Bringing Genius Hour to Your Library: Implementing a Schoolwide Passion Project Program

(Paperback)

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Description

This unique book presents a practical and realistic approach to implementing a school-wide, K12 Genius Hour programone 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 choosingeven 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 taskespecially 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.

Reviews

Rush offers valuable information on proposing Genius Hour to school leadership and getting buy-in from key members of the faculty, along with realistic and helpful caveats that individual circumstances may vary. . . . This title emanates can-do spirit and a willingness to think big. * School Library Journal *
This guide takes the reader step by step through the process, covering topics like proposals to principals, teachers, and PTAs; incorporating curriculum standards; introducing genius hour to students; researching topics, skill lessons, and presentations. . . . . [T]he author stresses that students come up with the topics they are passionate about, which would be different from person to person. Overall, this book gives the reader a firm ground to start their own genius hour project. Recommended. * School Library Connection *
The writing tone is practical, and the layout has a how-to feel. . . . [L]ibrarians who like Rush's approach will find her process easy to apply. * Booklist Online *

Author Bio

Elizabeth Barrera Rush is a library specialist for Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, TX, providing support and training for elementary and secondary librarians district-wide.