Passion project middle school

Update: I have had NUMEROUS request for my rubric and information on the inspiration stations. I very nervously took a step outside my comfort zone and placed these items on Teachers Pay Teachers. Thank you all for your support and interest in my work. You have definitely put spring in my step and a bit more confidence in my soul. You can find the items here by clicking here. Thank you! Genius Hour is in full swing! A fellow 8th grade ELA teacher and I are working through this unit together…

Passion projects have changed my relationships with my students forever.

One of my goals as a teacher is to bring out the creativity and joy of learning out in students. I like to pose questions, get them to think, and have them create. I mean, that's what all of us want to do, right? But, honestly, it seems as though somewhere along the lines, the inquiry and ingenuity that kids should intrinsically show has disappeared. They simply want to be TOLD what to do at all times. I understand why. In an age of testing and dog and pony shows and the need to "get stuff…

Have you been wanting to try inquiry-based learning in your classroom? Genius Hour is an amazing project that will take yoru students to whole new level!

DAY 1: What is Genius Hour? As we mentioned earlier....Genius Hour is where passions come alive! Students are given the opportunity to pose their own questions, problems, or challenges. With support, students will plan, manage, and reflect upon their learning. Students will switch roles from learner and teacher throughout the process. They will have the freedom to think independently and interdependently, take risks, and learn from their attempts. You and your students will not be able to…

Genius Hour can bring motivation, excitement, and real learning into your classroom! This post from Jennifer Runde will help you get started.

Are you looking forward to your summer school program or are you dreading it? If you're looking for an engaging, fun, character-building, relationship-building summer school session this year, think about going project-based. This blog post highlights the benefits of a proejct-based summer school program. Check it out! #projectbasedlearning