First Grade Project Spotlight: Houses and Homes Unit

Submitted By: The First Grade Team

This January, our first graders launched into an exciting Project-Based Learning unit called Houses and Homes. This engaging, hands-on unit was designed to help students explore how homes are built around the world, asking essential questions like: What is shelter? How are houses built? Who builds houses?

We kicked off the project by learning about the continents and oceans. This year, we added a new twist by using the Epic! online reading program to research the continents. Students also took part in a special home project, where each child was assigned a construction-related job. With help from their families, they researched and shared what they learned about their role in building a home.

As a first-grade team, we dove into architectural details, discussing the parts of a house and the many steps involved in building one. Students then teamed up to build model homes inspired by the six inhabitable continents. Unlike in previous years, we chose a mix of modern and traditional homes from each continent, giving students a broader and richer understanding of global architecture.

One of the most meaningful additions this year was a collaboration with our Kindergarten team using persona dolls. For the continent of Asia, we introduced Aarav, a doll who uses a wheelchair. The team representing Asia thoughtfully designed a home that included features to support Aarav’s needs, such as a wheelchair ramp and a merry-go-round—an incredible demonstration of empathy, inclusion, and creativity.

Throughout the unit, students used recyclable materials—toilet paper rolls, cardboard boxes, fabric, cotton balls, and paint—to build stunning models of homes from India, South Africa, Europe, Australia, South America, and New Mexico. The results were colorful, realistic, and packed with personality!

To deepen their understanding, we invited several parents to share their expertise. We were thrilled to welcome architects, contractors, interior designers, and even parents who were in the midst of building or remodeling their own homes. These real-world connections made the experience even more enriching and meaningful.

Next came Building Week! Students formed six unique construction companies, complete with creative names, and began designing their group homes. They practiced important teamwork skills by focusing on the 4 C’s: Collaboration, Communication, Compromise, and Cooperation. These words became the foundation of their success and fostered a positive, supportive classroom community.

Our classrooms were buzzing with energy all week long! Parents and teachers helped with hot glue guns and cutting tools, while students worked diligently to bring their designs to life. The excitement was contagious.

To celebrate their hard work, students presented their research during a special school assembly. They shared facts about the countries their homes represented—talking about climate, language, economy, population, and fun cultural facts. This was a wonderful opportunity to practice public speaking and showcase their learning to the entire Lower School and their families.

The Houses and Homes unit is truly a collaborative effort. We are so grateful to the families who supported the students throughout this journey, especially during Building Week. The final projects are imaginative, thoughtful, and filled with pride.

Our first graders took on their roles with enthusiasm and heart. They lived by the 4 C’s and showed what amazing things can happen when we work together. Houses and Homes is not only an academic unit—it’s an experience that our students will carry with them for years to come!