In the beginning … On this particular day in my classroom, you would have found a service dog standing faithfully by their owner as she explained how her dog detected her insulin levels. Or you might notice a laptop flashing intricate patterns of code while a robot zoomed up to you carrying a piece of […]
genius hour
Posted inHow to Fix Education
[Podcast Season 2: Episode 2] : So, What’s Exactly The Genius Hour?
Introduction Welcome to Episode 2 Season two  of The Educator’s Room podcast! In this episode, Franchesca interviews, Jennifer White from Teaching Teens in the 21st Century, blogger, English/Language Arts teacher, and Genius Hour expert! Engaging students during school is a hot topic in all schools, regardless of the school’s community or socioeconomic background. Within the last couple […]
Posted inMiddle School
The Genius Hour in Middle School
Two years ago, I had an idea. I wanted to see a class in my school that allowed students who are intrinsically motivated to do something they were interested in. I began searching around on the internet and stumbled upon Passion Projects, 20% Time (based on a Google practice), and Genius Hour, but it was […]
Posted inEducational Apps, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies, Technology
20% Time is a Common Practice
Recently I mashed a world history unit on 19th century industry with student discussions on the history of change in education. A TED Talk illustrating Sir Ken Robinson’s reflections on transforming education away from standardized practice prompted student discussion and agreement on the need for time spent on creativity and artistic expression in all classes. However, the […]