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One of the most fulfilling parts of being an educator is finding ways to invite students to bring their full selves into the classroom. Over the years, I’ve discovered that one of the best ways to do this is through what I call "Building Outside the Blocks" projects or #BOBs for short. These projects are more than assignments—they’re invitations for students to explore, reflect, and share the unique pieces that make up who they are. The results go beyond the classroom, strengthening our learning community with each new contribution.
In the last year, I have written and presented on my BOB projects and approach a few times. I was so lucky to have contributed to a chapter about Student Voice from Chey and Pav’s Amplifying Our Practice. When I recorded with Dr. Martha Umana for the Teach Smarter Not Harder: Streamlining Workload for Teacher Wellbeing conference, I got to speak to how BOBs build community in the classroom and why they are both enhanced by AI and AI-proof, at the same time. When I presented on"Amplifying Student Voice Through Meaningful Projects" for The Mentoree, I was starting to see new themes in my Building Outside the Blocks projects.
What Makes #BOBs Special
At their core, #BOBs are personalized, student-driven projects that allow learners to combine their passions, experiences, and creativity with curriculum goals. Whether it’s sharing a story, developing a composition, creating a video, or building a model, every project starts with an open-ended invitation: bring who you are and what you love into this task.
What makes these projects so transformative is that they empower students to reflect on their identities and articulate them in ways that are meaningful to them. It’s not about fitting into a prescribed box or answering a narrow question. It’s about exploring and expressing their individuality—and sharing it with a supportive audience.
Strengthening the Community Through Individual Contributions
When students present their #BOBs, something magical happens. The classroom transforms into a community of storytellers and listeners, creators and learners. Each student’s project becomes a gift to the group, offering insight into their world while celebrating the diversity of experiences and perspectives that make us stronger together.
As these projects accumulate over time, the community is enriched by the layers of shared humanity. We start to see the incredible tapestry of interests, cultures, and talents that make up our classroom. It’s not just about academic growth; it’s about building connections and cultivating empathy.
The Role of AI and Technology in #BOBs
In our increasingly digital world, tools like AI and technology have found their place in #BOBs, but not in the ways you might think. Rather than replacing creativity, these tools enhance it. They provide students with resources to brainstorm ideas, draft scripts, or explore new formats for presentation. For instance, a student might use AI to create a storyboard for a short film or to organize research for a podcast. But the heart of the project remains deeply human. AI can assist with the mechanics, but it’s the students who infuse their projects with personality, emotion, and authenticity. By using technology as a tool, students can focus on the bigger picture: reflecting on and sharing the pieces that make them who they are.
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Reflection as the Key to Growth
One of the most powerful aspects of a BOB project is the opportunity for reflection. As students work on their projects, they’re encouraged to think deeply about their passions, values, and experiences. Why did they choose this topic? What does it say about them? How does it connect to their life and learning? These questions help students articulate their identities in ways that might surprise even themselves. For educators, the reward is seeing students grow in confidence and self-awareness. When a student says, "This project helped me realize how much I love storytelling," or "I didn’t know anyone would find this part of my life interesting," you know you’ve created something meaningful.
A Call to Action: Building Humanity, One Project at a Time
As we embrace the tools of the future, let’s not lose sight of what makes education truly transformative: the humanity at its heart. #BOBs remind us that school isn’t just a place to learn facts and figures; it’s a space to grow as individuals and as a community.
I invite you to try a #BOB project in your own classroom or learning environment. Give students the chance to bring their full selves into their work, and watch as they not only achieve academic success but also contribute to a stronger, more connected community. Because when we build outside the blocks, we build something far greater than a project—we build humanity.
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