Category: Project Work

Once Upon a Time in Kindergarten

Kindergarten students at Saklan have been immersed in a magical world of storytelling as their Project work has focused on fairy tale writing. The classroom has been filled with excitement as students bring imaginative characters and adventures to life. Dragons, evil magicians, brave princesses, talking animals, and mysterious villains have all found their way into their original stories.

While the final stories are full of creativity and humor, students are also learning an important lesson about the writing process: strong writing begins long before the final draft. Weeks earlier, students engaged in a carefully scaffolded planning process designed to build an understanding of story structure and organization.

Using a color-coded system, students mapped out their ideas across six parts of a narrative: introducing the main character, beginning the adventure, presenting the problem and villain, building to the “uh oh” moment, resolving the conflict, and concluding with a happily ever after. By focusing on just a few sections at a time, students were able to thoughtfully develop their stories and gain confidence in structuring their ideas.

Once their plans were complete, students eagerly began the writing process. Over the following weeks, the classroom buzzed with focused energy as young authors transformed their plans into full fairy tales. To support their work, students used a growing class word bank, along with table-specific word lists, to help with spelling and vocabulary. They also leaned on one another, asking questions, offering suggestions, and celebrating each other’s ideas along the way.

This collaborative and supportive environment helped students not only strengthen their writing skills but also develop confidence and independence. The process was both challenging and rewarding, resulting in stories that are as unique as the students themselves.

You are invited to experience these original fairy tales firsthand during the Kindergarten culmination on Friday, May 15, at 9:00 a.m. It promises to be a joyful celebration of creativity, growth, and storytelling!

#SaklanProjectWork

From Brain Science to Real-Life Application

What does it look like when students take what they know about the brain and use it to help others? That question came to life as our fifth graders stepped into the heart of their project work.

Building on their recent brain science studies, students are now applying their understanding of how the brain interprets, reacts, and sometimes gets it wrong to design tools that help people better understand and manage emotions and relationships. Working in three teams, they are focused on self-awareness (naming feelings), self-regulation (calming tools), and connection (conflict resolution, active listening, and problem-solving). Each team is designing visual teaching tools and co-creating stories that show characters using the strategies, and younger students will soon get to help shape key elements.

Last week, teams presented their prototypes and story drafts to guest experts who support children every day. Riva and Emily joined the self-regulation team, bringing calming tools for students to test. Annette and Coach Rob shared their Peace Talks training and Conflict Corner guidelines with the connection team, and Peta supported the self-awareness team in refining their tools using Zones of Regulation strategies. 

Students listened carefully, asked thoughtful questions, and immediately began refining their work.

One fifth grader captured the spirit of the project perfectly:

“We have a voice in project work. We made a real impact on the Redwood Grove earlier this year, and now we’re doing something that can help people understand their emotions and relationships. I like knowing our work matters.”

Families are invited to see this important work in action at CLAS on May 15, when fifth graders will present their projects and share the impact of their learning.

#SaklanProjectWork

Cross-Divisional Project Collaboration

Beyond reading buddies, Saklan projects are intentionally designed for meaningful student collaboration that authentically supports academic growth. This spring, middle school is using their music production skills for kindergarten’s fairy tale recordings, 6th grade helped 1st graders organize their expository writing, and 4th graders helped our Pre-K Hoot Owls refine their Venn diagram skills! 

Kindergarten and Middle School Music Production

How can we write and share our own fairy tales to spread magic and joy? Through answering this driving question, Kindergarten students have learned the elements of fairy tales and deepened their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to write and record their own original fairy tale stories. 

In preparation for their readers-theater style culmination on May 15th, students recorded their stories, and middle school students are creating original backing tracks to support the narrative elements of the fairy tale. Sound mixing the Kindergarten stories gives our middle schoolers an authentic application of their digital music production skills.

6th Grade and 1st Grade Expository Writing

All year 6th graders have worked on expository writing in Humanities. Recently, while preparing to write artifact labels for their PBL unit culmination, the Museum of the Future, sixth graders reviewed structure and organization in expository writing. To practice this work, sixth graders analyzed 1st grade report writing drafts on extreme weather. They completed individual writing conferences to support improving the structure and organization of the first-grade reports. Not only did the first graders get to work with the big kids in a middle school classroom, but the sixth graders had the opportunity to grapple with the deeper cognitive task of teaching and explaining elements of writing to a younger child. This work improved the content of the first-grade reports and solidified the sixth grader’s understanding of writing structures and organization, while building community across divisions.

Hoot Owl and 4th Grade Venn Diagrams

Venn diagrams are a useful tool for many grade levels to demonstrate understanding of academic content. This spring, our Pre-K class has been learning all about oceans while their 4th-grade reading buddies have been working on a PBL unit about the California Gold Rush. Both classes planned to use Venn diagrams as a learning tool, and teachers needed an opportunity for some one-on-one teaching and practice. It was natural for these classes to connect and engage in some cross-divisional content learning! 

With fourth graders guiding the learning, the buddies made Venn diagrams all about each other! They chatted and recorded what they had in common and what was different about each other. As they got to know each other better by completing the diagram, both classes also deepened their understanding of how to use a Venn diagram. When each class returned to their own project work, they employed the same learning tool at different developmental levels with different content.  

If you want to see final products and culminating events, stay tuned for the next week at Saklan emails for updates on ways to come see and celebrate our students’ spring project work!

#SaklanProjectWork

Preschool Rolls into Learning

As part of their Transportation Project, the Owlets enjoyed a special “Wheels Day,” focused on the types of transportation they can use themselves.

The sports court came alive with movement as students and staff propelled the wheels of roller skates, scooters, bikes, and skateboards. With teachers guiding and encouraging them, the Owlets practiced riding with awareness and care, demonstrating strong safety habits and teamwork as they looked out for one another.

Driven by student curiosity, the experience naturally led to a deeper exploration of safety gear. When the preschoolers noticed that one classmate was wearing more than just a helmet, they became eager to learn more. Together, they examined wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads, discussing how each piece protects different parts of the body.

Building on this interest, students used Model Magic to design and create their own safety gear. As they worked, they paid close attention to details like shape, straps, and padding. Through this hands-on activity, they discovered an important concept: protective gear is designed with a hard outer layer for safety and a soft inner layer for comfort.

Through play, observation, and creativity, the Owlets are not only learning about transportation—they are developing an understanding of safety, design, and how thoughtful choices help keep us protected.

#SaklanProjectWork #SaklanCuriosity

Safe at Home

First graders at Saklan are deepening their understanding of homes and safety through meaningful, real-world connections as part of their Homes Project Based Learning unit.

One area of interest for the students has been wildfires: how they start, how they impact homes, and what people can do to stay safe. To bring this learning to life, students welcomed guest expert (and Saklan parent) Firefighter Mason, who shared valuable safety tips and prevention strategies. He explained how firefighters work to protect the community and what families can do to reduce risk at home. This visit helped students better understand the critical role firefighters play and made the learning both relevant and memorable.

A highlight of the visit was Mason’s demonstration of his firefighter gear. Students watched with awe as he suited up, describing each piece, from his heavy boots to his helmet and fire-resistant clothing. They were especially surprised to learn how much the gear weighs and how it helps keep firefighters safe while they do their important work.

The learning continued with another special guest, Saklan’s Science Teacher, Ms. O. As part of the unit, students explored how to protect themselves and their homes during extreme weather conditions. Before her visit, students generated thoughtful questions, which Ms. O answered in engaging and accessible ways.

Through videos and images, students were introduced to a range of natural events, including tornadoes, earthquakes, strong winds, and hurricanes. These visuals helped bring complex concepts to life and sparked meaningful discussions about how such events can affect homes and communities.

Ms. O also guided students in thinking about how to prepare for different weather conditions, whether staying cool during extreme heat, keeping warm in cold temperatures, or making safe choices during emergencies. These lessons helped students see how science connects directly to their everyday lives.

Through these expert visits, first graders are not only learning about homes, but they are also developing the knowledge and awareness needed to stay safe and care for their communities.

#SaklanProjectWork

Designing Dreams

Third graders at Saklan are stepping into the role of architects with a new Project Based Learning unit that asks a compelling question: What if you could design a home that fits someone’s life perfectly—every inch intentional, every detail meaningful?

The unit began with imagination at the forefront. Inspired by If I Built a House by Chris Van Dusen, students sketched their own dream tiny homes. Their ideas ranged from whimsical treehouse escapes to cleverly designed underground hideaways, each reflecting a unique blend of creativity and personal vision. As their designs took shape, students began to think more deeply about the purpose behind their choices.

From there, the learning shifted toward real-world application. Students explored why people choose to live in tiny homes and considered the challenges of designing within a limited space. They examined how architects must carefully balance wants and needs, making thoughtful decisions about how every inch is used.

This work is closely tied to their current math studies. By applying concepts of area and perimeter, students are discovering how mathematical thinking plays a critical role in planning functional spaces. Measuring, calculating, and adjusting their designs has helped them see math as a practical and powerful tool for problem-solving.

A highlight of the unit was a visit from guest expert Chris Avant of Canyon Design Build. Students had the opportunity to explore real blueprints and materials, including wood samples, glass, and color palettes. This hands-on experience brought an added layer of authenticity to their work and deepened their understanding of the design process.

Now working in collaborative teams, students are taking on the role of architects in earnest. They are developing thoughtful questions, interviewing “clients,” and learning to listen carefully to design homes that truly meet others’ needs. This phase of the project is strengthening their communication skills and fostering purposeful collaboration.

As the unit progresses, students are transforming their ideas into tangible creations through detailed blueprints and physical models. With each step, their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills continue to grow—demonstrating the power of learning that is both meaningful and deeply engaging.

The Brain, Perception, and Human Connection

Fifth graders at Saklan are investigating a powerful question: What if everything we see, feel, and react to isn’t exactly what it seems?

Their study began with an exploration of the brain as both remarkably capable and inherently imperfect. Through hands-on learning, students mapped the different lobes of the brain onto eggs, creating a tangible model to better understand how the brain functions, and what happens when it doesn’t.

From there, students moved into a full engineering cycle, planning, designing, and testing “crash helmets” to protect their egg “brains.” Using materials like balloons, cotton balls, bubble wrap, and pompoms, they built creative prototypes with focus and purpose. The classroom quickly transformed into a hub of innovation and collaboration.

The excitement peaked during crash testing. When one “patient,” affectionately named Eggie, sustained a fracture through the temporal lobe and prefrontal cortex, students immediately shifted into diagnosis mode. Drawing on their growing understanding of brain function, they predicted how such injuries might impact memory, impulse control, and decision-making. In that moment, science became immediate and real.

Students were especially captivated by how the brain interprets, and sometimes misinterprets, what we see. When examining the viral image known as The Dress, the class was split, with about 20% seeing white and 80% seeing blue. In another activity featuring color illusions, students debated what they saw with complete confidence, only to discover that others perceived the same image entirely differently.

These moments sparked both curiosity and reflection. Students began to grapple with an important realization: our brains construct our experience of the world, and those constructions can vary from person to person. If it’s possible to feel completely certain and still be mistaken, or simply see things differently, what does that mean for how we navigate disagreements and treat one another?

This question lies at the heart of the project.

Earlier this year, fifth graders worked to restore the Redwood Grove, using physical tools to care for a shared environment. Now, they are beginning to design a different kind of toolkit: one that helps people pause, understand what is happening in their brains, and respond with greater awareness. Like redwoods, strong communities are built through connection, not just proximity.

The Secret Life of Seeds

One main goal of our project work at Saklan is authentic learning that connects to the students’ world outside of the school walls. One beautiful example of how deep academic work and authentic learning come together is the current 2nd-grade PBL unit called The Secret Life of Seeds. In this unit, the students are working to answer the driving question: If a seed could tell its own story, how could we use it to teach others about seed dispersal?

Through a blend of science labs, expository reading, imaginative story boarding and script writing, Saklan’s 2nd graders are learning how seeds travel and move through their growth cycle. They visited the Berkeley Botanical Garden, dissected foods to learn how fruit is a “suitcase” for seeds, and playfully considered how seeds move from place to place- some seeds hitch a ride on fur, feathers, or even shoes, while others are eaten and later deposited in new locations. 

These hands-on experiences, which are at the core of every Saklan PBL unit, help students see the world around them in new and complex ways while also driving authentic inquiry. Recently, students have wondered: Why do some fruits have many seeds while others only have one? Why are some seeds tiny and others large? How does the fruit help the seed survive its journey?

Next, students will be taking all their science learning to create stories of their own about different types of seeds and the journeys they take to grow. This work reflects the heart of Saklan’s approach—where academic content and creativity come together, and where students’ voices and ideas shine.

In the coming weeks, all three divisions will be sharing their project work culminations. Families are warmly invited to join in celebrating student learning and to experience firsthand what makes Saklan’s project work so meaningful.

#SaklanProjectWork

Hoot Owls Dive into Ocean Exploration with Help from Friends

The Hoot Owls are making waves with their current Project Work, taking a deep dive into the fascinating world of the ocean.

During a recent session in the Science Lab with Ms. O, the Pre-K students explored the anatomy of a squid through a hands-on dissection. They examined key features including the ink sac, eyes, throat, beak, and pen—the structure that helps the squid maintain its shape. Students even determined whether their squid was male or female. In a particularly memorable moment, some students used the squid’s pen and ink sac to write, bringing their learning to life in an unforgettable way.

Back in the classroom, one Hoot Owl stepped into the role of expert, leading a mini-lesson on sharks. Complete with detailed drawings of a frill shark and a mako shark, the student shared fascinating facts with classmates—such as the existence of over 500 shark species, the size range from the massive whale shark (up to 40 feet) to the tiny dwarf lantern shark (about 8 inches), and insights into how sharks hunt and what they eat. The presentation sparked curiosity and led to an enthusiastic Q&A session filled with thoughtful questions.

Collaboration has also been a key part of this project. The Hoot Owls partnered with their fourth-grade buddies to research sharks and squid. Each student selected a topic and worked alongside their buddy to gather interesting facts. Together, they created detailed posters featuring their findings and illustrations.

These impressive posters are now displayed around campus, showcasing the students’ hard work, curiosity, and growing expertise. Through hands-on exploration, peer collaboration, and student-led learning, the Hoot Owls are truly diving deep into discovery.

#SaklanProjectWork

Preschool Dreams Come True!

The Owlets are on the learning highway! As part of their Things That Go! project, these preschoolers have been exploring vehicles that travel on land—and recently, one of their favorite helper vehicles made a very exciting visit: a garbage truck.

It’s safe to say the garbage truck always captures their attention. No matter what is happening in the classroom, the moment one Owlet hears it pull into Saklan’s parking lot, all eyes turn to the window. This time, the excitement continued as the driver stepped out and spent about 30 minutes talking with the students and showing them the truck up close.

The Owlets were fascinated and incredibly observant. They noticed a variety of features, including a fire extinguisher (in case garbage catches fire), a ladder, and even a wooden stick used to move stuck items. They were especially excited to see the garbage grabber—just like the ones they use on the ECE yard! Students also spotted a toolbox, a whiteboard, and discovered that the engine is located in the front of the truck, unlike their school bus.

Experiences like this bring learning to life, allowing students to connect their curiosity with real-world observations. For the Owlets, this visit was not only memorable but also a meaningful step in their journey of exploration and discovery.

#SaklanProjectWork