Genius Hour Complete

The Genius Hour blog is finally complete and I have learned so much, not just about my research question about how to incorporate movement in the classroom, but also how to use the many resources my tech teacher provided us with along the way. I got the idea to use Virtual Field Trips in the classroom, learned how to use Google Docs for quizzes, learned how to embed files, learned about a useful jeopardy site, learned how to more effectively use Google calendar, learned how to use PowToon, learned how to make a video with iMovie, learned about copyright laws online, learned about AMAZING resources to use online for teaching. Ex. ClassDojo, Planboard.chalk, learned more about PowToon like how to add effects, learned how to make use of Backroom chats for group work, learned how to make a successful Tedtalk, and learned how to add music/voice overs in Powtoon. This technology course gave me so many resources that I will definitely use in my future and taught me how to properly use these resources for a more efficient and effective classroom setting!

Movement Across the Curriculum

The more research I did online the more I realized you can really use movement in any subject, not just dance, drama, or gym. It can be really cross-curricular! Simple Google and Pinterest searches of movement and ________, will show you many resources you can use. When I Pinterested movement and math, here were many resources that showed students walking around classrooms and getting up and problem solving on the board in front of and with the rest of the class. Gallery walks can be accomplished in many subjects, even history, so that you can really explore other students' opinions based on any type of event or historical figure. When I went to the Movement workshop, they facilitator showed us how to use dance to teach students about different cycles for science class. Students can group up and choose different movements for each stages of a cycle, such as the water cycle, and then present their dance for the rest of the class to guess what cycle it is. Then the dancers, the masters of that cycle, will describe the cycle to the rest of the class. Many resources are available to incorporating movement into the classroom and it really helps with getting students engaged and excited about learning.

Decided

So I finally decided what to do for my Genius Hour project. There are a lot of students with attention disorders in my placement and they are always struggling to sit still because they just have so much energy. Not only this but all students are sitting for 8 hours a day in their classrooms and then they go home and spend hours in front of the TV watching shows or playing video games! When we as teachers have them for 8 hours a day and we decide what we teach and what goes on in that classroom why wouldn't we want to get them up and moving when we can. It is healthier for the students, and gets them engaged and interested in learning what you're teaching them. Students also remember things that interest them and when they are up and moving they are likely having more fun than when they are sitting at their desks. Thus, I've decided to research different ways I can incorporate movement into the classroom!