11.13.2020

A Message from the Director: How Do Toys Keep Kids Connected?

iLEAD Agua Dulce Learners

“How do toys keep kids connected?” That was TK-2nd grade’s Driving Question. Through the five-week Toy Project, the learners wrote narrative and informational pieces about their favorite toys, learned to read data through surveys and graphing, explored measurement, and dove deep into the design-thinking process. Project-based learning is always about the process of learning, and during this process they connected reading, writing and math with something that is relevant in their lives. At the end of this process, they created a real blueprint, and with the help of the Notion N’ Motion Loose Parts Box that the school provided for each child, they created their own toy from their incredible imaginations!  The learners collaborated with each other sharing their blueprints and toys, further fostering that relationship connection.

To further expand their knowledge of the world around them, they had expert Pixar toy designers from Mattel as well as YouTube phenom Ryan Kaji from Ryan’s World visit their Zoom Classroom to give expert advice.

The project wrapped up last week when the learners had their first virtual Presentation of Learning! They created their own unboxing videos and presented them to families and toy designers from Mattel. In addition, they answered many questions about their learning process, including their perception of how toys keep kids connected.

This was a beautiful way to not only engage our learners but also implement the state standards in a way that was meaningful and sparked their imagination and creativity. Most importantly, while most children are either on the computer all day or filling in rote worksheets, these children had Play Choice Boards with a variety of options connected to the project that were must-do’s each day.

Even through distance learning, we still honor what is best for the child. Kudos to our amazing families who fully supported all of the components of this project.

With gratitude,

Lisa Latimer
School Director

RECENT POSTS

iLEAD Agua Dulce School Spirit Week Fall 2025

Fall into Spirit Week September 15-19

Get ready for a fun-filled Spirit Week at iLEAD Agua Dulce! Each day has a special theme, and we can’t wait to see everyone’s creativity and school spirit. Here’s aRead More

Staff Ms. Taylor iLEAD Agua Dulce Spotlight 9.2025

iLEAD Agua Dulce Staff Spotlight on Care Team Member Ms. Taylor

Welcome to this week’s staff spotlight at iLEAD Agua Dulce! Today, we’re excited to feature Ms. Taylor, an incredible member of our iLEAD Agua Dulce community. Ms. Taylor’s dedication andRead More

Blue Jeans & Country Dreams (1200 x 675 px)

Enter the Agua Dulce Parade & Fair Art Contest by September 17

We are excited to invite iLEAD Agua Dulce learners to participate in the Agua Dulce Parade and Fair Art Contest! Art Due Date: September 17, 2025 Turn In: iLEAD AguaRead More