Project Based Learning during the summer can be rewarding and engaging. However, with most schools out for summer break and many businesses at their peak times, it can also be a challenge. Whether you are a year-round school, using PBL in summer school, or a homeschool family looking to use Project Based Learning during your summer; PBL in the summer is a fantastic tool to continue learning in a meaningful and authentic way. Here are 5 reasons why Project Based Learning in the summer is definitely a great idea for your next summer school, summer classes, or after-school program!
1. Seasonal PBL Units are very engaging
Project Based Learning units are known for their student engagement. In fact, research has shown that PBL is a highly effective form of maintaining student engagement in content learning. Thematic units around the seasons, have always been a part of elementary education. From Holiday’s Around the World in December to Butterfly Life Cycles in the spring, thematic units have been shown by research to also engage students in their learning.
But, thematic units and Project Based Learning units are very different. However, Seasonal PBL units combine the real-world authenticity and application of Project Based Learning with the engaging idea of study based on season or holidays. These two ideas combined create Seasonal PBL which is a perfect way to engage students.
2. The community is often more active in the summer
When planning community partners for a PBL unit, sometimes it can be daunting to get responses or for people to engage with the students. During the summer, the community as a whole is more productive, active, and eager to collaborate with people. Whether you are reaching out for a mentor to guide your students or an entry event to kick-off your PBL unit, community partners will be out in the community more during the summer and able to fill more of those community partner roles.
In addition, because these community partners are more active in the summer, needs and problems are higher. Community partners are seeking collaborators to help them solve real issues in the community. Who better to help the local farmer’s market advertise their special events than your students? Of course, we can help you organize a lawncare clean-up day for your therapy-based horse-riding program! These are issues and problems your community partners face because of the season of summer and can only be tackled during the summer.
3. Active topics lead to increased engagement
Summer is a season for movement, outdoor activity, and general excitement to be outside. According to research, movement, activity, and exercise helps students to focus and retain content knowledge more than traditional seatwork approaches. It stands to reason that a PBL unit grounded in physical movement and activity like gardening, walking, hiking, cleaning up litter, etc. would help students to retain content knowledge both because they are units using the unique PBL approach and also because they integrate physical movement and activity.
Summer PBL Unit Ideas That Incorporate Movement
- Organize a Community Clean-up Day
- Plant a Garden with a Purpose
- Host a Community Walk-A-Thon
- Plan a Race or 5K
- Build Awareness for Sun safety
4. There are unique topics only able to be covered during summer.
Many of the topics that can be used for a PBL unit in the summer are only effective if implemented in the summer. For example, gardening is a fantastic way to cover standards and integrate many life skills. However, it is definitely a seasonal PBL unit that can only be done during spring and summer. This is only one example of seasonal PBL units that can only be done during summer. Do you have a Summer PBL unit idea you want to share? Join my free Elementary Project Based Learning Facebook group to share your PBL unit ideas and get feedback from Project Based Learning facilitators from around the globe.
5. Fewer classes engaged in community outreach, means more resources for your PBL students.
This one is pretty self-explanatory, but Project Based Learning requires a lot of involvement from the community. Community partners, field trips, and businesses all work with facilitators of PBL to create meaningful and impactful units. When implementing a summer PBL unit, these resources are more available because fewer classes are in session and fewer teachers are reaching out for assistance. Field trips are easier to plan because fewer schools are visiting and community partners are more available (if they aren’t on vacation) because they are not working with other schools.
Project Based Learning in the summer is a fantastic way to continue learning with squirrely students who just want to spend time outside. This learning is engaging, impactful, and allows students to create meaningful relationships in their communities, all while learning content knowledge in a deep and authentic way. Summer PBL is definitely a great idea for your next summer school, summer classes, or after-school program!
Ready to plan your Project Based Learning unit? Check out my PBL unit planner, capable of being used over and over again with each new unit idea you plan.
