Now that the launch of our first ever Genius Hour is under way, students had the night to begin coming up with ideas with the goal of Friday to have their write up complete.
Today was a chance to clear up some questions that many of the students had about some of their ideas. Some of the comments noticed during the class discussion were: "This is hard." "What if I invent something and then I look on-line and it's already been done?" "Can I create a new piece of art or painting?" Students were then given their initial planning page and began writing down their ideas. Watching them do this, I came up with this analogy - It's like winning a gift card to your favourite store and not knowing what to buy when you actually go to shop. Many of the students agreed with me. Hard to choose. Lots of stumped looks on their faces; heads on their desk; classic thinking look of head to the sky. Those that are able to get a first draft done are going over their project with the teacher to clarify what it is they will actually do. Will that work? Has it been done before? How will it be displayed or presented? Students are really getting excited about their ideas. "I've got my idea!" Lots to think about before Friday's deadline and the Final proposal. Next up - Day 3
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My goal of introducing an Innovation Week or Genius Hour has finally come to my school. I am very excited to see how this takes shape with the students and staff of Area B (Grade 4 & 5's). Grade 6/7 to come later. Over the next two weeks, I will attempt to capture the sights and sounds of our first ever Genius Hour at MacCorkindale. Back in the Fall, I presented to staff the idea of a week where students could create anything they wanted; something they were passionate about; something that students could really sink their teeth into. My staff looked at the articles, videos and examples from other schools and were willing to give it a look. After some professional time together and more pep talk/encouragement from me, it looks like it's a go. Several months later, the time has now come for the students to explore their own Genius Hour in the coming weeks. The official launch took place in Area B in the afternoon. After showing a couple of videos to the students to help them understand what they were about to embark on, students began brainstorming for ideas. About a third of the class were very excited and got right down to coming up with an idea; another third came up with lots, but not fully focused on one yet; the final third were lost and had no idea. Next up, Day 2 - Brainstorming continued |
About Me
I am the Provincial Coordinator for SET-BC. I'm passionate about inspiring others to be creative, curious, inclusive, collaborative and current in their learning Archives
July 2020
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