All of our classes incorporate project-based pedagogy to give our students the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills by asking real-world problems. Students actively learn and gain a deeper understanding of the material through solving authentic, curriculum-based, and interdisciplinary problems. Project-based learning builds and supports the 21st-century skills necessary for our students to develop and thrive in today’s world.
Project-based does not replace the academic knowledge that students learn, rather it is a question of how we teach that academic knowledge. Students don’t learn best through memorization, they learn by doing and by exploring the world through the questions they ask.
Students learn how concepts are applied in the real world by applying classroom knowledge to real-world issues.
Encourages students to think critically, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively
The projects students undertake are fueled by what they find interesting and the questions that ask. This encourages them to continue asking questions.
PBL is different from regular class learning or doing projects.
Project-based learning at the FAA is more than just students doing a project. The project contains and frames curriculum and instruction. Teachers support students in learning important knowledge and skills through the work of a project. PBL encourages students to use higher-order thinking skills instead of just remembering the information.
To effectively support students in PBL, we create an effective learning environment.
We promote a classroom culture of creativity and engagement where students propose solutions to problems, communicate their ideas, debate the ideas of others, collaborate with others, and work independently. Students are also motivated by engaging in meaningful projects where they decide how to approach a problem and derive their solutions. Students also reflect on their processes to create and complete their projects.
The main goal of our play-based curriculum is to learn while playing. Play-based learning is child-centered and focuses on children’s academic, social and emotional development. We take into account children’s interests and abilities through engaging and structured learning environments. Play-based learning allows preschoolers to develop problem-solving, critical, and creativity skills. Play-based learning also integrates inquiry-based learning as students are encouraged to use their curiosity to explore and discover.
We support a project-based learning approach outside the classrooms to provide students with a well-rounded, interdisciplinary education. Trips, activities, and special projects incorporate project-based learning components. It’s part of our commitment to being the best private school for project-based learning, where students thrive and excel.
Our first-grade students surprised their parents during a parent breakfast with a documentary book, "Nos animaux préférés" they had written about their favorite animals.
This interdisciplinary project combined science, writing, and art. In their bilingual science class, they have been learning about animals and the concept of living and non-living things. They read English books about different animals and watched documentaries about animals. Then, students chose their favorite animals and learned about the process of writing documentaries. They then wrote their own documentary in English on their favorite animal. In their art class, they learned about Rene Magritte and realized an artwork inspired in his style. To make the book bilingual, students translated their English writing in the book into French and included a QR code that plays their French recording. Their French teacher, Marie Francoise, realized the mock-up of the book and sent it to be printed in France.
The parents were invited to a surprise book reveal in their child`s classroom. During the event, they were pleasantly surprised to see that they had unknowingly contributed to the project. Over the break, they had helped their child create a diorama of the habitat of their chosen animal, which was now featured in the book. The parents were proud to see the fantastic work their children had done. The project enhanced students` English and French skills and introduced them to research, writing, and presentation skills that will undoubtedly be useful in their academic and personal lives.
#Education #Interdisciplinary #Science #Writing #Art #Bilingual #Documentary #Animals #ParentInvolvement #ProudParents #LanguageLearning #Research #PresentationSkills #AcademicSkills #PersonalSkills #elementaryschool #FAAProjectBasedLearning
Our first-grade students surprised their parents during a parent breakfast with a documentary book, "Nos animaux préférés" they had written about their favorite animals.
This interdisciplinary project combined science, writing, and art. In their bilingual science class, they have been learning about animals and the concept of living and non-living things. They read English books about different animals and watched documentaries about animals. Then, students chose their favorite animals and learned about the process of writing documentaries. They then wrote their own documentary in English on their favorite animal. In their art class, they learned about Rene Magritte and realized an artwork inspired in his style. To make the book bilingual, students translated their English writing in the book into French and included a QR code that plays their French recording. Their French teacher, Marie Francoise, realized the mock-up of the book and sent it to be printed in France.
The parents were invited to a surprise book reveal in their child`s classroom. During the event, they were pleasantly surprised to see that they had unknowingly contributed to the project. Over the break, they had helped their child create a diorama of the habitat of their chosen animal, which was now featured in the book. The parents were proud to see the fantastic work their children had done. The project enhanced students` English and French skills and introduced them to research, writing, and presentation skills that will undoubtedly be useful in their academic and personal lives.
#Education #Interdisciplinary #Science #Writing #Art #Bilingual #Documentary #Animals #ParentInvolvement #ProudParents #LanguageLearning #Research #PresentationSkills #AcademicSkills #PersonalSkills #elementaryschool #FAAProjectBasedLearning
Last Friday, we had our annual Community Day to celebrate and pay tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was a great opportunity to reflect on the values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging and how we can incorporate them into our personal and professional lives. The day included a collaborative Morning Meeting followed by an activity that allowed an open discussion about our differences in one or more of the following areas: physical ability, learning ability, gender, race, and socioeconomic status. The students` DEI-themed presentations were amazing and left us all feeling challenged and inspired to live up to the values of DEIB, Dr. King, and FAA. We want to thank all the students and parents who attended and participated in the Community Day. #Internationaleducation #MLKLegacy #DEIB #Inspiration #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Belonging #FAAProjectBasedLearning
Last Friday, we had our annual Community Day to celebrate and pay tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was a great opportunity to reflect on the values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging and how we can incorporate them into our personal and professional lives. The day included a collaborative Morning Meeting followed by an activity that allowed an open discussion about our differences in one or more of the following areas: physical ability, learning ability, gender, race, and socioeconomic status. The students` DEI-themed presentations were amazing and left us all feeling challenged and inspired to live up to the values of DEIB, Dr. King, and FAA. We want to thank all the students and parents who attended and participated in the Community Day. #Internationaleducation #MLKLegacy #DEIB #Inspiration #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion #Belonging #FAAProjectBasedLearning
Last week, our preschool students from Hoboken and Jersey set up an art exhibition outside the school for La Grande Lessive (The Big Laundry). La Grande Lessive is a global event where people worldwide create visual art (drawings, paintings, photographs, digital images, collages, visual poetry, etc.) on the same day. These artworks are hung using clothespins on outdoor lines in public or private spaces, forming a temporary, communal art installation that unites people through creativity and expression. The theme of the project, “With or Without Water” ties in with our sustainable development efforts, allowing the teachers discuss water conservation with the students. #faaprojectbasedlearning
Last week, our preschool students from Hoboken and Jersey set up an art exhibition outside the school for La Grande Lessive (The Big Laundry). La Grande Lessive is a global event where people worldwide create visual art (drawings, paintings, photographs, digital images, collages, visual poetry, etc.) on the same day. These artworks are hung using clothespins on outdoor lines in public or private spaces, forming a temporary, communal art installation that unites people through creativity and expression. The theme of the project, “With or Without Water” ties in with our sustainable development efforts, allowing the teachers discuss water conservation with the students. #faaprojectbasedlearning
As part of our “One Book, One Month” project, our elementary students read to our preschoolers, focusing on literature that addresses social justice themes. Our elementary students get to practice their leadership skills, while the younger students get to hear stories that reinforce being fair and kind to everyone. Plus, we do it in both French and English. It’s a fun way to read, learn, and help make a difference! #BilingualEducation #reading #preschool #elementaryschool #FAAProjectBasedLearning
As part of our “One Book, One Month” project, our elementary students read to our preschoolers, focusing on literature that addresses social justice themes. Our elementary students get to practice their leadership skills, while the younger students get to hear stories that reinforce being fair and kind to everyone. Plus, we do it in both French and English. It’s a fun way to read, learn, and help make a difference! #BilingualEducation #reading #preschool #elementaryschool #FAAProjectBasedLearning
In a project-based learning environment, students learn the required information through actively engaging with the material and applying it to real-world tasks and challenges. This may involve conducting research, gathering and analyzing data, and solving problems. The teacher serves as a facilitator, guiding students as they work through the project and providing support and resources as needed. At our school, we are committed to being the best private school for project-based learning, where they can flourish and succeed in this innovative and engaging educational approach.
Project-based learning is an effective teaching approach for young children because it allows them to engage in hands-on, real-world experiences that are relevant and meaningful to them. This can be especially valuable in preschool, as young children are naturally curious and enjoy exploring their environment through play and experimentation.
Project-based learning also develops important skills in young children, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. These skills are essential for success in school and in life and can be fostered through engaging, hands-on projects that allow children to apply their learning to authentic tasks and challenges.
