Starting My First Genius Hour

I first learned about the Genius Hour concept when reading about the creation of post-it notes at 3M. The idea was that employees would be given time while at work to pursue projects of their own design that interested them and could benefit the company.  Google and Hewlitt Packard also incorporate the idea, and it has facilitated the creation of gmail as well as a host of other well-known products.

When I attended the MACUL conference in Detroit this year and saw there was a session on Genius Hour, I knew I had to go and learn more.  I was inspired by the success stories I heard from other teachers about the projects students undertook when given the freedom to spearhead their own learning.  I decided I had to try it in my own classroom.  While I was excited to get started, the idea of giving total control over to my students one day a week was also a little scary. 

I was disappointed because I only got to introduce Genius Hour to one of my classes on my planned introduction date.  Introduction to the other classes was delayed when I had to leave school unexpectedly.  In the one class that I did have time to share the idea with, it was very well-received.  I was excited by some of the great ideas students immediately came up with for how they would use the time they are being given.  Their enthusiasm has me wishing I would have tried this idea sooner. Other students were skeptical, and many are still not sure exactly how they will use their time, so we will work on developing a plan for them this week.

I am hopeful that as I introduce Genius Hour to my other classes they will embrace it as enthusiastically as my "guinea pig" group did. Updates on our progress will be soon to come.

Until next week, Happy Friday!