A project is individual or collaborative work done over time which leads to a final outcome. A project engages children in using their language, social and thinking skills and competences in a naturally integrated and holistic way. A project can also inspire children to explore beyond the limits of their current competences in ways that are meaningful.

Projects provide a personalised learning challenge and children feel motivated to produce high quality work. Projects promote communication and interaction and frequently incorporate other areas of the curriculum, such as science. Projects develop thinking skills, such as problem solving. They also encourage learner autonomy, and develop positive values and social skills, such as cooperation. Projects also give children an opportunity to build on other strengths they may have, for example, if they are artistic.

However, working with projects is not always easy. Noise levels may soar, some children may be off task and there may be unnecessary time-wasting, such as when children get distracted carrying out online research. It's sometimes difficult to monitor the language children are using. There's also a risk that children may copy online texts into their projects, thinking that you will not notice.

So, is it worth it? The answer is a resounding yes, but only if projects are set up carefully and managed effectively. In my experience, there's nothing more rewarding than children working together as a team to produce a project which they have chosen, planned and carried out by themselves, even though your support in the background is also crucial.

My key tips for working with projects are:

• 37 Offer children choice

• 38 Remember the 4 Ms!

• 39 Integrate classroom language

• 40 Use projects as the basis of other activities

37 Offer children choice

Choice gives children agency and develops their ability to take decisions and have control of their learning. Children develop autonomy and become more willing to take responsibility for their work. This leads to a sense of ownership and willingness to make an effort (see also 32). It also helps make learning personalised and memorable.

When working with projects, you can offer children choice in different ways. This includes choice over the content and format of the project, and who children work with.