Developmental Impact Of

Emergent Projects In The

Williamsburg Northside Preschools

EMERGENT PROJECTS FOR PRESCHOOL AGED KIDS• Projects are an important part of preschool

education in Williamsburg Northside.

• Project topics are emergent as they are chosen based on observations of children by teachers, their knowledge of growth and learning goals.

• Topics (concrete and open) and skills are woven together according to the standards specified by the state.

• These emergent projects are a way to help children build knowledge and acquire a sense of ownership over their own learning.

IDEAS FOR THE EMERGENT PROJECTS

• The topics of these projects can range from anything between firetrucks to the study of light.

• It is a small idea that can bring all the young minds together, and help the students know each other and their classrooms better.

• The primary aim is to target socio-emotional learning, get students to work collectively and engage with each other.

EXAMPLE OF AN EMERGENT PROJECT

• A simple example of such an emergent project from the preschool classrooms of Williamsburg Northside is that of a pizza-based project.

• Students learnt about the concept of fractions, about yeast and buying groceries from a store among other things.

• Through the activity, students could engage and learn, without being burdened by academic intentions.

EFFECTIVE TARGETING OF KEY SKILLS

• Within the context of these fun projects, preschool kids can master cognitive skills like color/shape recognition in an organic and engaging way.

• Patterns and rhythms in the projects help students build on their numeracy and math skills.

• Hands-on approach in making stuff from recycled materials helps in mastery of science and engineering in the future.

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING

• Socio-emotional learning is targeted as the preschoolers of Williamsburg Northside learn to share ideas and build on each other’s ideas.

• From beginning a task individually and struggling with it, to finishing it in the best manner as a team, children learn about team spirit and cooperation.

• They also build on their perseverance, grit and resiliency through these emergent classroom projects.

Thank You