Project Based Lesson Plan: 

Project Description

During this mini-project, students will prepare for their End-of-Year Presentations of Learning by practicing the skills we have honed in humanities class throughout the year. This includes reflection, personal narrative writing, interpersonal communication, design thinking, peer critique, and draft revision. 

At the end of the project, small groups of students hold a restorative circle conversation in which they present three bricks they have each designed. Each brick answers the following questions: Who was I at the beginning of the year and how have I grown? What challenges did I face this year and how did I approach them? What qualities am I excited to take with me into the next grade and how will I contribute to my new community?

After their exhibition, these bricks are curated on the wall of our hallway, creating a literal 'path toward the next grade.' When students graduate from our campus, their bricks are returned to them, making room for a new batch of students.

Students are always surprised to see that they are not alone, and that many of their peers experienced similar struggles to them throughout the year. Regularly taking chances to remind students of their shared history and experiences helps them to form a shared identity as members of our classroom community.

Students proudly display how much they have grown over the year, and many barely recognize themselves!