Genius Hour is a type of 'free' inquiry that is loved by all students. It provides them with the time to 'play with their learning' (Krebs & Zvi, 2016).

Denise Krebs and Gallit Zvi explain in their book 'The Genius Hour Guidebook' that it is where 'students are allowed to develop their own inquiry question-about whatever it is that they want to explore, are passionate about or are wondering' (2016).

Teachers know that student motivation is enhanced when autonomy, purpose and mastery are present in the classroom.

• Autonomy - students are entrusted with choice and the freedom to make decisions regarding their learning.
• Purpose - students have a reason for learning.
• Mastery - students afforded enough TIME to master and become an expert on what they are learning.

#Geniushourguidebook #Geniushour (Krebs & Zvi, 2016)

Chris Kesler from www.geniushour.com explains what Genius Hour is and why we should incorporate it in our classrooms.

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genius_hour_introduction_to_project-based_learning.pptx
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INTRODUCING

GENIUS HOUR TO

​ STUDENTS

In the beginning we spend a few sessions as a class going through what a 'free inquiry' could look like for students and what it means in terms of their learning. 1 hour each week is allocated to students to work on their projects over a set period of term, e.g. a term.
This Powerpoint overviews the areas I focus on with my students when introducing them to Genius Hour for the first time.

genius_hour_blog.pptx
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geniushourlettertoparents.pdf
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BLOGGING DURING

​GENIUS HOUR

One of the ways students can share their learning each session is to blog about it. There are numerous blogging websites that are child friendly that you can use such as Kidblog .
Using a Google Slide template that each student get their own copy of, is also another way students can blog. This allows students to have all their learning in one place that can be tracked over time and eventually shared with their peers and with the world if you make the choice to go this way.

INVOLVING PARENTS

Students will be quite excited at the prospect of doing Genius Hour so it is important that you send a letter or email home letting parents know a little bit about Genius Hour in your classroom.
Here is a sample letter that you could use. I'm sure many parents will appreciate the insight into the workings of your classrooms.

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KID PRESIDENT PEP TALK

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