Classroom Activities

child sitting at steering wheel

Exploring Project Work Through the Eyes of Toddlers and Twos

Blogs, Perspectives on the Project Approach

A child jumping in the mud

The Project Approach: Resources for Teachers

Project Approach Resources, Resource Lists

Recipes for Learning: A Baking Project

Recipes for Learning: A Baking Project

Project Approach, Project Examples

Figure 9. Children used pictures of squirrels, trees, and nests to inspire their easel paintings.

The Squirrel Project

Project Approach, Project Examples

Voting Project

Project Approach, Project Examples

children playing with blocks

Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Curiosity and Initiative

Early Learning Moments Videos, IELG Resources, Videos

Problem Solving

Problem Solving

Early Learning Moments Videos, IELG Resources, Videos

Persistence, Effort, & Attentiveness

Persistence, Effort, & Attentiveness

Early Learning Moments Videos, IELG Resources, Videos

children's drawings

Implementing the Project Approach in Inclusive Classrooms

children in a classroom

Coaching Others in Implementing the Project Approach

Blogs, Perspectives on the Project Approach

boy at sensory table

Exploring the Sensory Table

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

child doing art at a table

You’ve Got Blue Hands

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

Looks Swampy

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

Child with water pipe

“Where Does the Water Go?” Investigating Pipes and Plumbing

Project Approach, Project Examples

Pass the Ball Versus Pass the Remote: Supporting Preschoolers’ Physical Activity

Pass the Ball Versus Pass the Remote: Supporting Preschoolers’ Physical Activity

Blogs, Children with Disabilities and Developmental Delays

Get Growing With Your Young Children

Get Growing With Your Young Children

Blogs, Learning and Growing Together

Challenge Young Artists to Create in Three Dimensions

Challenge Young Artists to Create in Three Dimensions

Blogs, Learning and Growing Together

Process Play and STEAM: Getting Started

Process Play and STEAM: Getting Started

The Pumpkin Project

The Pumpkin Project

Project Approach, Project Examples

Traditional Costumes Project

Traditional Costumes Project

Project Approach, Project Examples

Explore STEAM with Young Children

Explore STEAM with Young Children

Adjusting Pace and Location of Project Work

Adjusting Pace and Location of Project Work

Blogs, Perspectives on the Project Approach

Retelling “Caps for Sale”

Retelling “Caps for Sale”

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

Talking About Numbers and Letters

Talking About Numbers and Letters

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

Numbers on a chalkboard

Mathematize! (audio)

Abstract paint strokes

The Project Approach: Display and Documentation Techniques

Project Approach Resources, Resource Lists

Imagination and Fantasy in Early Childhood

Imagination and Fantasy in Early Childhood

Children playing at a water table

Children’s Play – More than Fun and Games

Toddler sitting with mother

Saying ‘No’ to Your Child

Discovering the World of Insects on the Playground

Discovering the World of Insects on the Playground

Project Approach, Project Examples

Parallel Talk: A Simple Way to Provide English Vocabulary

Parallel Talk: A Simple Way to Provide English Vocabulary

Blogs, Culturally Responsive Practices

Toddler playing with cars with numbers on them

Mathematize!

Blogs, Learning and Growing Together

The Music Project

The Music Project

Project Approach, Project Examples

The House Project

The House Project

Project Approach, Project Examples

Tools People Use

Tools People Use

Project Approach, Project Examples

Up Up and Away: The Airplane Project

Up Up and Away: The Airplane Project

Project Approach, Project Examples

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish…NEW Fish: A Preschool Fish Project

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish…NEW Fish: A Preschool Fish Project

Project Approach, Project Examples

The Cow Project

The Cow Project

Project Approach, Project Examples

The Tamale Project

The Tamale Project

Project Approach, Project Examples

Cooking with Spinach

Cooking with Spinach

Project Approach, Project Examples

How Do People Celebrate Birthdays?

How Do People Celebrate Birthdays?

Project Approach, Project Examples

Garden Project Sprouts From Simple Question: “What’s That?”

Garden Project Sprouts From Simple Question: “What’s That?”

Project Approach, Project Examples

The Tractor Project: Noisy Neighbors Lead to Investigation

The Tractor Project: Noisy Neighbors Lead to Investigation

Project Approach, Project Examples

Topic Webs in Project Work: Part 2—Organizing the Children’s Web

Topic Webs in Project Work: Part 2—Organizing the Children’s Web

Lesson Planning in the Context of Projects, Project Approach

Topic Webs in Project Work: Part 1—Creating the Children's Web

Topic Webs in Project Work: Part 1—Creating the Children’s Web

Lesson Planning in the Context of Projects, Project Approach

Helping Children Take Surveys

Helping Children Take Surveys

Lesson Planning in the Context of Projects, Project Approach

Helping Children Sketch and Draw from Observation

Helping Children Sketch and Draw from Observation

Lesson Planning in the Context of Projects, Project Approach

Investigating Wheels

Investigating Wheels

Project Approach, Project Guides

Snack Time

Guidelines Videos, IELG Resources, Videos

Over Here

Guidelines Videos, IELG Resources, Videos

Let’s Get Up

Guidelines Videos, IELG Resources, Videos

Filling the Trains

Filling the Trains

Guidelines Videos, IELG Resources, Videos

All Done

Guidelines Videos, IELG Resources, Videos

Chalkboard drawing of two people saying hello in English and Spanish

Helping DLLs Learn in Two Languages During Early Childhood

Blogs, Culturally Responsive Practices

What's in the Box

What’s in the Box

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

Transitioning

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

Talking about Waterslide Models

Talking about Waterslide Models

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

Sara Measures

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

One Morning in the Block Area

One Morning in the Block Area

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

One Morning at the Construction Table

One Morning at the Construction Table

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

Oats, Peas, Beans and Barley: Learning Through an Action Song

Oats, Peas, Beans and Barley: Learning Through an Action Song

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

Magnets and Cars

Magnets and Cars

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

Learning about a Stethoscope

Learning about a Stethoscope

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

Keep It Moving: Playing With Hoops

Keep It Moving: Playing With Hoops

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

Ideas about a Marble Run

Ideas about a Marble Run

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

Fine Motor Skills and Safety

Fine Motor Skills and Safety

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

Explaining Cradle Construction

Explaining Cradle Construction

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

boy with science project

An Engineer Changes His Mind

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

Drawing a Friend

Drawing a Friend

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

Creative Movement: The Flower Dance

Creative Movement: The Flower Dance

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

Constructing a Cradle

Constructing a Cradle

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

Child using chalk on the sidewalk

Out and About with Preschoolers: Visual Arts

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Children’s Votes Count!

Children’s Votes Count!

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Sorting, Classifying, and Organizing

Graphic Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets

Pour It! Stir It! Yum!

Pour It! Stir It! Yum!

Blogs, Learning and Growing Together

Project Approach: Phase 1—Getting Started

Project Approach: Phase 1—Getting Started

child working on a project

Project Approach for Preschoolers

Children playing on the playground in the winter

Young Children Need to Play!

Infant/toddler Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets

Making Preliminary Field Trips

Making Preliminary Field Trips

Blogs, Perspectives on the Project Approach

Your Child's First Day in Preschool

Your Child’s First Day in Preschool

dad reading to children

Sharing Books with Your Toddler

Infant/toddler Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets

Numbers and geometric shapes on a table

Learning Math Words: Family and Caregiver Conversations

Blogs, Culturally Responsive Practices

children with puppets

What Puppets Can Mean to Children, Part 2

Blogs, Learning and Growing Together

Comparing Firefighter Coats

Comparing Firefighter Coats

Benchmark Videos, IELDS Resources, Videos

Child playing in leaves

Project Approach: Phase 1—Choosing a Topic to Investigate

Children playing with puppets

What Puppets Can Mean to Children

Blogs, Learning and Growing Together

child with clipboard

Visual Schedules and Checklists

Blogs, Children with Disabilities and Developmental Delays

children playing with blocks

Make Room for Blocks!

IELDS Resources, Infant/toddler Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

It Takes Money: Economics for Preschoolers

It Takes Money: Economics for Preschoolers

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Helping Preschoolers Learn in Two Languages

Helping Preschoolers Learn in Two Languages

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Get Growing: Planning a Garden with Young Children

Get Growing: Planning a Garden with Young Children

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Get Growing: Learning about Seeds

Get Growing: Learning about Seeds

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Get Growing: From Seeds to Sprouts

Get Growing: From Seeds to Sprouts

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Games for All Young Children

Games for All Young Children

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

child watching clouds

Encouraging Scientific Thinking: Rain or Shine

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Drama and Young Children

Drama and Young Children

IELDS Resources, Infant/toddler Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

child with test tubes

CSI: Child Scientist Investigates!

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

two boys with bubbles

Cooperation Across the Preschool Curriculum: Science

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

children playing natural area

Who’s the Leader?

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood?

Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood?

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

What’s Next? Predictions at Story Time

What’s Next? Predictions at Story Time

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Toys from Throwaways: Let’s Recycle!

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Time for Preschoolers: In Sequence!

Time for Preschoolers: In Sequence!

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Time for Preschoolers: Duration

Time for Preschoolers: Duration

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Things We Need: Economics for Preschoolers

Things We Need: Economics for Preschoolers

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Sing, Play, and Hear: Music’s in the Air

Sing, Play, and Hear: Music’s in the Air

IELDS Resources, Infant/toddler Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Project Approach: Helping Preschoolers Represent What They Learn

Project Approach: Helping Preschoolers Represent What They Learn

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Project Approach: Helping Children Ask Questions

Project Approach: Helping Children Ask Questions

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

boy with clipboard

Project Approach: Children Taking Surveys

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

girl writing at table with classmates

The Power of the Pen: Let Children Choose Writing Centers!

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Playground Physics: Watch for Falling Objects!

Playground Physics: Watch for Falling Objects!

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Playground Physics: Hang in There!

Playground Physics: Hang in There!

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

children exercising

Physical Fitness for Preschool-Age Children

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

$children counting candy$

Path to Math: Word Problems for Preschoolers

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

$Path to Math: More Word Problems for Preschoolers$

Path to Math: More Word Problems for Preschoolers

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

$number toys$

Path to Math: More Numbers

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

child measuring a plant

Path to Math: Measurement with Young Children

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

$shape blocks$

Path to Math: Geometric Thinking for Young Children

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

$Path to Math: Classification$

Path to Math: Classification

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

$child plays with letter blocks$

Path to Math: Beginning Numbers

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

shadows of children

Out and About with Preschoolers: Sunshine Science

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

dad in business suit walking with daughter in metro area

Neighborhood Geography with Young Children

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Math Sense: Learning about Coins

Math Sense: Learning about Coins

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Natural Illinois: Mammals

Natural Illinois: Mammals

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Natural Illinois: Rock On!

Natural Illinois: Rock On!

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

child looking at leaves

Natural Illinois: Leaves Are All Around

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

Building Endurance: Let's Get Physical!

Building Endurance: Let’s Get Physical!

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

The Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 26.B.ECa

The Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 26.B.ECa

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources

The Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 25.B.ECa

The Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 25.B.ECa

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources

Physical Development and Health Lesson Addressing Benchmark 23.B.ECb

Physical Development and Health Lesson Addressing Benchmark 23.B.ECb

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources

Physical Development and Health Lesson Addressing Benchmark 19.B.ECb

Physical Development and Health Lesson Addressing Benchmark 19.B.ECb

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources

Science Lesson Addressing Benchmark 12.B.ECb

Science Lesson Addressing Benchmark 12.B.ECb

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources

Science Lesson Addressing Benchmark 12.A.ECb

Science Lesson Addressing Benchmark 12.A.ECb

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources

Science Lesson Addressing Benchmark 11.A.ECf

Science Lesson Addressing Benchmark 11.A.ECf

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources

Math Lesson Addressing Benchmark 9.B.ECa

Math Lesson Addressing Benchmark 9.B.ECa

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources

Math Lesson Addressing Benchmark 7.A.ECc

Math Lesson Addressing Benchmark 7.A.ECc

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources

Math Lesson Addressing Benchmark 6.B.ECb

Math Lesson Addressing Benchmark 6.B.ECb

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources

Language Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 5.B.ECb

Language Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 5.B.ECb

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources

Language Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 4.D.ECa

Language Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 4.D.ECa

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources

Language Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 3.B.ECa

Language Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 3.B.ECa

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources

Language Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 2.B.ECa

Language Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 2.B.ECa

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources

Language Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 1.C.ECa

Language Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 1.C.ECa

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources

$Math Lesson Addressing Benchmark 10.B.ECa$

Math Lesson Addressing Benchmark 10.B.ECa

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources

The Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 25.A.ECc

The Arts Lesson Addressing Benchmark 25.A.ECc

Adapting Lesson Plans to Meet IELDS Benchmarks, IELDS Resources

A Multiage Project on “How Things Work”: An Unexpected Adventure

A Multiage Project on “How Things Work”: An Unexpected Adventure

Blogs, Perspectives on the Project Approach

What Teachers Should Know About Instruction for English Language Learners

What Teachers Should Know About Instruction for English Language Learners

Blogs, Culturally Responsive Practices

children writing

Cooperation in the Preschool Classroom: Class Discussions

IELDS Resources, Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets Aligned to Benchmarks

children holding hands

Outdoor Field Trips with Preschoolers: Preparing with the Children

Discussing Project Work with Children in Inclusive Classrooms

Discussing Project Work with Children in Inclusive Classrooms

Blogs, Perspectives on the Project Approach

Project Topics in Neighborhoods Where Safety Is a Major Concern

Project Topics in Neighborhoods Where Safety Is a Major Concern

Blogs, Perspectives on the Project Approach

Sharing Books with Your Baby

Sharing Books with Your Baby

Infant/toddler Tip Sheets, Tip Sheets

$number toys$

Learning Math Through Games

Blogs, Learning and Growing Together

Drawings of seeds by children

Developing a Class Album

Blogs, Perspectives on the Project Approach

child with ball

Tearless Transitions

Children holding soil over a bin the classroom

Responding to Children’s Interest in a Topic

Blogs, Perspectives on the Project Approach

Children decorating a cake on a table

Building an Appetite for Project Work

Blogs, Perspectives on the Project Approach

Project Approach: Phase 3—Concluding the Project

children working on project

Project Approach: Phase 2—Doing Fieldwork

Project Approach: Phase 2—Getting Ready for Fieldwork

Project Approach: Phase 2—Getting Ready for Fieldwork

children with crayons

Getting Ready to Read and Write in Childcare