Top Ten Life Skills Your Child Acquires Through Project-Based Learning
By: Tonya Mechling - First Grade Teacher at Lake City Academy
Teach children how they should live, and they will remember it all their life. Prov. 22:6
Project-based learning (PBL) is method of teaching designed to inspire minds and empower students. It certainly isn’t a new concept—when typed on a Google search, it yields over 2.5 billion results. An analysis of the data procures a singular commonality—students develop life skills when immersed in PBL. These life skills are heightened when acquired in a Christian private school. Project-based learning, combined with a Christian education, prepares your child for tomorrow and beyond.
Life Skill #1: Collaboration
It is easy to identify a PBL classroom. Desks are not in rows, and the teacher is not at the front of the room giving a lecture. Instead, pockets of children are scattered throughout the room and outside, eagerly working together in varying group sizes to solve challenging questions. PBL usually portrays a conglomerate gathering of students collectively creating, researching, writing, & exploring. Ultimately, students learn to listen, and they learn how to interact with many different types of individuals.
Life Skill #2: Creativity
The ability to create is quintessential to the Christian faith. God calls His people to think beyond societal norms; He wants His people to dream, imagine, and to inspire others. PBL utilizes all of the beautiful components of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) to challenge students to be visionaries. Creativity is what allows them to compose music, paint masterpieces, and solve technical challenges. Creativity is the piece of PBL that makes learning uniquely individualized. It is what allows students to receive a boutique-style, student-centered education.
Life Skill #3: Curiosity
The world would be a boring and dreary place without curiosity. It is the color that sparks the imagination. It is what prompts students to say, “What if…” Without curiosity, the world would be flat, exploration to space would be nonexistent, and technological breakthroughs would be archaic. Curiosity is at the core of every PBL inquiry. It is the bridge that connects today with the future.
Life Skill #4: Friendship
Friendship is the glue that holds society together, especially during challenging times. It is a life skill that must be taught, implemented, and honed to perfection. PBL uniquely brings individuals together, and friendships are formed. Commonalities are discovered, and exceptional differences are embraced.
Life Skill #5: Grit
Grit, a personal favorite, is an attribute desperately needed in the world, today. It is the “can-do” attitude that conquers insurmountable challenges. It is the euphoria that carries the injured runner to the finish line. PBL, in a Christian environment, bestows students with self-confidence and empowers them to stand for beliefs.
Life Skill #6: Growth Mindset
PBL classrooms often highlight a growth mindset. The adverb yet is an acclaimed part of the vernacular. I can’t read…yet. I haven’t finished…yet. Failures are an important aspect of learning and life, and PBL classrooms are superbly designed to celebrate failures in the learning process. Once the negative stigmas of failures are removed, students are emboldened to achieve greater successes in school and beyond.
Life Skill #7: Interpersonal Relationships
Jesus is the Master Teacher. He didn’t teach from a podium. Instead, he taught from the heart. His words and actions changed lives for all eternity. PBL is the vehicle that allows students to make deep interpersonal connections. Students learn to see different perspectives, and they gain an enlightened understanding of what Jesus calls each of His followers to be…servants for Him.
Life Skill #8: Leadership
PBL awakens a desire in all students to make a difference. While serving & impacting others, the students develop extraordinary leadership skills. They learn decision-making skills, communication skills, and they suddenly embark on constant endeavors to make others shine. Through PBL, the students cultivate these essential leadership skills that are needed in every aspect of life.
Life Skill #9: Perseverance
If you peek into the Lake City Academy, Grade 1 classroom in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, you will discover a collection of life skills prominently displayed on the wall. The life skill of perseverance is boldly placed in a preferential spot. Perseverance simply means to keep at it. On many occasions, especially while investigating challenging and complex inquiries, the first graders will take solace in the gentle words portrayed on the poster. PBL teaches students to not be afraid of challenges but to tackle them with vigor. Perseverance is reinforced with every PBL task—students are reminded to stay the course.
Life Skill #10: Problem-Solving
Critical thinking, or problem-solving skills require a culmination of many other life skills. First, students must identify a problem. Secondly, they must determine available resources. Thirdly, they must create a plan. Finally, they must evaluate the results. Each of these steps involves collaboration, creativity, leadership, etc. Problem solving empowers students to be in charge of their learning. It grants freedom and choice within the confines of standard-based instruction. Learning is maximized, and students develop mastery through exploration.
In closing, these are the top ten life skills your child will develop while embarking on PBL inquiries in a Christian private school. Be aware—PBL is contagious. Like God’s love, PBL triggers an explosive thirst for knowledge and a deep desire to impact others. Lives will be changed for today and tomorrow!
Lake City Academy is a Christian school in Coeur d’Alene Idaho.