Big Projects for Little Learners: A PBL Guide for the Home and Classroom

Turn curiosity into confidence with 52 hands-on PBL units designed just for early learners.

Big Projects for Little Learners: A PBL Guide for the Home and Classroom is your go-to guide for bringing project-based learning to life; whether you're in a traditional classroom, a homeschool setup, or a micro school, it is exactly what youā€™ve been looking and waiting for! Inside, youā€™ll find 52 ready-to-use project units, photos and descriptions of real-life examples, and easy-to-follow tips for planning and facilitating PBL in your own learning environment.

It walks you through how to create meaningful driving questions, align projects with standards, and connect learning to real-world experiences. Whether you're a parent or educator, this book is full of practical tools and inspiration to help you build a learning environment thatā€™s hands-on, engaging, and centered around your kids' curiosity.

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A Word From The Author

Why I Wrote This Book

I wrote Big Projects for Little Learners because I believe early childhood education should be meaningful, connected, and joyful. Project-Based Learning offers all that and more, but until now, there hasnā€™t been a simple, step-by-step guide that walks educators through actual project units and shows educators exactly how to make it work in the early years.

This book is for educators, homeschool families, and micro-school leaders who want more than quick end of unit project activities. Youā€™ll learn exactly how to use PBL to spark real thinking, creativity, and collaboration, even with your youngest learners.
Mikaela Martinez

Founder of Project Based Primary

Whatā€™s Inside the Book

A Clear Breakdown of PBL

Start with the what, why, and how of Project-Based Learning, anchored in the seven essential elements that make it so effective.
52 Done-for-You Units

Get access to 52 detailed PBL units, each with a driving question, public product, launch event, 3 lesson-by-lesson structured modules, and an exhibition event.
Lessons That Bring Learning to Life

From expert visits to community expeditions, every unit is packed with hands-on activities that build language, math, science, social studies, social-emotional skills, and more!
Planning Tools and Templates

Learn to create your own PBL units using my exact backwards planning process and editable templates. Itā€™s like I am sitting right next to you as you plan!
Adaptations for Any Setting

Whether you're teaching a classroom, homeschooling, or running a micro-school, every unit is flexible and easy to modify. I give ideas for how to adjust for your unique learning setting and number of learners.

This Book Is For You If...

āœ”ļø You want to go beyond surface-level learning and help your students think deeply

āœ”ļø Youā€™re curious about Project-Based Learning but donā€™t know where to start

āœ”ļø Youā€™re tired of searching Pinterest for disconnected activity ideas

āœ”ļø You teach preschool, kindergarten, or early elementary

āœ”ļø You want to foster independence, creativity, and collaboration in your learning environment

āœ”ļø You are an experienced PBL educator that wants to try out new and fresh units with your students

What Readers Are Saying

"This book is exactly what I needed to finally start using PBL in my kindergarten classroom. Every unit is thoughtful, realistic, and inspiring."
Jessica
Kindergarten Teacher
ā€œAs a homeschool mom, I love that the units are adaptable and packed with ideas I wouldnā€™t have thought of on my own. My kids are learning so much more deeply now.ā€
Leah
Homeschool Parent
ā€œThe planning templates and the way Mikaela walks you through the process make this feel so doable. I feel confident building my own units or adapting hers!ā€
Erin
Micro-School Founder

Bonus Materials Included:

Printable learning materials that pair with each unit

Editable unit planning templates

A QR code in the appendix for quick downloads

Ready to Dive in?

Get Started with Project-Based Learning Today!

Whether youā€™re brand new to PBL or looking to bring fresh energy to your classroom, Big Projects for Little Learners is here to guide you.

Letā€™s make learning meaningful, joyful, and realā€”for every child.

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