Students and Families Collaborate to Create Out-of-This-World Projects
Families participating in the learning in action. That’s what one group of 5th grade dual language teachers at Salt Creek Elementary School set out to do when aiming to incorporate more opportunities for families to collaborate with students in the classroom.
There was no better time to put that into practice than during a recent science unit where students explored interactions between Earth’s four systems.
Students began by pre-designing a diorama so they could guide families in understanding these interactions. When families visited the classroom, the students led the discussion and then worked with them to co-create a 3D diorama to showcase the interactions in action. Along the way, students also applied the unit vocabulary and target language of Spanish.
Ms. Marilin Marzan, a 5th grade dual language teacher who co-led the project, described the impact of the experience, saying, “It was a great way for families to be part of the learning in action, versus after the fact, or simply hearing about their day from their child. It provided an opportunity that also included high collaboration between the parent/guardian and their child.”
This collaboration left an impression on students as well.
“I got to know the other families better. They helped us create our projects. It was fun,” one student shared.
Another student reflected on what she learned from the activity, saying, “There are many types of systems and they can all be equal in different ways.”
For the teachers, those moments of connection and discovery were exactly the goal.
“We truly hope it was an unforgettable childhood experience for our students with their parents while building up their understanding of our natural world,” said Ms. Andrea Marron, the project co-lead and 5th grade dual language teacher at Salt Creek.
The project was more than a science lesson. It was a chance for students and families to learn side by side, building both knowledge and memories together.
