Identity Unveiled: A Project-Based Learning Experience

Emerald October 14, 2024

To help assess the 4th graders’ comprehension of a book, its important to ask the right questions. For example, understanding the question, “How do you relate to Ramona?” is much more interesting and complex than “What does Ramona do that makes her brave?” but the former involves higher-level thinking and personal connection. In Humanities class, 4th-grade students have delved deeply into the concept of identity, exploring how we construct our ideas of ‘self’ and define ourselves in relation to others.

As a class, we read the novel Inside Out and Back Again. Through rich discussions, we are exploring how, both in history and today, many people and groups have had to experience the loss of their identity as they assimilate into a new life. These discussions and literature help students better understand the importance of identity through book characters. While reading, the 4th graders look for ‘mirror’ and ‘window’ moments within stories. Mirror moments involve empathy: How do the character’s feelings and actions remind you of something you have experienced? Window moments encourage sympathy and compassion: How does the character’s experience teach you something new that you had not thought of before? The key to this exploration is authenticity, as students are encouraged to answer these questions honestly rather than giving pre-loaded responses.

Quality discussions, coupled with our ongoing RULER lessons, allow students not only to be heard but also to feel safe discussing their feelings. These lessons help them work through difficult moments or celebrate and sustain positive emotions. We continue to assess our feelings using the Mood Meter, guided by questions such as: What is your energy? How pleasant are you feeling?

In addition to exploring rich literature, students were asked to create something that shows the world who they are as part of their first Project-Based Learning (PBL) unit. They brainstormed ideas and had individual meetings with Jen to focus their projects. After completing their projects, students learned about critique through the video “Austin’s Butterfly” and practiced giving verbal feedback during their identity presentations.

We will culminate our unit next week during our Academic Showcase on Wednesday, October 16th, at 8:05 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The 4th-grade students would like to extend an invitation to SMS teachers, family, and community members.

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