The Project Approach for All Learners

A Hands-On Guide for Inclusive Early Childhood Classrooms

by Sallee J. Beneke, Ph.D.

About the Authors

Sallee J. Beneke, Ph.D.
Professor, Director of the Master's in Early Childhood Education Program, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa
Dr. Beneke's research focuses on the potential of the Project Approach to support high-quality inclusion in early childhood education.

Michaelene M. Ostrosky, Ph.D.
Grayce Wicall Gauthier Professor of Education, Department Head of Special Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois
Dr. Ostrosky has researched inclusion of children with disabilities, focusing on social-emotional competence and behavior.

Lilian G. Katz, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita, Children’s Research Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois
Dr. Katz is an international leader in early childhood education and has significantly impacted project-based work awareness among educators.

Preface

Some teachers in early childhood classrooms struggle to engage every child in motivating educational ways.

The Project Approach can help achieve this goal by allowing teachers to identify topics of high interest to their students and facilitating an in-depth study through firsthand investigation and research.

This book aims to provide a practical tool for teachers to implement the Project Approach, highlighting research demonstrating its effectiveness for children with disabilities and their peers in inclusive classrooms.

Contents

1. Getting Started With the Project Approach
   • Appendix: Project Approach Implementation Checklist
2. Defining the Role of the Teacher
3. Implementing With Fidelity
4. Supporting the Investigation
5. Representing and Sharing Project Work
6. Sustaining the Project Approach
7. References
8. Appendix A: Completed Project Approach Implementation Checklists
9. Appendix B: Training Activities
10. Index

Getting Started With the Project Approach

Teachers can use the Project Approach to encourage interest and motivation in children through project work that allows for collaborative investigation and exploration based on the children's curiosities.

What Is the Project Approach?

The Project Approach is a way of teaching that harnesses children's natural curiosity. Teachers identify a high-interest topic and guide the children in an in-depth study of the topic, through firsthand investigation and research.

Phases of the Project Approach

• Phase I: Introduce the topic, allowing children to express what they know.
• Phase II: Engage children in activities that satisfy their curiosity (e.g., interviews, field trips).
• Phase III: Provide opportunities for children to reflect on and share what they have learned and experienced.

Importance of Fidelity of Implementation

Fidelity of implementation is critical for the success of the Project Approach in meeting educational goals, particularly for diverse learners. Monitoring and applying the Project Approach Implementation Checklist can enhance educators' effectiveness in the classroom.

Potential of the Project Approach to Support Diverse Learners

The Project Approach serves diverse learners by recognizing their varied interests and abilities, thus addressing the educational needs of all children, including those with special educational needs.

Evidence Base for the Project Approach

Research indicates the Project Approach increases children's engagement and motivation, supports social development, and meets learning standards in areas such as math, language arts, and science.

Conclusion

This guide offers a comprehensive approach to applying the Project Approach in inclusive early childhood classrooms. It provides educators with tools to foster collaborative learning, promote inquiry-based pedagogy, and support diverse learners effectively.