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Kindergarten Grade  Project 3 weeks

Crafty Conversations: Listen, Plan, Share!

Lynette S
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.1
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Content Expertise
+ 1 more
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Purpose

This project aims to cultivate active listening and effective communication skills in kindergarten students through engaging, hands-on activities. By participating in daily Listening Circles, creating story puppets, and developing a classroom Listening Tree and Character Garden, students will explore diverse perspectives and learn to articulate their thoughts clearly. The project fosters a sense of community and belonging, encouraging students to reflect on their learning and share insights with peers and family members. Through collaboration with community partners, students will deepen their appreciation for storytelling and cultural diversity, building foundational skills for lifelong learning.

Learning goals

The learning goals for this project are to enhance students' ability to listen actively and express their thoughts clearly, fostering collaborative communication. Students will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing characters in children's books and reflecting on their journeys. Through hands-on activities like creating story puppets and participating in the Listening Circle, students will practice empathy and understanding. The project aims to build a sense of community and belonging as students share their learning in the Listening Tree Festival and Garden of Tales exhibition.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.K.1 - Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about kindergarten topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and build a 'Listening Tree' in the classroom, creating leaves with messages or drawings that reflect their learning from stories and peer interactions. They will also develop a 'Character Garden,' planting paper flowers that represent characters from their favorite books, each with descriptions of the lessons learned from those characters' journeys. These products will serve as tangible representations of their listening and comprehension skills, as well as their ability to articulate and share insights with others.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Listening Tree Celebration' where students collaboratively create a vibrant classroom tree. Each student decorates a leaf with a message or drawing about a favorite book character, sharing it with the class. This activity not only fosters a sense of community but also sets the stage for exploring stories, listening actively, and expressing ideas creatively.

Exhibition

Organize a 'Listening Tree Festival' where students proudly display their Listening Tree leaves, each adorned with messages or drawings about their favorite book characters. Invite parents and community members to engage in conversations with the students, discussing the insights gained from active listening. Additionally, host a 'Garden of Tales' exhibition where students guide guests through the Character Garden, explaining the significance of each paper flower and the lessons learned from the characters' journeys, fostering a community-wide appreciation for storytelling and listening skills.