Hi, I’m Kelly Yang, and I am in 5th grade. I have been at Bullis Charter School (BCS) since Kindergarten and I have enjoyed my experience here.This school has helped me to learn a lot, develop important skills and become a more well-rounded person. My favorite part of classwork is when we get to participate in things called PBLs, which stand for “Project Based Learning”.
Each year, we get to do several PBLs which help us to learn and remember better. For example, last year, I designed a habitat for a lemming and a vole. We used design thinking and were able to use the laser cutter and materials from the maker space to create our animal habitats.
PBLs are very special because they cross over learning into several different subjects. For example, in 4th grade we had a Mission PBL. Students decided whether to design a Presidio, a Pueblo or a Mission . We used Lego Digital Design, a cool computer program to create the initial design. We used math skills that we were learning to figure out how large or small our buildings should be, and also used art techniques to figure out colors and the final design. However, the entire project was part of our Mission Unit in Social Studies.
PBLs are usually done in groups with other students so you need to have good teamwork and patience. I really enjoy PBLs because they are social, and I enjoy sharing ideas and collaborating with others. PBLs help me to think creatively and have an easier time remembering information.
Another cool thing that we get to have at BCS are things called FLGs or “Focused Learning Goals”. Students and teachers work together to create unique goals for each student.
I think FLGs are important because we are not just going through the year, hoping for the best. We are actually striving for concrete and measurable accomplishments. We have a defined FLG for every subject including math, writing, reading, content and personal goals.
This year, my FLGs include practicing to become a faster sprinter (my content goal), writing a chapter book (my personal goal), or making less than 10% careless errors in math (my math goal). Every month, my parents, teachers and I look over my FLGs to help me make sure I am on track with my goals. This year, we are using an application called Fresh Grade to help track our goals. We use ipods to take videos or pictures and post it on Fresh Grade. We are also able to add comments to keep track of our progress.
Some years, I have achieved all my FLGs and other years, I have not. But that’s OK! Part of the experience here is to help me understand how to achieve goals and avoid mistakes, and learn when things don’t go according to plan.
I think BCS is a great, the learning here excites me. Since my first day here, I have loved coming to this school every single day. Thank you!
