Bringing Genius Hour to Your Library

Implementing a Schoolwide Passion Project Program

Elizabeth Barrera Rush

• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited
• Year: 2017
• eBook ISBN: 9798216056119
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Languages & Linguistics
• Subtopic: Library & Information Science
• Index: Languages & Linguistics

This unique book presents a practical and realistic approach to implementing a school-wide, K–12 Genius Hour program—one that can succeed regardless of budgetary and infrastructure constraints. Genius Hour is a movement in which students are allowed to spend a portion of their in-school time learning about a topic of their choosing—even subjects outside of the curriculum. When properly implemented, a Genius Hour program can create true passion for learning among unmotivated students, ignite interest in STEM as well as the arts, encourage collaboration, improve the relationship between educator and students, and help prepare students for real life outside of the educational system. But revamping a school library program to offer a Genius Hour program may seem like an insurmountable task—especially when working with a limited staff or budget. This book provides specific direction and concrete advice that enables school librarians to lead a school-wide program for all grade levels, from kindergarten to 12th grade. It explains why Genius Hour is the perfect program complement to the learning commons environment; presents research and support that will empower librarians to make a convincing case to administration; explains how to enlist the participation of faculty; and provides step-by-step guidance to begin, successfully manage, and grow a campus-wide Genius Hour. Librarians will see why investing in "creative teaching" is worth the effort, despite their limited time and resources; understand how to help underperforming students make their distractions "count" in school; and look forward to playing a part in creating imaginative and independent thinkers, not test takers.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction: What Is Genius Hour?
• Chapter 1: Why Genius Hour?
• Chapter 2: Proposing Genius Hour to Your Campus
• Chapter 3: The Magnitude of Your Effort
• Chapter 4: Schedules, Project Duration, and Life in General
• Chapter 5: Organization and Communication
• Chapter 6: Addressing Curriculum
• Chapter 7: The Navy SEAL Approach to Genius Hour
• Chapter 8: Introducing Genius Hour to Your Students
• Chapter 9: Managing Many Topics
• Chapter 10: While You Are Waiting
• Chapter 11: Integration Sensation
• Chapter 12: Skills Lessons
• Chapter 13: Presentations
• Chapter 14: Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum
• Chapter 15: “Genius Hour, Too”: Bridging the Gap
• Chapter 16: Managing Group Projects
• Chapter 17: Getting Ready for Presentations and Next Year
• Chapter 18: Conclusion: Making Genius Hour Your Own
• Appendix A: Strong Teacher Support
• Appendix B: Welcome to Genius Hour Brochure
• Appendix C: Program Plan for Month of January (Sample)
• Appendix D: What Are You Doing?!? Worksheet
• Appendix E: Note-Taking Lesson
• Appendix F: Genius Hour Presentation Checklist
• Recommended Reading
• Index
• About the Author