Chugga Chugga Choo Choo… My Journey with Project Based Learning

My wonderful sister-in-law bought tickets for my family to ride the 1880 Holiday Express. Throughout the entire experience, I could not help but relate it to my journey on the iron horse with project based learning.

The anticipation and excitement as we stand in line to get our tickets- this is going to be a great experience. The thrill when I first start discussing ideas for the school year with a colleague- this is going to be a great experience. We do some initial planning and create a roadmap.  We look around the gift shop and admire the many beautiful things on sale. Oh, the possibilities. Things were going well, just waiting in line inside the train station. The school year starts well. Things are moving along in first grade. We have a vision and numerous lofty goals. The line progresses forward and then we hit the frigid Dakota temperatures as the line moves outside. I think, ok- I can handle this. Wait- there’s not even a train in sight. I wonder what I got myself into.  As we are in the midst of what could appear from time to time as chaos to others, I ask what I have gotten myself into. I glance around and see my three children, and I worry about them being as cold as I am. However, at closer look, I see that they were enjoying themselves, all bundled in their snowsuits and just taking it all in. I initially wonder what I brought my students into and then at additional examination I realize how much they are learning from the process. We finally board the train and things seem to be rolling along.  Things in first grade are moving along smoothly. Our projects are connected. We are hitting the standards. Our students are making growth. The cars are heated and everything is feeling fine. We are enjoying sipping on hot chocolate and eating sugar cookies. Christmas music softly plays in the background while the train whizzes along. Eventually, my toes start to lose feeling and I notice that the heater has stopped. Once again I question why am I on this ride. Wouldn’t it be easier to follow the basic curriculum, without adding all of this extra “stuff”. I could be warm and cozy at home right now. I’m cold. I’m uncomfortable. I don’t have to be spending extra time and energy stepping out of my comfort zone. The train starts to slow down and suddenly lurches to a stop. It isn’t an easy ride. There are jolts and bumps along the way. Looking outside, in between sparkling lights of houses zipping by are moments of pitch darkness where I cannot see where we were going.

Our journey in the classroom isn’t always clear or easy. The journey may appear uncomfortable at times, but we keep chugging along. Amidst the twinkling lights we see Santa Claus. He boards the train and passes out a shiny bell to each child. I watch as my children admire their shiny new bell and suck on their candy canes. The sparkle in their eyes lets me know this is a moment that will forever be etched in their memory. I notice that students are motivated and passionate about learning. Yes, students are able to write a complete sentence with a capital letter and a period, but there is a bigger purpose at work here. Their experiences will last with them far beyond their first grade year. They are learning to explore their world, question things around them, and problem solve. They are developing into lifelong learners who want to make a difference.  It was all worth it. It is well worth it.

The development of the railroad in the history of the American frontier was extremely influential. Students’ experiences with project based learning in the elementary years will impact them in numerous unimaginable ways. What is your experience with project based learning and how has it impacted your students?