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All grades  Project 4 weeks

Journey Jukebox: Epic Simile Adventures

Christa F
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.4
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.9
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.9
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

Students embark on a four-week journey exploring the timeless themes of quests and epic similes through a hands-on, real-world learning experience. Collaborating with community partners, including family and school staff, students create multi-modal compositions such as soundscapes, performances, and visual collages to express their understanding. This project encourages self-directed learning, fosters an academic mindset, and develops critical thinking skills as students compare and contrast mythological and cultural narratives. Through artful reflection, students deepen their sense of identity and belonging while engaging in meaningful, authentic learning.

Learning goals

Students will explore the concept of a journey through the lens of epic similes and mythology, comparing and contrasting themes and patterns across different cultures. They will engage in self-directed learning by using feedback to refine their understanding and create artful reflections that express their personal insights. Through collaboration with community partners, students will develop critical thinking skills as they create multi-modal compositions, soundscapes, performances, and visual collages that demonstrate their learning. This project will foster an academic mindset by helping students connect with their sense of identity and belonging, while addressing complex questions relevant to their lives and communities.
Standards
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including those that allude to significant characters found in mythology (e.g., Herculean).
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.9 - Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics (e.g., opposition of good and evil) and patterns of events (e.g., the quest) in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures.
  • CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.9 - Compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters in stories.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create a series of artful reflections that capture their understanding of epic journeys and similes through various mediums. Collaborating with family and community partners, students will design visual collages and soundscapes that depict their interpretations of mythological themes. They will also prepare a performance piece that showcases their learning journey, incorporating feedback from kitchen workers and staff to enhance their presentations. This multi-modal exhibition will culminate in a showcase where students present their creations, demonstrating their critical thinking and self-directed learning skills.

Launch

Kick off the learning experience with an "Odyssey Adventure Day" where students embark on a simulated journey around the school. Collaborate with community partners like family members and kitchen staff to create interactive stations representing different mythological lands. At each station, students will encounter challenges and puzzles that introduce epic similes and themes of quests. This immersive launch will set the stage for exploring the deeper meanings and cultural significance of myths over the course of the project.

Exhibition

Students will present their projects through a dynamic exhibition that includes multi-modal compositions, such as visual collages and soundscapes, that reflect their understanding of epic similes and journeys. They will collaborate with community partners, including family members and school staff, to create performances that illustrate the themes and patterns found in myths and traditional literature. The exhibition will culminate in an artful reflection, where students share their personal insights and growth, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.