How is a day of Adventure Learning organised?

Here is how I have organised Adventure Learning in my classroom over the past two years. I'm still yet to introduce sparkler sessions this term, but they're in the pipeline. Currently we are only running one sharing circle. My goal is for two to be running by the end of the term. At the moment the children are still learning what happens during this time so I feel that for now it's important that we all work on this together. We are really just starting to dive into our individual projects now. Video reflections are something else that are yet to be introduced also. Watch this space :)

Sparkler session (5-10 minutes)

A sparkler session is when a child shares a new skill or something exciting they have discovered that they feel might be helpful to others e.g. how to use Google Earth, an ipod or ipad app, an exciting website, something on ActivInspire, how to do something on the digital cameras or class blog.

Sharing circle (10 minutes)

Each group shares where they are up to and what their goal for this session is. I try to run two sharing circles and have a child lead these.

Exploring and Creating Time

 (An hour and a half on Friday)

This is when children work on their individual or group projects. During this time they can book a conference time on the whiteboard (if needed). 

Reflection time (10 minutes)

Each group briefly reflects on what went well and what their next steps are. 

Tracking Learning and Conference Times

I'm constantly looking for ways to improve how I track children's learning during Adventure Learning. Currently I track the children using a Google Doc. The document consists of a table with the following headings: date, what we have achieved over the past week and where to next? The Google Doc is added to during the sharing circle time at the start of Adventure Learning, during conference times or whenever a group feels the need to add to it. All children have access to this via the Google Account. It is also displayed on the interactive whiteboard during Adventure Learning.

Conferences are initiated by the children and are student-led. Children book themselves in for a conference time with me by writing their name beside a time on the whiteboard. The children shared that they found this system useful as they could book a conference time when they needed and as often as they wanted. The purpose of the conference times is for children to share their learning journey so far, as well as any problems or questions they need support with. They also identify their next steps. I don’t provide children with the answers they’re looking for, but aim to challenge their thinking and enable them to self-discover. I keep track of who I see throughout the week so that if there are any groups I haven’t seen by the end of the fortnight I can touch base with them. 


Here is a link to an example of how I track individual projects. 

http://goo.gl/fjYv8

My Interview with Caitlin

Last term I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to visited the Gifted Kids Programme in Dargaville. I have taught Caitlin for the past two years. She has now moved on to intermediate. While I was visiting I asked her a few questions about Adventure Learning and Google 20% Time. Here is what she had to say. 

What is Adventure Learning?

Adventure Learning is a time where you can learn about whatever you like and create a product to share. Adventure Learning is a time to learn about something you have always wanted to learn about.

What do you personally get out of participating in Adventure Learning?

Adventure Learning helps to develop your talents and passions. It is not just a small project; it can develop into lifelong learning.

Do you think it is important for children to have an opportunity to participate in this type of learning in the classroom? Why or why not?

I do think that it is very important. It gives you new opportunities to focus on different and new learning.

What’s your favourite project that you’ve done and why?

My favourite project is the one I am doing now which is architecture. I like it the most because it challenges me and extends my learning.

What do you think good learners do?

They use the habits of mind and the habits of a scholar. They show creativity, but they also show logic.

What do you do when you are stuck with your learning?

I go back to how I became stuck and try to do it differently. You can apply your past knowledge to your new knowledge or ask someone who knows about it too.

How do you like to share your learning?

I like to show my work, rather than speak about it. I’ve done an information board, a book, models and made a board game that has information about coral reefs. 

Here is a poem that Caitlin wrote about passions and talents while I was visiting. 

'A person's a person no matter how small' ~ Dr Seuss

Caitlin's favourite quote 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas with me Caitlin. All the best for your new adventure. 

What is Google 20% Time?

What is Adventure Learning (Google 20% Time)? 

Adventure Learning is based on the concept of Google’s 20% time, where employees are given 20% of their working week to work on projects that they’re passionate about. 50% of Google’s innovative ideas have come out of their 20% time, including Gmail.

Over the past three years I have given the children in my classroom 20% of their school week to learn about something that they’re passionate about. Projects have ranged from dancing, to learning about Ancient Rome or community based projects e.g. fundraising for the local S.P.C.A. Adventure Learning increases student engagement, enables learning to be personalised and sparks curiosity. Most importantly, it helps children to develop a love for learning.

Here is a YouTube clip about how Google thinks their 20% Time fosters innovation.