A local school is participating in a vision of the Ontario Alliance of Christian Schools in creating a culture of excellence and a focus on learning.
Community Christian School in Drayton hosted a Celebration of Learning on June 7.
“Project-based learning is a different way of learning that starts with a question,” said principal Ray Verburg.
“That question drives students to learn. The project, that is the major component of the learning, also drives the student to learn. The test is actually at the beginning. Students learn revising, drafting and about feedback. Along the way, they encounter hardships and difficulties and learn how to problem solve by drafting and revising.”
Verburg went on to say, “How to give feedback is important. Students are taught two phrases. ‘I like …’ which is positive and ‘I wonder …’ which gives suggestions on how to improve things. It’s about critiquing but is not harsh. Some projects started as early as the week after March Break. Others did not begin until May.”
Each classroom had a display either in the classroom, hallway or in the gymnasium. Guests were encouraged to interact with a few students by using a list of questions given to them upon their entrance into the school. The purpose of the evening was to have guests engage with students and hear them tell the story about their learning journey. After completing the conversation with a student, guests were asked to give the student feedback, being kind, specific and helpful in the process.
The Grade 7/8 class occupied two classrooms with their presentation boards projects. Students were divided into groups by the classroom teacher, researched topics and chose a topic of interest to them. Some of the chosen topics included KidsAbility, Ray of Hope, Ramoth House, Palmerston Food Bank and Family and Children’s Services. Students learned research skills that involved contacting the organization by telephone and online. Most students, when asked if they preferred the day-to-day routine of learning compared to the project-based learning, chose the first, commenting that project work was much harder.
The Grade 5/6 class project was focused on each individual student’s story and included family trees, challenges, favourites, family fun, letter from a family member, gifts and talents and friends.
The JK/SK class received a donation of 30 chicken eggs from the Vandenberg family. Students learned the process from the hen laying an egg to the birth and care of the baby chick, including the process of candling.
Although only 15 chicks hatched, the project was deemed a success. Each student had a project book on display about the experience of having chicks in the classroom.
A student greeter ushered guests into the gymnasium, where Grade 3 and 4 students clad in aprons hurriedly prepared healthy snacks. On sale were recipe books created by the classroom, with all proceeds being donated to the Drayton Food Bank. Also on display were each student’s booklets on healthy eating.
The evening wrapped up in the gymnasium with a performance from the senior concert band, followed by a dessert social.
Verburg summed up the evening by saying, “This was our first Celebration of Learning and from what I’ve seen it is wildly successful. The students and the teachers have learned a lot. In one hour the students have shared their knowledge and enjoyed showcasing the learning process.”
The school’s goal is to grow the event to include the community in the future.
