Welcome to Indian Hill Master Class! This school year, we are using this annual series as a celebration to highlight the exceptional people who curate a feeling of HOME for our students, our families, and each other. This month, Interim Assistant Superintendent Whitney Buell shines the spotlight on Indian Hill Primary School teacher Mici Eubanks, who is an expert in bringing project-based learning to our youngest Braves.
Whitney Buell (WB): Mici, as part of the district’s focus on high-yield strategies in our IH Promise strategic plan, we are taking a project-based learning approach to lessons. Tell us what that looks like for our youngest learners in your classroom?
Mici Eubanks (ME): In my classroom, project-based learning with our youngest learners is about fostering a sense of wonder and igniting their natural curiosity. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, I begin by observing and listening to the children, noticing their interests and questions. We use everyday experiences and materials, like natural objects found in the playground, as starting points for investigations. The children become active researchers, experimenting, collaborating, and documenting their discoveries through drawings, photos, and discussions. The environment itself becomes a “third teacher,” carefully arranged to invite exploration and support their learning journey. I find value in the balance of pre-planned lessons and a collaborative process of discovery, where the children are truly at the center of their learning!
WB: How have you seen this style of learning positively impact your students?
ME: The impact of this approach has been remarkable. I've witnessed my students develop a genuine love of learning. They become confident in their ability to ask questions, solve problems, and express their ideas. Their communication and collaboration skills grow in authentic ways as they work together on projects. They learn to persevere through challenges and celebrate each other's successes. Beyond academic skills, they're developing crucial life skills like critical thinking, creativity, and self-direction. Most importantly, they're developing a strong sense of themselves as capable learners and active participants in their own education. They are truly becoming Learners as Doers.
WB: What is your greatest hope for our students as we continue to focus on Learners as Doers, Learners as Individuals, and Learners as the Whole Child?
ME: My greatest hope is that every child discovers the joy of learning and develops a lifelong love of inquiry. I hope they see themselves as capable, curious, and creative individuals, empowered to shape their own learning journeys. I want them to understand that learning is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about developing empathy, understanding different perspectives, and contributing to their community. By focusing on Learners as Doers, Learners as Individuals, and Learners as the Whole Child, I hope we create an environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued, and where they can reach their full potential, not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. I envision them becoming confident, compassionate, and engaged citizens who are prepared to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.
Photo caption: Interim Assistant Superintendent Whitney Buell with Indian Hill Primary School teacher Mici Eubanks