The concept of a Genius Hour is something that has been growing over the past few years. It started as a creative-project-centered enrichment program for students, but now it has taken off in schools across the country. This article explores the idea of what makes a good Genius Hour, how it differs from an ordinary class, and why each approach can be beneficial to students in different ways.
What is Genius Hour?
Genius Hour is a one-hour time period during which teachers encourage students to think outside of the box, take risks, and stretch their creativity. It’s often linked with Maker Schools, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) events, or any other type of event that allows kids to learn new skills and explore their own worlds. Genius Hour is not just for students either – according to Ms. Brown from the McKinney School District some teachers also use it as an opportunity to refine their skills as well. Some of the activities that may occur during this time include writing stories based on real life experiences, conducting symphonies with paper clips and toothpicks and creating miniature cities.
Genius Hour
Types of Learning
Learning happens in many different forms. Some students learn best by reading, some by building, and others prefer to work on a creative project like designing a logo or writing an essay. The genius hour framework provides educators with the opportunity to celebrate the lessons they’re learning every day.” The educators at the Genius Hour website have created an extensive list of learning styles. The seven types include Visual, Physical, Auditory, Kinesthetic, Musical, Verbal, and Mathematical. When you know which type of learner your students are, it becomes easier to tailor their education to their needs.
Why Celebrate Genius Hour
Celebrating Genius Hour provides a community for students to share their ideas and inventions. It also gives an opportunity for teachers to showcase student projects from all grade levels. Celebrating Genius Hour provides a unique opportunity to see the potential in every individual. People often ask the question, “Why create Genius Hour?” Experts in education say, “What if nobody wants to be an educator? What if the students want to keep learning in their own ways with their own teachers?”
Resources for Inspiration and Ideas
This resource contains over 30 suggested topics, theses, and projects for the school year. From brainstorming to setting up a Genius Hour classroom, this guide will give you lots of ideas to make your class shine! If you want to learn more about how to become a successful innovator, check out these resources.
In his article, “Genius Hour: Celebrating the Art of Innovation,” Craig noted some of the resources available to those that want to find inspiration and ideas. These include books, websites, blogs, and podcasts that offer various perspectives on the business of innovation. Additionally, these resources can help inspire a new idea or insight on a topic.
Tips and Tricks for Success
There are so many benefits to spending time working on your own projects. It’s the perfect opportunity for students to brainstorm new ideas, test them out, and take risks that might not fit into their normal coursework. It also allows them to work in groups and collaborate with teachers throughout the process. These are just a few of the reasons why schools like Rock Bridge High School in Missouri have become more innovative over the years. It is important to understand that not all ideas are created equal. Some will connect with people in a way that others won’t. The most successful innovations leverage the power of ambiguity, where they live in the tension between two or more opposing concepts.
Conclusion
The ‘genius hour’ is a time to celebrate the creative process and allow children to explore their own talents. It is an opportunity to get away from the ‘self-defeating and self-sabotaging ways we often use to cope with our inner dragons and hone them for productive, creative and innovative solutions’.
