March 08, 2021
Welcome to a revolutionary way of thinking about Project Heart for the middle grades Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)! We are excited to share ideas for an extra-curricular setting, suitable for 3rd-7th grade learners. We collaborated with one of our incredible partner schools, Shepardson Elementary, to test out new ideas and ways Project Heart can be implemented with PBL and SEL as the main drivers.
Working with students in Shepardson's afterschool leadership club and with the help of some fabulous Otter Products volunteers, we developed an easy to implement and impactful process that focuses on student-led learning around service learning (aka philanthropy). The results were amazing! Check out the video!
Educators, club leaders or parent volunteers can tailor the Project Heart experience to meet specific needs observed within their group(s). Whether you are…
Someone who already loves Bitmoji classrooms and looking for something deeper…
Wanting to provide opportunities for student voice and choice in a service learning project...
Someone looking to weave philanthropy into what you’re already teaching...
Seeking more pathways for developing relationships and social emotional connections among and with students…
Looking for a powerful way to teach what philanthropy looks like at a person level...
Looking for a way to engage those kiddos who don’t love “school”...
Implementing an extra-curricular engagement before-school, after-school or outside of school…
Wanting to meaningfully engage your learners in deeper level, needs-based thinking for life...
Project Heart is your answer!
Learners will…
Know how to define philanthropy as it relates to their personal passions, time, talent and treasure.
Incorporate philanthropic thinking into their daily lives.
Begin to understand that nonprofit organizations meet needs within communities.
“See it to be it” when they engage with real life philanthropists.
Work with a collaborative group to execute a plan that meets needs for others by following the design thinking process.
Set SMART goals to achieve positive impact.
Gain confidence pitching their ideas to garner financial support.
Document and celebrate successes, as well as learn from failures.
The Project Heart program is designed to be flexible in meeting the needs of the educators, club leaders and parents who utilize it in their respective spaces. From start to finish, this version of the program can be introduced and implemented in 8-10 weeks, including 5-6 weeks for new learning, and up to 4 weeks for implementation of the service project. Depending on the size and scope of the project, the time required to complete may vary. With lessons averaging 30-45 minutes, Project Heart can fit easily into your weekly schedule!
You can get access to all of the Project Heart programming and resources by clicking here and start inspiring your students to be change-makers today!