Fifth grade students who are ready to switch subjects and teachers with the same group of peers are welcome to enroll in our Middle School program.
Welcome to 4th/5th Grade!
Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an engaging teaching method that I find incredibly rewarding. By allowing students to tackle real-world problems and challenges, they become fully immersed in their learning experiences. For my 4th and 5th graders, this approach not only makes learning more enjoyable but also equips them with essential skills for their future learning. PBL not only meets curriculum standards but also nurtures vital skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity.
In my unit studies, I focus on an interdisciplinary approach. Each unit would blend various subjects.
A Sample PBL Lesson in the 4th/5th Grade Classroom
For example, a unit on Ancient Egypt would bring together elements of science, reading, writing, and art. Activities could include:
- Exploring the history of nomadic peoples and the development of early Egyptian settlements and how the Nile River and its surrounding waterways played a vital role in supporting agriculture. The class will examine how ancient Egyptians used irrigation techniques, such as digging trenches and inventing the “shaduf,” to transport water to their crops. As a hands-on activity, students will study how hinges and counterbalances work by designing and building their own model shaduf.
- Modeling a 3-D salt dough map of Egypt, marking and labeling landmarks of important Egyptian locations for Geography.
- Studying the life and interesting facts about King Tut. As part of the art component, students will create their own decorative King Tut masks
- Learning about Hieroglyphics and the correlation between our modern alphabet, students will expand their understanding by writing and translating a written text about what they’ve learned.
*Megan begins her first year teaching with us in 25/26, photos from her classroom will be added at a later date