By Ms. Chandra Williams
1st grade teacher
Southwest Campus
Since the beginning of this month, Southwest Campus first graders were able to work on a project that accomplished a two-fold goal. The students, in conjunction with their parents, were to construct their "dream" home.
From a social studies standpoint, the children during Black History Month could liken their dream home to the dream that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had for equality amongst people, helping our students understand what a dream or vision was.
From a mathematical standpoint, the students had to use their skills to devise measurements for the construction of the home.
Most importantly, this activity allowed the parents to be involved in the learning process with their children. This was a great hands-on activity! The houses were very impressive, ranging in styles from chateaus to 2-story homes with garages.
In using a variety of materials, the children really got a chance to be creative and utilize their imagination with this project. In addition to building the exterior, the students also devoted time and energy in crafting the interior, building and labeling living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens.
Popular features were flat-screen TVs and lots of vehicles in garages, including motorcycles. Many students feel they can’t do the work. However, when they put their minds to it, they come up with outstanding results.
The two-week project culminated in students giving presentations about their “dream home.”
I am looking forward to doing it again next year!
Pete McConnell contributed to this report.