Genius Hour in 2Z
Submitted by: Mrs. Zarko
Genius Hour is the latest and greatest addition to our learning time each week. Based on Google’s 20% time (read more about that here), students use Friday afternoon to learn about whatever THEY want. With the addition of common core standards, 21st century demands, and critical thinking needs, I am constantly searching for ways to engage my students in these habits while leading them to a LOVE of learning. Genius Hour is one way I’ve chosen to do exactly that.
What is Genius Hour?
I’m glad you asked! Click this link to view my Haiku Deck presentation all about it!
Students choose a topic, generate a PHAT question (ask your child what THAT means!), and plan a project that will help them learn about this topic. Examples:
- How were Jupiter’s red spots created?
- How are music videos made?
- How can I begin an animal shelter project?
- How does a violin work?
After generating these topics, students spend more Genius Hour time researching and learning. Not only are they using a high-level skill as they research, but they are also utilizing technology, collaborating with their partner, analyzing material, and using multiple reading comprehension strategies along the way.
The final touch to Genius Hour is a presentation students give to their peers about their project and learning. This may range from a demonstration, PowerPoint, Educreation video, and more! The world is really their oyster on this one! The creativity flourishes!
Currently, I have students working on a blog advertising their animal shelter, producing a music video, studying cat habits regarding fur balls (really!), building a violin, researching the birth of technology, and even creating a robot who can come to school for them (hmmm..) Can you just FEEL the creativity oozing from this group? My favorite part…they can’t wait to continue next Friday.
Over the next few months, you’ll undoubtedly hear more about Genius Hour and your child’s project. If you have materials at home or supplies you can provide, please feel free! I also welcome any special skills you may have that could contribute to Genius Hour. Come join us! (For example, I’m no professional when it comes to robot building…) If you have any questions or further discussion, please feel free to contact me.
Everyone wants (and needs!) to feel good at something. I’m taking it a step further…I want them to feel like a genius. Maybe their passion isn’t math, but it might be music videos! Maybe it isn’t reading…but they’ll read for days when it’s to fuel their project! Whatever it is, Genius Hour is here to make it comes alive. Check out this video by Kid President. Genius Hour…where you get to create something that will make the world AWESOME!