For the last two weeks in writing, our students have been engaging in group research projects. Yes, you read that right. Group research projects. In kindergarten. And would you like to know something that may shock you? The projects ROCKED!
We began the projects with each table of students choosing an animal that they would like to research: snakes, penguins, sharks, frogs, and bears. Students received jobs in their groups: one person to research what the animal eats, one for what the animal looks like, one for where it lives, and one for pictures/introduction. After receiving their jobs and some books on their topic, children got to work reading the books, watching videos on the ipads, and also interacting with teachers to discuss facts.
After students researched their topic they began working together to write planning sheets, followed by the pages of their books. With teacher support, they got on the computer and found some real images of their animals that they could use. After books were completed, students rehearsed giving presentations: reading their books in loud voices.
We began the projects with each table of students choosing an animal that they would like to research: snakes, penguins, sharks, frogs, and bears. Students received jobs in their groups: one person to research what the animal eats, one for what the animal looks like, one for where it lives, and one for pictures/introduction. After receiving their jobs and some books on their topic, children got to work reading the books, watching videos on the ipads, and also interacting with teachers to discuss facts.
After students researched their topic they began working together to write planning sheets, followed by the pages of their books. With teacher support, they got on the computer and found some real images of their animals that they could use. After books were completed, students rehearsed giving presentations: reading their books in loud voices.
The level of engagement was very high as students sat in their groups and rationed out who would read what page. Some students had trouble reading the words of their pages, so other students would give support by reminding them what the words were.
Finally, it was time to present our work. The class practiced being a respectful audience while each group took a turn (over 2 days) to share their work. Once groups finished sharing, the class discussed 3 facts that they learned about it and gave a compliment to the group. With this research project in kindergarten, we are ready for first grade writing!