Last week, right after the honoring fair wrapped up, the Herons went down to our Dove bird buddies to help with their initial personal project research. The Herons helped their Dove buddy record questions of wonder and then they read information books together.
Their work had come full circle. The Herons had questioned, learned and taught and now they were teaching younger children how to do the same thing. Back in the day, a giant fifth grader had settled in next to them to read, too.
About eight years ago, personal projects was the focus of a year-long professional development focus. During that work, we aligned what we did at every grade level so that we used similar language and techniques during the research process. At each grade the work deepens in its scope – from answering three "dot" fact questions in kindergarten to the thirty minute honors project presentations. The constant is children pursuing subjects they are passionate about and teaching others what they have learned. Also constant is that the process of learning is a social one, whether you are reading with your bird buddy or studying with your mentor.
The Rookery 
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