Karen Achtman

After teaching about different countries for 3 weeks, I turn the reins over to the kids.  They get to pick a country of their choice to research and teach the others, and we have a World’s Fair on the last day.  Some students choose their cultural country, and this year they went World Cup crazy!  Students take complete ownership with this project as I step back to watch the magic happen.

First we spend some time researching in the computer lab.  We talk about research skills, what information to look for, and I give them some websites to get started with.  I provide support during research and help finding information.  Then, I give them work time to create a project-poster, activity or whatever else they want to do.

It’s amazing how invested these kids become in their projects.  They use the class time to research and work, but they also go home and continue working.  Some students asked their parents for help with research, made crafts or activities at home, or brought in materials to use during class.  This year, the students went all out-bringing in soccer equipment, a cricket bat, posterboard, creating the game Pin the Tail on the Sheep, and building a diorama of cricket.  The kids were also very supportive of each other while presenting, helping one of the kid’s read his notes or listening quietly while a shy girl shared her project.  It is so rewarding to step back, watch them create, and be invested and excited about their work.  I love hearing, “I don’t want summer school to end!” This goes to show, kids really can do anything.

Pin the Tail on the Sheep-Scotland

Poster about Belgium

Playing Cricket-India

Stacking dolls in Russia

Diorama of Cricket-Australia