We launched something very special in our class this week. Often called "passion projects", our Genius Hour is a time for students to:

• Collaborate

• Research

• Make or teach something

We started by brainstorming topics we're really excited about or want to learn more about after watching this video. Then we watched this sweet Kid President video and brainstormed ways we want to help or change the world. Next, each child listed a whole bunch of topics they were interested in pursuing. Looking carefully at these lists, I made intentional groups or paired up students for these collaborative projects. The kids then finalized their topics and started imagining and researching together. The next few weeks will involve all kinds of research...and most groups will make our teach something after fall break. It's incredible to see this high level of interest and engagement!

Check out this video, too!

"Always work hard and have fun in what you do because I think that’s when you’re more successful."

There is nothing more astonishing than watching Simone Biles do what she does best--crush it as the greatest gymnast of all time. However, in addition to ooh-ing and ahh-ing at Biles' record breaking, beautiful skills on the mat, bar, etc., we were able to dig deeper and learn more about Simone as a whole person. The kids were surprised to learn that Simone was a foster child and then adopted as a little girl. She and her little sister were separated from their two older siblings--a fact which brought up a lot of feelings for us. Simone also faced failure in her development as a gymnast. Rather than giving up, she persevered and kept trying. She also chose to not participate in the last Olympic games so that she could focus on her mental health. Although she faced much criticism for this choice, our class understood that we must value our whole selves--not just our accomplishments and publicly shown skills. We loved watching Simone return to dominate as the 26 year-old goddess she is. Go Simone!

Biography Link | Skills Named After Biles