Genius Hour: Passion Projects That Ignite Innovation and Student Inquiry

by Andi McNair

Genius Hour provides educators with the tools that they need to successfully implement genius hour, or passion projects, in the classroom. Presented through an easy-to-follow six-step strategy, teachers will utilize the six P's-passion, pitch, plan, project, product, and presentation-as a map for students to follow as they create, design, and carry out projects. Students will experience personalized learning through these self-driven projects, application of standards and real-world skills, and opportunities to learn through failure and reflection. The book includes handouts, suggested online resources, and tips and tricks to make the genius hour process meaningful for students and manageable for educators, as well as a discussion of genius hour's importance and impact on gifted students as they take ownership of their own learning.

Genres: Education, Professional Development, Nonfiction, Teaching

160 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2017

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

When this book was recommended to me, I was under the impression that it was going to be applicable for all grade levels. However, it is very clearly geared towards elementary teachers and students, which is a major contrast from my 11th and 12th grade classroom. Although the examples shared were very simplistic, there were still some good nuggets that I can apply to my own teaching. I like the organization of the 6 P’s, but I need to spend substantial time thinking about how I can apply tips from this book to my own classroom. Overall, it was somewhat helpful in growing my understanding of this process, but it was not very beneficial in providing upper level tools or examples.

[Amanda Paschen · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a book study at school.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is organized well but is geared more for elementary teachers. I honestly don't think I learned more about Genius Hour from this book than I have from reading other teachers' accounts of their experiences with Genius Hour either on their blogs or via social media.

Still, if you've never done Genius Hour before and want to learn how it could work in an elementary setting, this book is a good place to start.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you really want something to work out, you have to put the time in and deal with the mess afterwards. The main thesis is finding ways to allow student to explore subjects and work on projects that motivate and interest them. The book is full of checklists, tips, reflection questions, and projects to work on. Reader can pick one or pick parts depending upon time and materials available. The biggest challenge will be getting support from parents and school administrators. While the methods proposed will not work for everyone, there are nuggets and simple exercises that can be adapted for most classrooms.

I was randomly chosen through a Goodreads Giveaway to receive this book free from the publisher. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Paul Hankins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having interacted with Andi McNair last week in a Wonderopolis-sponsored and hosted chat, I wanted to learn more about Genius Hour through her book here. McNair's book lays out nicely the nuts-and-bolts of Genius Hour providing definitions and backgrounds. The author codifies what she refers to as the six Ps of Genius Hour and these elements are an essential way of looking at Genius Hour if this is an interest to educators and their practice with students and within the classroom. Each of the Ps explored are coupled with technology and applications that a student might use to approach and to present upon that particular element. McNair is earnest and ethical in her references back to the early thinking that goes into what we know now as Genius Hour. Extra ready-for-the-classroom materials are offered within.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read on a 2 hour flight. I read this book with the eyes of a parent to gifted children hoping to incorporate these concepts into a homeschooling environment. Much different than a teacher with classes of kids. While Andi mentions her experience in gifted education, I couldn’t tell if this was a program tailored to GT only or if it’s meant for all children at all schools. I assume it could be either/or. Additionally, I want to know if this could be utilized for more than an hour a week or do kids tend to burn out from more than that. To summarize, this book gives some great structure and insights to a program that seems chaotic. Andi made a lot of the mistakes so you do t have to. I highly recommend this book to any teachers who are stuck in a rut of administrative politics, standardization, and are looking for a way to re-ignite learning in classrooms.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genius hour, passion project, whatever you may call it this is an excellent resource! This book explains all aspects of the projects and has example handouts to assist throughout. Online resources are included, as well. Written clearly and without jargon, it is easy to see the author's excitement and belief in the value of these projects. She entices classroom teachers to incorporate genius hour in their own classrooms by reminding that passions motivated excellence far more than any other lessons. Not just for gifted classrooms, this book is highly recommended!
(This book was received as an arc in exchange for an honest review.)

[Gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genius Hour and the workbook that goes along with this were both helpful. They both give ideas for successful projects that engage students and empower them to own their own learning.

The author, Andi McNair, did an anazing webinar for New England ISTE and here are the links. You can earn a certificate by wathing or listening to a recording and completing an exit ticket. There are over 70 great webinars for you to watch.

Video: https://bit.ly/6PsGeniusHourWebinar
Audio: https://bit.ly/6PsGeniusHourAudio
Archive Page: bit.ly/2J8AdVd
Exit Ticket: bit.ly/2OxwwM0

[Amber Kirbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for teachers looking to start Genius Hour in their class or who just want to let students have more choice in their learning. One of the things I liked about this book is that it was written by someone who has classroom experience and is up to date with current technology. I like that the author included links to the different resources and websites she mentions. I also liked that she included the handouts she gives to her students to help guide them in the Genius Hour process. One of the things I am interested in, is how this process will work with older students who are not gifted. The group of students I work with are pretty much the exact opposite of her students; they have been identified as success (likely to drop out of school) and they are middle school aged (too cool or too self conscious). I am not sure this process will be as successful with my students, especially since I cannot dedicate days to working on a project of their choice; especially when it might not directly relate to the vast number of standards I am expected to cover. I do think I could modify this process and use pieces of it when allowing my students to work on projects.

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andi is so practical and so very helpful! This book was very teacher-friendly and gave links to other resources to implement this into the classroom. I also appreciated her sharing mistakes she made and ways she’d do them differently now. I can’t wait for my gifted kiddos to pursue their own passions!

[Regina Hoskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easily accessible book with great tips and a clear structure to implement Genius Hour in any class. I loved that McNair included several resources and options so nobody has to start from scratch to provide this meaningful opportunity to students.

[Courtney Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

We did a genius hour pilot with our fourth graders and this book served as our guide. The six steps and resources shared helped us map out the two month pilot. We used additional resources and videos as well, but Genius Hour- Ignite Passion... was our foundation.

[Jenny Leeds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the format of the book and the short resource summaries at the end of each chapter and in the appendix! I can't wait o bring Genius Hour to my classroom.

[Abby Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait to use this!

[Susan McGilvray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource for any teacher - whether you just want to try it or are ready to jump in. Lots of useful information and necessary tips!

[Joy Kirr]

If you want a simple, easy-to-implement process for Genius Hour, this quick book works!

[Jamie Johnson Leach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy to read and understand outline for Genius Hour.