kirley Maxim
Girraffes can't dance
Project Summary: Giraffes Can't Dance PBL
Over the past four weeks, our classroom was brought to life through the beloved story Giraffes Can't Dance! We used Gerald the Giraffe's journey as the foundation for an immersive Project-Based Learning (PBL) unit that integrated multiple subjects:
Social & Emotional Learning: We discussed themes of empathy, kindness, and resilience, learning how to support our friends when they find something difficult, just like the animals did for Gerald.
Physical Education (PE): The children explored movement and coordination by trying out different dance styles, discovering that everyone has their own unique way of moving.
Maths: We incorporated counting beats in music, measuring the length of giraffe necks with blocks, and recognizing the shapes we could make with our bodies while dancing.
Art: The classroom became an African savanna with student-made decorations, and the children crafted their own character masks and props for the play.
Drama: We built confidence and sequencing skills by acting out scenes from the story and practicing dialogue.
The Grand Finale! To celebrate our learning, the children performed a short, charming play showing Gerald's journey from a clumsy giraffe to a confident dancer. The unit culminated in a joyful dance performance for parents, where every child showcased their own special moves, proving that when we find our own rhythm, we can all dance!
This project beautifully demonstrated how a single story can inspire a holistic learning experience, fostering academic, social, and creative growth in every child.
