Learning by Doing with the Chocolate Factory ^†

Abstract

The idea of working on a Project based on the work of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl, arose for several reasons. The centenary of the writer was celebrated and it was a great opportunity to do it. One thing we can not forget is the interests of the students. Specifically my class is a 1st of Primary and their eyes were illuminated with everything related to chocolate and the world of Willy Wonka.

1. Introduction

The idea of working on a Project based on the work of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl, arose for several reasons. The centenary of the writer was celebrated and it was a great opportunity to do it. One thing we can not forget is the interests of the students. Specifically my class is a 1st of Primary and their eyes were illuminated with everything related to chocolate and the world of Willy Wonka. I already had everything ready to start an annual project that will develop different key skills and will excite and motivate the kids. But, how do we start?

2. Project Description. Main Characteristics That Define It. Route

My main objective is that the students when entering the class will discover a different world. A world contextualized in the Chocolate factory. A factory where different learning tools are built. They learn in a playful way without hardly realizing it.

These are the main characteristics:

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Contextualization. The class became an authentic Chocolate factory. We decorate the interior of the class and the hallway.

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Motivation. Through Gamification [1] (Missions, challenges, uses of Badges and cards), Videos, contests.

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Use of ICT to favor the consolidation of different key competences. Applications like Plickers, Kahoot, Augmented Reality...

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ABP. The location of the class favors the work by teams and elaborate the tasks in a collaborative way.

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Use of the main theme to deepen the learning in different areas.

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Joy at the time of achieving the objectives [2].

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Sensibility and change of society.

3. Goals or Objectives Pursued with the Development of the Project

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Know the characteristics of the story in both English and Spanish, the characters and the development of the work.

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Involve the educational community.

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Acquire different skills through activities, missions and challenges. Linguistic competence (story and adaptation), Mathematics (Use of the ABN through the Wonka Box).

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Fill with joy the kids and have hope to enter the classroom door.

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Make your own chocolate, create a business (advertising campaign: Radio, posters, talks ...), create your own currency (Wonka Coin), chocolates with prizes (golden tickets).

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Raise the benefits for the Food Bank and an Animal Protector.

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To make the rest of the students aware that with determination and effort the objectives can be achieved.

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Create an authentic factory but not only of chocolate, also of illusions.

4. Main Innovative Actions That Are Developed in It. Evidences

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Use of applications that enhance gamification and transform the classroom (Challenges, missions, Kahoot, Wallame, plickers).

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Innovative methodologies (ABN, ABP, CLIL: Content Language Integrated Learning), Emotional education, School radio ...).

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Create a solidary business with all its characteristics of production, production and sale.

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Develop a web page where the experience is captured: https://ismaelgogutierrez.wixsite.com/chocolatefactory

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Collect and donate to the organizations mentioned above.

5. Analysis of Expected Results

Very positive We can not forget that the project has been developed in a primary school where there has been a process of reading and writing, calculation and the acquisition of other skills. When working on this project in a totally collaborative way, the students have deepened that both in school and in life the great challenges between all are achieved. Insisting on listening and empathy. Emphasizing the different levels of each and that they themselves, are aware of their achievements ... It has been super rewarding!

Learning for them was a game but they had to work hard to get to the next level. The chocolate business was a success. My center is still small, it is a new creation. There is only up to 4th grade of elementary school and one line. However, in a week we obtained more than €200 for the sale...

6. To Finish Final Impressions

I believe that this Project is viable and can be applied in any classroom. In an organized way you can achieve great achievements.

To sweeten the world!