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#Pkp . . . Launch

2/10/2018

8 Comments

 
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I’m eager to share an endeavor that 2 colleagues and myself are embarking on . . . Passionate Kids Project. This will be a multi-post blog series sharing the lesson design of the unit. Let’s get started.

​Passionate Kids Project is a new twist on our district’s Phi Kappa Phi young scholars group. In the past, GATE classes researched and presented topics revolving around a particular theme such as conflict, resilience, and social influence. Academic rigor, collaboration, and presenting to an authentic professional panel were hallmarks of the program. Although it was a winning format, we were ready for a change.


This will be our first year to implement Passionate Kids Project, PKP. The format will be different, but the rigor will be just as high. The main difference is bringing in relevance to our students. Instead of being given a theme, students will focus on a passion.

I’m excited to say that we will be using Trevor Mackenzie’s “Dive into Inquiry” book and inquiry process as our guiding force. I read Trevor’s book last summer. (My initial book annotations say July 3, 2017.) I was enthralled by his powerful connections between relationships, passions, content standards, student agency, and inquiry. I highly recommend the book to any and all educators. Details here. Trevor’s insight will inspire you to let go, tap into student’s natural interests and capabilities, and build strong, positive relationships with your students.
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Each teacher presented a different element during the launch to introduce students to PKP and ignite curiosity. 

Mrs. Segura shared videos that focused on the concepts of bringing student’s passions to school, what passion is, and what passion projects look like. Discussion was built into the video session and students also reflected on
this reflection sheet. Take a peek at the video presentation here.


Mrs. Whipple focused on the first pillar of the inquiry process: Explore a Passion. For her session, Mrs. Whipple used the Question Formulation Technique, or QFT, to formulate and categorize questions about possible student passions. Read more on the technique here. To conclude the session, students reflected on a Padlet.

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For my session, I introduced our students to the inquiry process using Trevor’s inquiry map. I walked through the map then spent time having students brainstorm possible authentic pieces. I focused on the shift of teacher’s telling students what to research, study, and create to choosing their own topics and display of learning. Students jotted down ideas on this note card and added their ideas to a collaborative poster. Take a peek at the presentation here.
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A special bonus to our PKP journey is that our computer technician, Anthony Rodriguez, aka Mr. Anthony, will be filming and producing a video documentary. His expertise, energy, and compassion make him the perfect person for the task. #WeLoveMrAnthony

We had a fantastic morning sharing our new vision of PKP with our students. As students began understanding the concept, their interest grew. By the end of the morning, sparkles of excitement were in our student’s eyes. Next week, students will complete interest surveys and begin the process of narrowing down their passion. And . . . I’ll be introducing a game board as I try my hand at gamification during our PKP unit of study.


See you next week . . . Marilyn

8 Comments
Christie
2/13/2018 06:44:18 am

Thank you for sharing this - I have a lot to learn and a great opportunity right in front of me! I requested access to your documents in Drive, in order to peek at your process (different email address, though). I appreciate that you're putting this out there. :)

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Marilyn D McAlister
2/15/2018 08:36:44 am

Christie, I'm so glad that we're taking this journey together. My class and I are excited. We'd love to see what you and your class to. #BetterTogether

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April
2/14/2018 10:49:19 am

I agree with your methods of teaching other students this passionate kids project. I can't wait to see your other ideas for this PKP topic.

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Clara
2/14/2018 08:40:20 pm

Hi Mrs.McAlister,

I really like how you put some pictures, especially the map or Inquiry Progress. I also like how your game board turned out. I think it is going to be fun playing it. Lastly I liked how you put some links into the blog. Great Work Mrs.McAlister!

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jennifer
2/15/2018 08:37:09 am

I like how you explained went we have done and I also hope PKP will be fun. I also like how you put pictures and links to what we are doing in class.


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Samantha Dehart
2/15/2018 08:37:34 am

Hi Mrs.McAlister I like how your blog helps other teacher and how it gives them some inpsiration for what to do in their classroom. #Greatwork

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Mai Valadez
2/15/2018 08:37:59 am

Hi Mrs. McAlister I really like the idea of the game board because I think that it will be very fun. Great Job!

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Zoey
2/15/2018 06:04:02 pm

Mrs. McAlister I love what you stated about Trevor Mackenzie’s connections because I feel that while we do PKP you will start to see them. Also, I can't wait to see what you have for us scholars next!!! ZM

#Scholars

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    Welcome to my blog.  I'm an 80's girl embracing being a 21st century tech-girl with the help of my amazing sixth graders.  Join us as we journey through sixth grade.

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