We're almost there!

We're soooo close....
The students looked at where fat and skinny questions fall in Bloom's taxonomy using picture books. There were some great questions! We have to skip a week of Genius Hour, but I can't wait until the next one because soon the students will have their inquiry questions and the learning begins! 

Another great book to get students thinking about their GREAT IDEAS!

Getting ready to REALLY dig in!

Students practiced determining the difference between FAT and SKINNY questions. Finding really good, "meaty" FAT questions can be tricky, but the students did a fantastic job evaluating if and why a question was fat or skinny. We'll next look at Bloom's to use verbs so that students can finally decide on their inquiry question. After that, students will make a plan in their digital journal so they can begin their own journeys!

My students are inspiring!! Some of their awesome sketches of GENIUS.

Today we talked about what it means to be genius and how each one of use had a bit of genius. The students looked up words and we listed all the words we loved related to genius. Students then write about what they do that is genius, creative, powerful, etc.

Worth reading!!! Such a cute book with an amazing message!

More wonderful ideas and discussions!

Today was day 2 of introducing Genius Hour to my students. I think they're getting a good idea of what it's all about. They generated more ideas and we watched Caine's Arcade video on YouTube. The students made great connections to the book read yesterday.

I modeled an example of my own personal Genius Wall - my passions, interests, and wonders...which they asked me a million questions about! : )  Then they created their own in their journals. Their next step is to record some ideas from their passions, interests, and wonderings into their own digital Genius Hour journals before we meet again for our next Genius Hour.

Their ideas have been so interesting and diverse! I can't wait until they decide and move forward!

Day 1

Day 1 of Genius Hour
I read The Most Magnificent Thing, a fantastic book to introduce perseverance, creativity, and cleverness. The students loved it! Especially the little girl's assistant...well, maybe that was me. By the end of day 1, we have a wall full of "wonderfulness." Ideas, passions, interests, and wonders. I think most of the students are excited. Some are apprehensive about their possible lack of creativity, and others said they think the ideas will fizzle out. But, I told them we'll address all of that.

Favorite line of the day (from Kid President's Pep Talk) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-gQLqv9f4o:

"....the road that leads to AWESOME!"

Tomorrow is the big day! I riled the students up today about Genius Hour. My excitement is contagious! They're excited but they don't really know why! I can't wait to see what their ideas will bring!

Inspiration!

Getting Started

After lots of research, I'm ready to begin Genius Hour with my ELA students. We begin this week and I'm "super excited" as one of my students would say. I have the first couple of days planned - introducing the concept with inspirational videos and books. I want to get my students hooked!