have used their research skills to virtually learn and travel to far away places this spring.  In order to accomplish this inquiry based learning project, the fifth grade teachers needed some time for planning and collaborating.   The team met with their building instructional strategist, and talked through some goals for students and the project.

Last fall, the teachers worked together to reach a common goal and use a common assessment.  The purpose and goals of the project were to have the students pick a place in the world or country to study.  Fifth graders had specific criteria to find in order to meet the standards, but they were able to apply these skills to a place they were interested in learning more about.  For example, students needed to find the latitude and longitude of their place as well as discover important landforms and bodies of water.  

     The teachers worked together to decide on ways the students should present their information.  Some students chose a travel brochure, poster, and some even created power point presentations. 

Students were learning and applying many necessary literacy skills such as: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.  The travel projects have been a success for the teachers and the students. 

Collaboration is such an integral part of successful teaching and learning.  The fifth grade teachers successful planning of their travel project has had an impact on their students in the classroom.