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Related Resources

Online Resources

• The Project Approach
  This Digest defines projects as in-depth investigations of topics worth learning more about and explains the stages involved in project work.
  http://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/eecearchive/digests/1994/lk-pro94.html
• Issues in Selecting Topics for Projects
  This Digest discusses issues related to choosing topics worthy of the children's time and energy.
  http://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/eecearchive/digests/1998/katzpr98.html
• Project Approach in Early Childhood & Elementary Education
  Theory, structure, and examples of the Project Approach are included on this Web site.
  http://www.projectapproach.org
• The Project Approach
  This Web site from the Clearinghouse on Early Education and Parenting includes links to various resources related to project work.
  http://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/poptopics/project.html

• The Project Approach Catalog
  The first of the project catalogs, this book presents project descriptions from 26 teachers.
  http://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/eecearchive/books/project.html
• The Project Approach Catalog 2
  In addition to project summaries, this catalog includes articles that discuss various aspects of project work.
  http://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/eecearchive/books/projcat2.html
• The Project Approach Catalog 3
  The online version of this catalog includes selected chapters that address a variety of issues of concern to all involved in implementing the Project Approach.
  http://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/eecearchive/books/projcat3.html
• The Project Approach Catalog 4: Literacy and Project Work
  The focus of this project catalog is on the ways that project work can help children move toward literacy. This site contains excerpts from the catalog.
  http://ceep.crc.uiuc.edu/pubs/projcat4.html
• Early Childhood Research & Practice, Volume 2, Number 1 (Special Section on the Project Approach)
  Each issue of this online journal includes a project description.
  http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/v2n1/index.html

Illinois Early Learning Tip Sheets

• The Project Approach for Preschoolers
  http://www.illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/projects-overview.htm
• The Project Approach: Helping Preschoolers Represent What They Learn
  http://www.illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/projects-helping.htm
•  The Project Approach: Including Every Child
  http://www.illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/projects-include.htm
• The Project Approach: Phase 1-Choosing a Topic to Investigate
  http://www.illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/projecttopics.htm
• The Project Approach: Phase 1-Getting Started
  http://www.illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/projects-phase1.htm
• The Project Approach: Phase 2-Getting Ready for Fieldwork
  http://www.illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/projects-phase2-getting.htm
• The Project Approach: Phase 2-Doing Fieldwork
  http://www.illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/projects-phase2-doing.htm
• The Project Approach: Phase 3-Concluding the Project
  http://www.illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/projects-phase3.htm

Material List for Projects at Home*

These materials can be placed in a tub for easy access. Our list of materials can help you figure out what you already have and what you need to get.

*From Teaching Your Child to Love Learning: A Guide to Doing Projects at Home by Helm, Berg, & Scranton (Teachers College Press, 2005).

• What will we write and draw with?
  Markers, Chalk, Crayons, Pens, Pencils
• What will we write and draw on?
  Paper, Chalkboard, Old envelopes, Notecards
• What will we paint with?
  Sponges, Brushes
• What will we use to hold things together?
  Glue, Tape, Tacky glue, Staples, Brads
• What will we cut with?
  Child scissors, Adult scissors
• What will we use to sculpt?
  Clay, Wire, Play dough
• What will use to clean up our mess?
  Paper towels, Sponges, Baby wipes

Additional Resources

• Teaching Your Child to Love Learning: A Guide to Doing Projects at Home
  Author(s): Helm, Judy Harris; Berg, Stacy; Scranton, Pam
  Publication Date: 2004
  Availability: New York: Teachers College Press
• Teaching Parents to Do Projects at Home: A Tool Kit for Parent Educators
  Author(s): Helm, Judy Harris; Berg, Stacy; Scranton, Pam; Wilson, Rebecca
  Publication Date: 2005
  Availability: New York: Teachers College Press

ERIC Database: Selected Records

How to Obtain ERIC Documents and Journal Articles:

References identified with an ED (ERIC document)or EJ (ERIC journal) are cited in the ERIC database. ERIC Documents (citations identified by an ED number) may be available in full text from ERIC at no cost at the ERIC Web site: http://www.eric.ed.gov. Journal articles are available from the original journal, interlibrary loan services, or article reproduction clearinghouses.

If you would like to conduct your own free ERIC database searches via the Internet, go directly to http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/
Home.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=advanced

• ERIC Document No.:  ED481931   
  Project-Based and Experiential Learning in After-School Programming
  Author(s): Seidel, Steven; Aryeh, Laura; Steinberg, Adria
  Publication Date: September 2002
  Availability: Project Zero, Harvard Graduate School of Education, 124 Mount Auburn Street, 5th Floor, Cambridge, MA 02138.
  Abstract: This paper explores the potential role of project-based and experiential learning in transforming the learning opportunities in the after-school setting. 
• ERIC Journal No.:  EJ523471
  Learning through Projects
  Author(s): Borgia, Eileen
  Source: Scholastic Early Childhood Today, v10 n6 p22-29 Mar 1996
  Publication Date: 1996
  Abstract: This article offers guidelines for creating and implementing an age-appropriate project that fits children's needs, interests, and surroundings. 
• ERIC Document No.: ED448856
  Young Investigators: The Project Approach in the Early Years. Early Childhood Education Series
  Author(s): Helm, Judy Harris; Katz, Lilian G.
  Publication Date: 2001
  Availability: Teacher's College Press, P.O. Box 20, Williston, VT 05495-0020.
  Abstract: Key features of the book are an emphasis on how teachers solve the practical problems of doing projects with young children, including selecting topics, encouraging children to represent what they are learning, and involving parents; chapters written from practice and that include a plan of action that enables teachers to take their first steps toward following children's interests; photos of children engaged in projects; and a step-by-step guide for teachers to use in facilitating and documenting projects.