C20 Engaging the community in the learning through building class furniture

As part of our concept learning at school my class designed and built pallet furniture. We focused on the key competency of thinking and the value of excellence. Students used the design process to find a need, research possible solutions, design then build a product.

Throughout the project students were actively engaged with whanau to enlist an adult mentor to help build the project. I encouraged the students to consult with their mentor throughout the process and they were able to get feedback and build a relationship with their mentor prior to the building project.

The relationships were very successful because when the building project took place (over a number of days for some groups) there was excellent team work and communication between students and mentor.

Many of the adults commented that it was the best interaction they had ever had with school in their lives and the students who were related to the mentors absolutely loved the experience. The confidence, thinking and level of excellence in the projects was outstanding. The furniture is still being used on our class this year, the students love it. 

Grandad and student working together. 

Proud Dad and his son's group.

Enjoying learning with a friend's Dad. 

Busy learning on the job, with a shadow of a mentor.