Anyone who knows me knows that I preach about doing what you love with passion and purpose. That goes for learning as well. When we have the opportunity to learn about something we are truly passionate about, magic happens, sparks ignite and creativity flows. Students who partake in passion projects take ownership of their own learning, explore big ideas and become more innovative. They become more motivated and engaged in learning. To show how genius hour works in the classroom comes an insightful post brought to you by Karen Jackson, Applejacks Teacher.
Genius Hour – Why Is It So Great?
For the last few years, I have been doing Genius Hour in my classroom. The idea came about from Google, where the employees are given 20% of their workday to foster projects they are passionate about. Well, teachers know a good thing when they see it. The idea brought Genius Hour into classrooms. A time for students to learn about things they are passionate about.
I have three requirements for my students to do a Genius Hour Project. First, the idea must be in the form of a question and can be researchable. Students submit their proposals to me and once I have given them the go-ahead, they can begin working. Some students need to meet with me, so I can help them with their idea. Some proposals are too broad, too narrow, or need more information.
Once a topic is approved, the students need to research the idea. They can use books, articles, internet information, interviews, polls, etc. This leads to a nice discussion about credible sources, especially with internet searches.
When students have gathered all the information, they organize it into a presentation for the class. The most common is a PowerPoint presentation, but I have also had videos, puppet shows, demonstrations, and poster boards.
It is amazing how much of a hit this is in my classroom. Students are so excited to research and learn about a topic of their own choice. It is a win/win for them and me. My students are working on reading, writing, speaking, organizing, designing, and much more. Every time a presentation is given, I critique the students work for the class. I point out what was good and what needs work. It becomes a learning moment for everyone. Probably the most common thing we talk about after a presentation is writing content. Is it clear, understandable, comprehensive, and in my student’s own words. I also address topics, such as the colors on the screen. Students learn quickly what looks great on the computer screen, doesn’t always project well on the Promethean board.
I dedicate an hour on Fridays for students to work and present. The students are required to do three Genius Hour projects a year, but most do more. Some students work alone, while others work with a partner. Occasionally, I have three students working together.
I have had students cover topics like how to survive in the wild, how to understand the periodic table, what is the history of chocolate and how has it made, and this past year two girls did a presentation on molecular gastronomy (I had no idea what that was). Even I am learning things!
If Genius Hour sounds a little overwhelming, take it slow. It may seem uncomfortable having students working on different things and being in different spots on their projects, but I promise you it ends up working out. I literally let my substitutes know that Genius Hour is the least work they will do all day. My students are so wrapped up in what they are doing, they don’t even talk to the teacher unless they have a question.
I hope you will consider doing Genius Hour in your classroom. It is a great way to teach all those skills you are already teaching with tremendous buy-in by the students.
Check out this resource from Applejacks Teacher to get you started here.
Have you done a genius hour with your students? Give it a try!
Hi, I’m Karen Jackson. I have been teaching for 25 years. I am currently teaching a 4th and 5th grade combo. I am glad to say I am still excited to teach, get on the floor, dress up, and try new things with my students. I want to prepare my kiddos for middle school, which is where I taught the first 13 years of my career. I love to do crafting, sewing, blogging, and working on TpT products. Now that my own kids are out of the house, I am starting to do more traveling too!
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“Do what you love with passion and purpose.”
Christine Weis is a passionate educator, classroom management coach, wife, and mom of two busy boys. She enjoys teaching, writing, and creating resources for teachers.
Love this idea!! Wish more teachers would implement this!! I feel so many schools have a forced hand in this is what they need to learn and only this, while the kids may be passionate about something else and could care less what is being taught and many of their grades show it and test scores. GOOD FOR YOU LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!!
So true! Although teachers have to “teach curriculum” there is wiggle room for teachers and students to incorporate and explore their passions in the classroom. Passion is what drives us, motivates us and excites us. Genius Hour is perfect for just that. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
This sounds great. I love that you let the kids choose their topics to research and the questions they come up with must be so much fun.
Thanks Kristin! Letting the kids choose really motivates and excites them. It’s so much fun for everyone. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
As a mom of two, I think this is a fantastic idea!! So many great opportunities for creativity and growth.
I agree! So many great things come out of anyone exploring big topics and big ideas. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Such an amazing idea!! I love when teachers really foster creativity and everyone’s talents.
Me too! This really is a great idea! It fosters so many things. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Oh man this is awesome! Learning is all about trying new things and engaging in different ways.
Yes…exactly! genius hour is so perfect for that! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I did this with my students last year and it is the time when they are the most engaged! Genius hour is such a cool opportunity for both teachers and students!!
That’s awesome! When something feels right and fun for both teachers and students then it must be good! Thanks so much for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Way to go, Teach! I love this inspiration – when students are given autonomy to select topics TEHY ARE interested in, the final report is sure to be more engaging. Thanks for sharing the Genius Hour with us – I love it. Well-done and kudos to you!
Thank you! And you’re right…what a way to take full control over your learning. It’s definitely something we all benefit from. Thanks so much for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I love this idea! I might have to tell my sister, who is a teacher.
Yes, please do share! it’s such a great addition to any classroom or grade. Thanks so much for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
This is such a great idea. It foster creativity with your students. Thanks for sharing.
Yes…creativity sure does flow when you’re passionate about what you are learning about. Thanks so much for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I wish you were my teacher when I was in grade school. I have so many ideas in my mind that I felt like never unleashed because we were always running out of time following the schedule in the curriculum . This is such an amazing idea that allow student to be more creative and innovative in discovering their inner passion.
Aww….thanks! It sure is a struggle to manage time and curriculum. And trust me it’s not the teachers, it’s usually the culture of the school that either encourages this type of learning or not. Thanks so much for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
This is such a great idea! Definitely a great way to get kids excited about learning.
-Jennifer
https://maunelegacy.com
Yes…that’s why it works!!! Thanks so much for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
What a great idea! In school I loved when we could be creative!
Thank you! Yes…I think we all benefit from choice and creativity! Thanks so much for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Interesting fact using the shark, but doing experiment at school for study is an excellent way, because kids usually learn better by experimenting.
Yes…Experimenting and exploration is the key to engaged learning! Thanks so much for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers