Genius Hour - Day 1 #vsblearns

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

Some early ideas