Hello Division 4 Parents!
You may have heard your child speaking about Genius Hour or
talking about having to create something for school. This May, Division 4
students will have the opportunity to learn about something THEY choose to
learn about! The Grade 5 BC curriculum recognizes that each student has their
own interests and passions and that time is needed for students to explore
those interests. This is the idea behind Genius Hour.
Genius Hour or the idea behind it is practiced in many elementary
and high schools. Its origins likely come from the Google company which allows its
engineers to spend 20% of their working time on projects they are interested
in.
What does this look like for us? Over the past month, students in
Division 4 have been brainstorming areas they are interested in learning about.
Last week, students were to come up with a question that they wanted to
explore. Most students crafted a question but some are still trying to pinpoint
that question. After coming up with their question, students have 3 tasks:
1. Research.
Students need to choose a question that requires them to find things out.
Students should keep a journal of their learning. Their journal can be a
written journal, written and photo journal, or video journal. Journal entries
are due the Friday of each week.
2. Create.
Students will need to create something. Some students want to create a robot,
learn how to bake a certain thing, learn how to draw a dress, etc.
3. Present.
Near the end of May, students will present their learning and bring in their
creation. Students may present with a demonstration, PowerPoint or explanation
of their creation. Students will be given 3 minutes to share their learning.
Most of the research and creating
will need to be done at home though students will have opportunities to ask
questions and share their learning in class each week. Students should lead and
direct all of their learning though parents are welcome to assist and supervise
(if needed).
Sincerely,
Julie Russell
