“How do toys keep kids connected?” That was TK-2nd grade\u2019s 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\u2019 Motion Loose Parts Box that the school provided for each child, they created their own toy from their incredible imaginations!\u00a0 The learners collaborated with each other sharing their blueprints and toys, further fostering that relationship connection.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s World visit their Zoom Classroom to give expert advice.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n