Project-Based Learning

McGraw-Hill Releases Free Intro Kit to Project-Based Literacy

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 01/28/16

McGraw-Hill Education is offering a free 15-day lesson plan to introduce teachers and students to project-based learning specifically in the area of literacy. Intended for grades 3-12, the SRA FLEX Literacy Project Jumpstart is a kit that includes resources for either elementary or secondary classrooms, an assessment guide and other resources, such as a digital presentation sample. The announcement came during this week's National Title I Conference, being held in Houston.

The "Project Experience," as it's called, is a part of the company's broader SRA FLEX Literacy program, a computer-based and teacher-led system for helping struggling readers. The project component uses online presentations, "foldables," small team collaboration and other mechanisms to engage students in literacy activities. It also promotes the application of literacy skills to science, social studies and health projects to help students make cross-curricular connections.

"Project-based learning is one of the most effective methods for instilling complex skills in students, and — since virtually no skill is as complex or as crucial as literacy — it's vital that we make project-based lessons available to as many classrooms as possible," said Christine Willig, president of the company's K-12 group, in a press release. "The FLEX Literacy Project Experience's reading, writing and group activities help guide a far more meaningful learning experience by fostering higher-order thinking skills that are invaluable in the classroom and beyond."

The Project Experience content is aligned with Common Core and state standards, according to the company.

The kit is available through registration on the McGraw-Hill Education site.