Pre-K Pioneers: Launching PBL with Our Youngest Learners

In this inspiring episode of NTN Unpacked, our very own School Development Coach Val Grijalva sits down with Ashley Perales and Henley Price, two pre-K teachers from Gale Pond Alamo Elementary School in Odessa, Texas, who boldly embraced project-based learning (PBL) for the first time this year. As the first educators in their district to implement PBL at the pre-K level, Ashley and Henley share a candid and uplifting look into what it took connect learning to real-world relevance with their youngest learners.

You’ll hear reflections on:

• How PBL was adapted for 4- and 5-year-olds through whole-group instruction and intentional play
  
  
• Powerful student-led moments of empathy, generosity, and cultural understanding
  
  
• Navigating fears, false starts, and moments of “flailing” — and learning to trust the process
  
  
• The impact of strong campus leadership and the importance of utilizing paraprofessionals within PBL instruction
  
  
• Tangible shifts in student behavior, community connections, and classroom culture

Whether you're new to PBL, curious about what it looks like in early childhood settings, or seeking encouragement to try something new, Ashley and Henley offer warmth, honesty, and wisdom for educators at every level.

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💡Want to learn more about how to create authentic, developmentally appropriate project-based learning experiences for young learners? Check out this article from New Tech Network on Project-Based Learning Activities for Elementary Schools — filled with ideas and strategies to bring PBL to life in early education classrooms.

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