Keep It Real With PBL, Elementary: A Practical Guide for Planning Project-Based Learning(Corwin Teaching Essentials)

Plan enriching Project-Based Learning experiences with ease! The book′s companion website features an updated guide to help teachers integrate technology into PBL experiences for online and blended learning instruction. Is project-planning a project in and of itself? Does project-based learning (PBL) feel more like a pipe dream than a reality in your classroom? Dr. Jennifer Pieratt, a consultant and former teacher herself, knows just where you′re coming from. Developed from the author′s experience in the trenches of project-based learning over the past decade, this book will lead you through the planning process for an authentic PBL experience in a clear and efficient way. Project-based learning has been found to develop workforce readiness, innovation, and student achievement. In this book, the keys to implementing PBL effectively are explored in a simple, easy-to-use format. In addition to thought-provoking questions for journaling, readers will find a visually accessible style featuring • #realtalk soundbites that honor the challenges to implementing PBL • Tips and resources to support the project-planning process • Planning forms to guide you through planning your projects • Key terminology and acronyms in PBL • Exercises to help you reflect and process throughout your project plans If mastering a PBL framework is on your list, prepare to cross it off with the help of this book!   Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards Winner

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction Letter to Elementary Teachers How to Use This Book Chapter 1: The What and Why of PBL An Overview of Project-Based Learning PrBL vs. PBL Why PBL? What Is HQPBL? But They Aren’t Ready! Chapter 2: The Role of the Teacher in PBL Chapter 3: Project Brainstorming Where to Look for Ideas Collaborative Brainstorming PBL Brainstorming Planning Form Chapter 4: Planning PBL for Your Year Big Picture and Big Ideas Make Content Connections Pacing Your Project Identify a Real Connection Is There Enough Juice for the Squeeze? Chapter 5: Planning With the End in Mind Enduring Understandings Driving Questions Final Products Voice and Choice Culminating Experience Chapter 6: Benchmarking Your Project What Is Benchmarking? Deliverables Chapter 7: Assessment Best Practices in Assessment Apply to PBL How to Build Your Project Rubric Planning for Formative Assessment Student Engagement in PBL Assessment Chapter 8: Planning Daily Learning in PBL Create Your Project Calendar Managing the Project Daily Schedule Chapter 9: Launching Your Project The Hook Knows/Need to Knows Project Guidelines Project Groups Home Communication Chapter 10: Next Steps 1. Prototype Your Project 2. Seek Out Collegial Feedback 3. Plan for Exhibiting Student Work 4. Collect Community Connections 5. Scaling and Sustaining HQPBL Appendix A: Complete Project Plans Grade 1 Grade 5 Appendix B: Blank Project Planning Forms References Index

About the Author :
Jenny Pieratt, Ph.D. is a Progressive Educator and Teacherpreneur.  She was a founding staff member at High Tech High North County, a former School Development Coach at New Tech Network, and National Faculty at BIE.  In 2016 Jenny became the Founder and President of CraftED — a leading voice for the "mainstream wave" of PBL implementation, through virtual and onsite professional development and coaching, active networking, and practitioner-based publications. With a PhD in educational philosophy, specifically PBL, Jenny prides herself on staying in the trenches with teachers and advocating for teacher support to bring HQPBL to classrooms across the U.S. Jenny is an active blogger and speaker, former teacher of grades 5-10, equity advocate, and proud small business owner. Jenny resides in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA with her husband and two children.

Review :
This is the book PBL educators have been waiting for! Whether you are starting out on your PBL journey or have been at it for years, this book is full of helpful ideas, tactics, and exemplars—the kind of book that never even makes it to the shelf because you are constantly using it. Jennifer Pieratt knows how to help educators realize their own potential to facilitate powerful PBL experiences for all students. This book is a window into her years of expertise and experiences. For someone new to teaching or to project-based learning, this workbook simplifies the process without letting go of essential elements that make the project a valuable educational experience. This book is an excellent tool for any educator wanting to implement project-based learning in their classroom. It provides a step-by-step guide that takes you through the thought process—from posing the question for the project—the planning that is involved before implementing the project, the process for implementing the project, assessment of the project, and the background resources needed to begin the process. It is inspiring to see how our students can make a positive impact on our world when we as educators empower them through project-based learning. This book provides the necessary structures, supports, and encouragement to shift to these dynamic practices so that we can better serve all learners. I have witnessed firsthand the incredible transformation when educators shift practice to embrace the complexities of real-world challenges, and I am excited that this resource will help to spread these powerful learning opportunities to better serve all learners. In her introduction to Keep It Real With PBL, Elementary, Jenny Pieratt describes her commitment to be direct with teachers about developing engaging and strong PBL experiences for their students. She has done just that, combining her deep experience from varied perspectives—PBL teacher and colleague, coach, consultant—to provide a straightforward but detailed path to developing high quality PBL opportunities for learners. Jenny is at once optimistic and realistic, encouraging and pragmatic. While this book is designed for teachers just starting out in PBL work, experienced PBL teachers will benefit from the thoroughness of Jenny’s descriptions of planning and implementing strong PBL experiences—and will almost surely be introduced to useful new resources as well.