Favorite Classroom Projects
     Some of my most memorable teaching moments have come from projects that blended creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning. From guiding students in producing an original music videos that showcased their voices, to leading a group of preschoolers in building a treehouse, to collaborating on a vibrant Black History Month door display that celebrated culture and history—each project has been a chance to inspire curiosity, build community, and empower students to take pride in their work. These experiences remind me that when learning is active, meaningful, and joyful, it leaves a lasting impact far beyond the classroom.
What A Wonderful World
     To celebrate Earth Day, our students combined music, language, and technology to create a heartfelt video performance. They learned to sign the song What a Wonderful World in American Sign Language, deepening their appreciation for diverse forms of communication while connecting to the song’s message of beauty and care for our planet. We recorded their actual voices singing, then paired the audio with video clips of them performing the signs. The final product was a touching tribute that showcased their musical expression, language skills, and teamwork, while fostering a sense of pride and environmental awareness. This project not only celebrated Earth Day but also highlighted the power of art to inspire connection.
Black History Month
     For our school’s Black History Month door decorating contest, our class created a display titled Black History Inspires Us All. Together, we learned about influential figures in Black history, exploring their contributions and the lasting impact they have made. Each student chose a historical figure to represent, dressed up as that person, and posed for a photo. Their pictures were displayed side by side with the name and occupation of the figure they portrayed. To bring the project to life, we recorded each student sharing why their chosen person was important in history. This activity not only celebrated Black history in a meaningful and creative way but also encouraged public speaking, research skills, and a deeper understanding of how individuals can inspire change.
We Built a Treehouse!
     After reading a book that featured a treehouse, our students were inspired to ask if we could build one in our park. This spark of curiosity grew into a collaborative, real-world project where students were involved in every step of the process. They began by drawing their own treehouse designs, then worked together to measure and plan the structure, learning practical math and problem-solving skills along the way. Over two weekends, families joined us to bring the students’ vision to life, building the treehouse as a community. This project not only integrated literacy, math, and engineering concepts but also fostered teamwork, creativity, and a strong sense of ownership and pride in a shared accomplishment.