At Crofton Elementary School, learning takes on a hands-on approach in Mrs. Brake’s first-grade classroom. Her young students recently transformed into a “First Grade Construction Crew,” embracing their roles as innovative critical thinkers while exploring shapes through an engaging building project.
Mrs. Brake, the crew’s manager, guided her students through a process that blended math, creativity, and problem-solving. The activity began with students using “blueprints” to construct shapes they had been studying in class. As they built each shape, they discussed its attributes, reinforcing their understanding of geometric concepts. But the learning didn’t stop there—once their foundational shapes were complete, students were given the freedom to let their imaginations run wild, constructing anything they could dream up.
“This week, my students worked as ‘Innovative Critical Thinkers,’” Mrs. Brake shared. “After the students built each shape, we talked about the attributes. Finally, the students were allowed to use their imaginations to build anything they wanted.”
This engaging activity not only helped students solidify their knowledge of shapes but also encouraged problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork. By combining hands-on learning with critical thinking, Crofton Elementary is ensuring that students build more than just structures—they’re building the skills they need for the future.
