Project Approach Provides Guided Learning At Ravinia Nursery School

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — An interesting thing has been happening in Highland Park. Our youngest explorers from Ravinia Nursery School (RNS) have been working with local artist Jonathan Plotkin, visiting our local Metra station, and getting behind the scenes with ice cream. What does all of this have in common? Ravinia students lead the way in their own community and learning through the Project Approach.

The Project Approach is a method of teaching where an in-depth study of a specific topic is conducted by a group of children. It is a topic that is meaningful for the children. This approach pioneered by Judy Harris Helm, Ed.D allows children to be the guide of their own learning. Children begin by coming up with questions that they can then find their own answers to. Through teacher guidance, concepts in math, language, social studies and science, are all incorporated into project work.

Some of the ways in which the children seek answers is by talking with local experts, finding real artifacts, and doing site visits. Students then record their findings through drawings, charts, dramatic play and webs. These types of projects can create active, engaged and meaningful learning experiences by allowing deep investigations of topics that children care about.

At RNS, the conversation began in “D” class with children bringing in a photo of a piece of artwork in their house and asking the question “what do you know about art”? Teachers then led explorations of artists and their mediums such as Kandinsky, Matisse, Chihuly, and Pollack. After filling their art studio with the supplies they wanted, students experimented with the different mediums they had learned about to create their own pieces of artwork. They completed a group sculpture and giant canvas along with individual works they later curated for their art gallery.

Local artist Jonathan Plotkin came in to demonstrate how he works while sharing that “everyone is an artist – it is not something you do, rather something you make and create”. The children were able to visit The Art Center (TAC) in Highland Park to see art studios and how art is displayed. This led to the culmination of the students creating their own art gallery and inviting families in to visit.

“It was rewarding as a teacher to see the children share their knowledge and art work with their families on our opening day”, said teacher Julie Walzer.

In Highland Park, our youngest learners are leading the way and are clearly set to continue exploring, contributing and making our community the awesome place it is.

Ravinia Nursery School is excited to celebrate 90 years of learning and excellence on Sunday, May 7th at 9:30 a.m. in Sunset Park Pavillion.

» submitted by Ravinia Nursery School

Top photo: RNS Students Visiting TAC in Highland Park (Courtesy RNS)