As a classroom teacher, I found it extremely
valuable to give students time for innovation project-based learning. The way I implemented that time into my
classroom was to use 20 percent time or Genius Hour. I gave my students the chance to work on any project they
wanted. It went very well and students created some interesting projects and
presentations to share what they were passionate about.
Genius hour is a great way to allow students to
drive their own personalized instruction.
I highly recommend considering the use of a Genius Hour opportunity for
all students.
Traditionally, teachers map out academic
standards, and plan units and lessons based around those standards. During Genius Hour, students are in
control, choosing what they study, how they study it, and what they do,
produce, or create as a result and they decide how to share their learning with
their classmates and others. It provides students freedom to design their own learning
during a set period of time during school. Genius Hour promotes inquiry, research, creativity, and
self-directed learning. It also
supports standards in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and research. Also, it can support content area standards.
How to Get Started
There are a lot of resources out there, and
teachers that have embraced Genius Hour are great resources, often willing to
share what they have or help you problem solve. I’d be happy to work with any teacher wanting to implement
Genius Hour in their classroom.
As a teacher, your biggest role is to support
students by helping them focus and problem solve. The relationships you build
with your students during this time are invaluable. Genius hour is a time to work with students individually,
conference with them, and help them reflect on where they are at in the
process. It is also your time to
keep them moving, help them revise or change their focus if they are “stuck”,
help them make connections with mentors and keep them on track for the
timelines or benchmarks you have determined for each project.
Keep the Success Going
I found using my social networks (Facebook,
Twitter, Google+) to find mentors and/or people to interview was extremely
valuable to my students. We made
all kinds of awesome connections with amazing professionals that were extremely
willing to give their time to help children learn and succeed.
It is also important to continuously reflect on
the process. What is working with your students, and what isn't? Remember, not all genius hours will
look the same, it should work for
your classroom community and teaching style. You may find that it evolves over the course of the year, as
well as from year to year. It is all
about the engagement and creativity for your kids.
The Impact
After two years, my genius hour time created a
wonderful climate of curiosity and innovation. We turned this energy into a weekly day of student led
learning: Fab Fridays! We used
responsibility partners and reflection groups during mathematics and literacy
blocks. This allowed students a
day of choice and voice while addressing content area standards.
We also set aside an hour of coding using code.org
and one hour for Makerspace. This
allowed students to create programming, learn coding, investigate, design, problem
solve, produce, build, craft and collaborate with peers.
What opportunities for innovation can you provide
for your students? And, how can I help you?
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