I attended the Authentic Education workshop with Lizzy Charnas. At first we had decided to do two different units. On a break, we discussed our upcoming 4th grade class and how we wanted to shift the mindset of the 4th graders so that they are not only the leaders of the Lower Scbhool, but also the Leaders of their Learning. By the morning of Day 2 both of us were collaborating on creating a UbD S.E.L. unit for 4th grade with this transfer goal: Students will independently use their learning to be advocates for their own learning styles and needs. As wer went through the UbD Template process with Mike and Alice, we created our enduring understanding, essential question, as well as knowledge and skills. We were able to start the Learning Plan, as well. It was a very productive 2 days. Having returned to school for the 2023-24 school year, we have already met with the rest of the 4th grade team (Simone, Devon, and Heidi), as well as with the LS Learning Specialist, Julie. We are revising this unit as we implement it. It's not a perfect processs, but the summer work put us in an advantageous space to try something new right at the beginning of the year. The hope is that
our 4th graders transition to Upper School with confidence in who they are and what they need to be their best learners.