PBL: A Book About Me! The Final Touches
Date: 29th August-9th September 2022.
Facilitators: Priyanka, Auindrilla, Sonai, Sanmoyee, Drishti, Anupriya, Nikita, and Ankur.
Participants: Arya, Ayansh, Dhriya, Hazzel, Maryam, Meher, Nitara, Rishit, Shanaaya, Shannaya, Sharlav, Shivansh, Shivanshika, Shivanyaa, Vaanya, Yuvaan (Bhopalka), and Yuvaan (Mehra).
Tags: discovering the self, pbl.
Welcome to the final instalment of ‘A Book About Me’! Our explorers have nearly come to the end of their journey — but before they rest, they have some very important work to do! The Arthlings are left with the task of documenting their travels in the form of a book!
Read on to know how our Arthlings became authors!
Compiling My Work: Each Arthling was presented with a folder, and their collected works! The class was then introduced to a new friend: the puncher! With the help of the instructors, the Arthlings went through the steps of inserting paper, measuring, and punching. Each child then arranged their work in their ring folder.
Anupriya Didi helps Yuvaan (Mehra) punch his work!
The Arthlings file their creations.
Shanaaya uses the puncher.
Shivanyaa and her finished file!
Yuvaan (Bhopalka) is ready with his file!
Designing the Book Cover: The Arthlings then transformed into graphic designers! The children were given brown paper on which to create their book covers. They were encouraged to illustrate anything that took their fancy! Shivansh made a bus, while Meher drew her Aloo Tikki!
Vaanya designs her cover…
…And admires the result!
Rishit’s multi-colour book cover!
Nitara designs her cover…
…And poses for the camera!
Choosing My Font: Each Arthling was presented with a sample sheet, with their name printed on it in five different fonts! The designers narrowed down their selection by circling their fonts of choice.
Sonai Didi shows Yuvaan (Mehra) his font choices.
Dhriya chooses her fonts.
Shivanshika trying to choose the font she likes!
Making My Memory Collage: The children handpicked their own pictures for a special section of the book, called ‘My Memories’. After they had chosen their favourites, they used safety scissors to cut them out. They seized this opportunity to hone their cutting skills! They stuck their pictures inside ‘photo frames’ to create a collage.
Dhriya cuts her pictures…
…And makes memories!
Ayansh gets ready to glue.
Printing: The last step was the most exciting one of all… printing! Ankur Bhaiya introduced the children to ‘Mr. Printer’, the instrument responsible for book printing! The Arthlings inserted paper into the machine themselves, and watched the magic happen! They even sang a little song ask ‘Mr. Printer’ to do his job.
To celebrate the release of ‘My Book’, the Arthlings planned a grand launch party!
SKILLS USED
Turn-taking
Design
Fine-motor skills
Following instructions
Organizing
Outcome and future
Our Arthlings have completed their maiden PBL voyage with great gusto! While there were many learnings for the students. there were just as many for the teachers!
This project has served as a successful demonstration of the PBL method. It encouraged students to think deeply and investigate into a central theme, while carrying important peripheral lessons and skills with every activity. The theme was more effective because it carried personal relevance for each student!
Multiple activities allowed the Arthlings to learn more about their backgrounds, and themselves. Culture Week introduced the abstract ideas of community and diversity! Opportunities were provided for the children to form bonds, and work on their socio-emotional skills.
This project had the added advantage of creating a book for each child, which will remain a lasting keepsake for years to come!
As we look towards a future full of possibilities, we hope you will join us on more such exciting PBL journeys!