Genius hour
1/8/17:
We are wrapping up our Genius Hour projects. I just want to be clear about my stance on this. I wanted to see effort, it didn't matter if they suceeded or failed! I shared the above video with the class and we talked about failure. I felt it was a powerful conversation, not sure if they felt the same! LOL! I have seen some powerful results from students....headbands for cancer patients, bracelet kits for children in the hospital, rocket design, hygeine kits for homeless..with homemade soap, and even over $40 donate to the STEM program from a bake sale! These children can do powerful, important things! They are amazing!
Because of the short day, not everyone got to present a report so we will continue that next Friday.
We are wrapping up our Genius Hour projects. I just want to be clear about my stance on this. I wanted to see effort, it didn't matter if they suceeded or failed! I shared the above video with the class and we talked about failure. I felt it was a powerful conversation, not sure if they felt the same! LOL! I have seen some powerful results from students....headbands for cancer patients, bracelet kits for children in the hospital, rocket design, hygeine kits for homeless..with homemade soap, and even over $40 donate to the STEM program from a bake sale! These children can do powerful, important things! They are amazing!
Because of the short day, not everyone got to present a report so we will continue that next Friday.
11/27/16:
Students should be attempting to complete their Genius Hour ideas before break! Remember this is more about the journey then the successful completion of the project. This is an opportunity for the students to explore their passions and use their creativity. NO STRESS! As a parent, let the student take the lead!
Students should be attempting to complete their Genius Hour ideas before break! Remember this is more about the journey then the successful completion of the project. This is an opportunity for the students to explore their passions and use their creativity. NO STRESS! As a parent, let the student take the lead!
10/10/16:
We continued to listen to Elevator Pitches last week!!
We continued to listen to Elevator Pitches last week!!
10/2/16
During our last Genius Hour we started listening to the Elevator Pitches. Some students got approval to start working on their projects. We still have a lot to hear from and we will hopefully finish that on Friday. After that they will have to work on their supply list and timeline for working on their project. The supply list and timeline have to be signed by a parent so I know you agree with the big idea! Remember, this is their project and you can assist, but let them take the lead. I told them that they may fail in the end result of their project and that is fine, it is the journey that is important!
During our last Genius Hour we started listening to the Elevator Pitches. Some students got approval to start working on their projects. We still have a lot to hear from and we will hopefully finish that on Friday. After that they will have to work on their supply list and timeline for working on their project. The supply list and timeline have to be signed by a parent so I know you agree with the big idea! Remember, this is their project and you can assist, but let them take the lead. I told them that they may fail in the end result of their project and that is fine, it is the journey that is important!
9/9/16:
These kids are amazing! We learned about Elevator Pitches today and most everyone uploaded a video to practice their speeches. Some of them have BIG ideas! I heard someone that wanted to make shoes and another that wanted to build a go kart. I am trying to help them be realistic about their projects and to not bankrupt parents! Please sign up for Seesaw if you haven't already and check out the videos! Next week they will pitch to me and we will narrow down to one project and start working on presentations for our class "Shark Tank"!
These kids are amazing! We learned about Elevator Pitches today and most everyone uploaded a video to practice their speeches. Some of them have BIG ideas! I heard someone that wanted to make shoes and another that wanted to build a go kart. I am trying to help them be realistic about their projects and to not bankrupt parents! Please sign up for Seesaw if you haven't already and check out the videos! Next week they will pitch to me and we will narrow down to one project and start working on presentations for our class "Shark Tank"!
Wow! We kicked off our first Genius Hour on Friday 8/19/16. I am so amazed by these students and their ideas. We will continue to work on selecting our projects and we will work on them until December (at least that is the plan for now). A couple of the ideas that really impressed me was making headbands for young female cancer patients and creating a food pantry at Big Shanty! IMPRESSIVE! I am attached the video that explains what Genius Hour is and a video of student ideas.
Genius Hour has three rules:
1. The project must have a driving questions.
2. The project must involve research.
3. The project must be shared.
I am working on #3, trying to decide if we will have a blog or website. If you prefer to not have your child make a video to put on the website, let me know.
Click for student idea Video
Genius Hour has three rules:
1. The project must have a driving questions.
2. The project must involve research.
3. The project must be shared.
I am working on #3, trying to decide if we will have a blog or website. If you prefer to not have your child make a video to put on the website, let me know.
Click for student idea Video