Learning Through Exploration

Throughout in the school year, I like to give students chances to learn beyond the four walls of the classroom. Early on, one of my favorite ways to do this is by turning them into “experts” on their own school building.

This week, for example, students started class by studying building maps. They drew routes to different resources around the school, then teamed up to practice their English by writing out step-by-step directions to those spots. After that, they got to put their directions to the test—walking the routes, talking through them, and even creating a second set of directions to a new location.

It’s a simple activity, but one that’s engaging and collaborative. The maps, conversation, and exploration help students build both confidence with language and comfort in their surroundings.

Later on, this activity will grow into a larger project. Students will each choose one school resource to research in greater depth in order to create a student-friendly guidebook that explains what the location has to offer. Their written directions will be just one small part of the final product—alongside a Q&A with the resource expert, plus the key facts and supporting details they uncover along the way.

This project not only strengthens their language skills, but also helps them see the school as a place full of people, spaces, and opportunities ready to support them.

Kelly Virgin is a WCWP teacher leader who teaches high school English for the Kennett Consolidated School District.