This document provides an overview of the Project Approach, an educational philosophy focused on student-driven, in-depth investigations into topics of interest. It is presented by three JK teachers passionate about this approach. The Project Approach is described as truly student-driven, centered around their environment, involving in-depth investigation through research and collaboration. Examples of phases of a project are presented, from developing initial questions, conducting student-led research like field visits and expert guests, to representing their new knowledge through a culminating event. Teachers guide students to find their own interests and make connections between ideas. Resources are abundant and collaboration is key. The document aims to illustrate what the Project Approach is and is not, and provides exercises to help conceptualize a

1. Project Approach
Inspiring Student Learning in the
Most Authentic Way

2. Who We Are…
We are JK teachers at Lausanne Collegiate School in
Memphis, TN; and we are TRULY passionate about the
Project Approach
 Carrie Miller
cmiller@lausanneschool.com
 Amy Morrison
amorrison@lausanneschool.com
 Lindy Roberson
lroberson@lausanneschool.com

3. Project Approach: What is it?
Truly Student Driven
Centered Around Your Environment
In-depth Investigation
Research and Collaboration used to find answers to questions
posed by students
Organic

4. Project Approach:
What it’s not…
Teacher Directed
Preplanned
Thematic
Fictional

5. Exercise One:
If you had to go back to school on Tuesday and start a
Furniture Project, where would you start and what
could/would it look like???
GO!

6. Phase One
“I wonder…how are
pictures taken?
Choosing your project
Concept Web
Collecting Prior Knowledge
“I wonder…” questions

7. Phase Two
“I wonder… how is film
developed?”
Student Lead Research
Exploration
Field Visits
Expert Visitors
Observational Drawings
“I wonder…” questions

8. Observational Drawings
Exploring and Applying
New Information

9. Field Visits

10. Phase Three
Representation of Knowledge
Culminating Event

11. Culminating Event

15. Project Approach Frame of Mind…
Finding Interests and Making Connections
Resources are EVERYWHERE! Collaboration is KEY
Planning and Problem Solving Make Learning More Meaningful
Workspaces and Materials
Putting things on Pause

17. Exercise Two:
Now… take these new ideas and…
If you had to go back to school on Tuesday and start a
Furniture Project, where would you start and what
could/would it look like???
GO!

18. Junior Kindergarten Furniture Project

28. The Project Approach By Sylvia Chard
Projectapproach.org
Additional Resources