Genius Hour: Getting Started

My mind has been racing with ideas for my classroom next year and genius hour is on the forefront. If you haven't heard of Genius hour check out GeniusHour.com. Basically it is an idea that google came up with where they allowed their employees time within their work day to work on independent projects or passions. What came out of this? Amazing things like Gmail!

I work with 5th graders and it may seem like they have some crazy ideas sometimes but think about it, give them some time to explore those passions and ideas and who knows what they can come up with! Last year a student in the classroom next door created a campaign to raise awareness of the hazards of texting and driving. Another wanted to learn more about the Mothers Against Drunk Driving campaign after his mother was injured in a drunk driving accident. The ideas are endless, so why limit them!

If you haven't explored this idea with your classroom I strongly suggest you take a peak. And if you do feel ready to try this out I would love to share my website I created to share with students, parents, or teachers to help them get a better understanding of how Genius Hour works. There are a few simple rules but the rest is open for interpretation. Check it out below!

www.jtsdgeniushour.weebly.com

This website includes some guidance for students and even a convenient "Genius Hour Proposal" form for students to brainstorm their passions before starting their project!

Feel free to use this website as you please and leave me feedback. Let me know how YOU use Genius Hour in your classroom! 

I am excited to try this out in my classroom and will definitely be updating you on student progress and passions.