1st Grade  Project 1 week

"Vowel Voyage: Short Sound Safari!"

Talila K
RF.1.2
RF.1.3
MU:Cn11.1.1
Productive Collaborator
Critical Thinker
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage first-grade students in an interactive learning experience that reinforces their understanding of short vowel sounds through a creative, hands-on treasure hunt. By integrating phonics with music and cultural exploration, students will develop critical thinking and collaboration skills as they identify and present objects representing vowel sounds. This project aims to build students' confidence in decoding words while fostering a sense of community through shared learning and reflection.

Learning goals

The learning goals for this project are to enhance students' ability to recognize and articulate short vowel sounds through interactive and collaborative activities. Students will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing everyday objects and associating them with corresponding vowel sounds. They will also practice productive collaboration by engaging in group discussions and providing feedback during the 'Vowel Sound Show-and-Tell' and 'Vowel Sound Fair' events. Additionally, students will cultivate self-reflection and personal growth by maintaining a daily reflection journal, documenting their learning journey and discoveries.
Standards
  • [Kentucky] RF.1.2 - Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables and sounds (phonemes).
  • [Kentucky] RF.1.3 - Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
  • [Kentucky] MU:Cn11.1.1 - With limited guidance, discuss and demonstrate the sounds in a piece of music from various cultures.
Competencies
  • Productive Collaborator - Engages with others to achieve a common goal through building positive relationships, actively listening, showing empathy, and making individual contributions to a larger group.
  • Critical Thinker - Thinks deeply and makes informed decisions to create solutions or new understanding supported by relevant and reliable evidence.
  • Empowered Learner - Demonstrates mastery and application of academic competencies. Develops the skills and dispositions to persist through difficulties and plan for a future of self-improvement.

Products

Students will create a "Vowel Sound Treasure Map" that visually represents their scavenger hunt findings, showcasing objects associated with each short vowel sound. They will also compile a "Vowel Sound Reflection Journal" filled with daily entries, illustrations, and personal insights about their learning journey. By the end of the week, students will prepare a presentation for the "Vowel Sound Show-and-Tell" event, where they will share their favorite object and its corresponding vowel sound with peers and parents.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Vowel Sound Adventure' where students embark on a scavenger hunt around the classroom or school. They will search for and collect objects that represent each short vowel sound. Students will record their findings in their reflection journals, capturing both the objects and the sounds they associate with them. This interactive and engaging launch sets the stage for a week of exploration and discovery.

Exhibition

Invite parents and peers to a 'Vowel Sound Show-and-Tell' event where students present objects they found during the treasure hunt that represent short vowel sounds. Each student will share their reflections on the learning process and explain how their objects connect to specific vowel sounds. Encourage dialogue and feedback from the audience to enhance understanding and celebrate students' achievements.