Module 1 Assignment ASsignment: Analyzing Quality Learning Experiences Carefully review this quality learning experience, titled The Dog Project Download The Dog Projectand then consider this scenari

Analyzing a Quality Learning Experience: The Dog Project

Phase 1 of The Dog Project is titled: Questions

During this part of the project, the teachers determined that engaging in collaborative learning about dogs would make a great project. Explain how this journey began including what the children and teachers did and how and why the teachers arrived at this decision. Please use examples to substantiate your thinking. (2-3 paragraphs)

Phase 2 of The Dog Project is titled: Investigation, Fieldwork, and Experts

Look closely at the various dog-related learning experiences the children engage in. Using examples, describe how at least 5 content areas were integrated with their learning. (2-3 paragraphs)

Though many of the learning experiences drew from children’s questions, observations, and wonderings, share three additional learning experiences linked to specific content areas that you could imagine also taking place. Include the materials/resources/experts you would provide to enhance children’s engagement and learning. (2-3 paragraphs)

Explain the value of building learning experiences on children’s questions, observations, and wonderings? (1-2 paragraphs)

Content-area learning can add value to experiences like these. However, there are so many other ways children can grow and learn when engaged in a project like this one. Share at least three examples of how children were given opportunities to experience cognitive, physical, and/or social-emotional growth. (1-2 paragraphs)

Explain the role of external “experts” who participated in this project. In what ways do young children grow from interacting with people who are experts in areas they are truly interested in? (1-2 paragraphs)

In meaningful and fruitful project-based learning, there is always room for spontaneity. In this particular project, an unexpected expert turned out to be an adult the group met at one of their trips to the dog park. Explain how this person became an expert and detail the spontaneous learning journey that commenced as well as benefits to children when teachers made sure to be open to opportunities as they came along. (2-3 paragraphs)

The last expert who was invited to share was the owner of Chez Bow Wow who came to talk to the class when a group of the children became interested in how dogs take a bath and get a haircut. Summarize the great learning experiences that came from this. Then thinking about children’s questions and interests and the owner’s information regarding the importance of dog grooming to overall health and well-being as well as the groomer’s toolbox that she shared, describe another possible learning experience that might have grown from this interaction with an expert. Include possible content areas, developmental domains, and materials that would be part of this additional, exciting investigation in The Dog Project. (2-3 paragraphs)

Phase 3 of The Dog Project is titled: Culmination and Conclusion

The teachers wrote that Phase 3 of the project encouraged children to:

Using examples, share how participating in this project, helped children to grow in each of these areas. (1 paragraph each)