Developmental Impact Of
Emergent Projects In The
Williamsburg Northside Preschools
EMERGENT PROJECTS FOR PRESCHOOL AGED KIDS• Projects are an important part of preschool
education in Williamsburg Northside.
• Project topics are emergent as they are chosen based on observations of children by teachers, their knowledge of growth and learning goals.
• Topics (concrete and open) and skills are woven together according to the standards specified by the state.
• These emergent projects are a way to help children build knowledge and acquire a sense of ownership over their own learning.
IDEAS FOR THE EMERGENT PROJECTS
• The topics of these projects can range from anything between firetrucks to the study of light.
• It is a small idea that can bring all the young minds together, and help the students know each other and their classrooms better.
• The primary aim is to target socio-emotional learning, get students to work collectively and engage with each other.
EXAMPLE OF AN EMERGENT PROJECT
• A simple example of such an emergent project from the preschool classrooms of Williamsburg Northside is that of a pizza-based project.
• Students learnt about the concept of fractions, about yeast and buying groceries from a store among other things.
• Through the activity, students could engage and learn, without being burdened by academic intentions.
EFFECTIVE TARGETING OF KEY SKILLS
• Within the context of these fun projects, preschool kids can master cognitive skills like color/shape recognition in an organic and engaging way.
• Patterns and rhythms in the projects help students build on their numeracy and math skills.
• Hands-on approach in making stuff from recycled materials helps in mastery of science and engineering in the future.
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING
• Socio-emotional learning is targeted as the preschoolers of Williamsburg Northside learn to share ideas and build on each other’s ideas.
• From beginning a task individually and struggling with it, to finishing it in the best manner as a team, children learn about team spirit and cooperation.
• They also build on their perseverance, grit and resiliency through these emergent classroom projects.
Thank You