Genius vs. Google

This week we finished up Genius Hour.  I first got this idea by collaborating with our tech teacher Mrs. Michelle Lynn.  She sent me this blog.  One of the most beneficial parts of my instruction is when I can collaborate with the master teacher's at Fox Creek Elementary or through other 1st grade teacher blogs.

We kicked off our Genius Hour by showing this video.
As a CREW, we reflected on what Genius Hour would look like in our classroom.

Step 1:  THINK - Each student go to think of an ANIMAL they wanted to study.
Step 2:  RESEARCH - Students checked out books about their animal by collaborating with our librarian, Mrs. Terrio.  In addition, their 4th grade buddies helped with the research using the i-pads and www.kidrex.org.  Students did at home research with their parents using videos, internet and books.  Students recorded this research in a note catcher.
Step 3: LEARN - Students synthesized what they had learned.  From there, they wrote a non-fiction expository text about their animal.










Step 4: QUESTION -Students read through their writing and thought of a "Genius Question" that they were still wondering about their animal.  We did a lot of discussion, comparison and reflection on a "Google Question" vs. a "Genius Question".  We used Albert Einstein as a mentor.  

Step 5: SHARE  Each student created a presentation using Shadow Puppet on the i-pad.  Students loved the independence and ownership.  I was amazed at the engagement!  Students loved presenting to the entire class and the class had time to ask question. 

Reflection:

I will definitely do Genius Hour again before the end of the year.  I will give the students more choice on what they want to study, but for first grade, I loved starting with an animal of choice.  Much of this was done independently...yes first graders did this independently.  I think their independence shows how engaged they were.  There were things that helped this go smoothly: 

1.  A mentor class of older students - A BIG shout out to our 4th grade buddies from Mrs. Moore's CREW!

2.  Parent volunteers---this helped with research, helping to finish up note catchers and answering questions

3.  In class student leaders - once I taught 4-5 students in my class, they could help their peers.  This was the most amazing part of the process for me.  My 6-7 year old crew members were teaching and mentoring.