Is project-planning a project in and of itself? Does project-based learning (PBL) feel more like a pipe dream than a reality in your classroom? Dr. Jennifer Pieratt, a consultant and former teacher herself, knows just where you’re coming from. Developed from the author’s experience in the trenches of project-based learning over the past decade, this book will lead you through the planning process for an authentic PBL experience in a clear and efficient way. Project-based learning has been found to develop workforce readiness, innovation, and student achievement. In this book, the keys to implementing PBL effectively are explored in a simple, easy-to-use format. In addition to thought-provoking questions for journaling, readers will find a visually accessible style featuring; #realtalk soundbites that honor the challenges to implementing PBL; Tips and resources to support the project-planning process; Planning forms to guide you through planning your projects; Key terminology and acronyms in PBL; Exercises to help you reflect and process throughout your project plans. If mastering a PBL framework is on your list, prepare to cross it off with the help of this book!

Visit the companion website at: resources.corwin.com/keepitrealPBLelementary for downloadable resources.

Introduction -- Chapter 1: The What and Why of PBL : An Overview of Project-Based Learning -- PrBL vs. PBL -- Why PBL? -- What Is HQPBL? -- But They Aren’t Ready? -- Chapter 2: The Role of the Teacher in PBL -- Chapter 3: Project Brainstorming -- Where to Look for Ideas -- Collaborative Brainstorming -- PBL Brainstorming Planning Form -- Chapter 4: Planning PBL for Your Year -- Big Picture and Big Ideas -- Make Content Connections -- Pacing Your Project -- Identify a Real Connection -- Is There Enough Juice for the Squeeze? -- Chapter 5: Planning With the End in Mind -- Enduring Understandings -- Driving Questions -- Final Products -- Voice and Choice -- Culminating Experience -- Chapter 6: Benchmarking Your Project -- What Is Benchmarking? -- Deliverables -- Chapter 7: Assessment -- Best Practices in Assessment Apply to PBL -- How to Build Your Project Rubric -- Planning for Formative Assessment -- Student Engagement in PBL Assessment -- Chapter 8: Planning Daily Learning in PBL -- Create Your Project Calendar -- Managing the Project -- Daily Schedule -- Chapter 9: Launching Your Project -- The Hook -- Knows/Need to Knows -- Project Guidelines -- Project Groups -- Home Communication -- Chapter 10: Next Steps: 1. Prototype Your Project -- 2. Seek Out Collegial Feedback -- 3. Plan for Exhibiting Student Work -- 4. Collect Community Connections -- 5. Scaling and Sustaining HQPBL -- Appendix A: Complete Project Plans -- Grade 1 -- Grade 5 -- Appendix B: Blank Project Planning Forms -- References -- Index.