Chapters 4-6 Reflection ~ Bommersbach

Chapter 4: There are so many benefits to incorporating 20% time into the classroom that I feel like I am definitely in the "That's Awesome!" camp that Juliani talks about on the first page of the chapter. That being said, it is a bit unnerving to think about 'unstructured' time with my group of 4th graders, especially in the beginning stages. I am really going to have to think about how to introduce the concept to my kiddos so that they understand it's all about THEIR passions, THEIR big questions in life, and THEIR intrinsic motivations. I can't wait to see what they come up with, and I love the idea that the final project itself not be graded. I also love the ideas of peer accountability and reflection. As teachers, we face peer accountability and self reflection on a daily (sometimes hourly :)) basis! I am excited, and a bit anxious, to introduce 20% time to my students, but love the idea that I will be learning right along with them!!

Chapter 5: Juliani says that his favorite way to introduce Genius Hour is for students to write a list of what they'd rather be doing right now than being in school, then to write a list of what they are interested in about this world, then to look at what they like doing and mash it up with something they are interested about (Juliani, pgs. 51-52). What an amazing way to get to know your students, and to get your students thinking about WHO they are and who they want to be! And I really appreciate the idea of teaching your kids to celebrate their failures and learn from them, not be weighed down by them. As an adult, I fail at things on a regular basis, and it's not always easy to pick myself up and start over again, or move on. But it is necessary, and that is one of the things I want my students to take away from this experience.

Chapter 6: One of the scarier ideas for me about implementing 20% time in my classroom is what to do with my students who just can't come up with a topic. And that is where this chapter comes in. Having students take notice of what they do when no one is telling them what to do (Juliani, pg. 67) is huge. What a great way to help kids identify their topic! Also, I really like the idea of having them explore the types of information they read and watch when they are allowed to choose (Juliani, pg. 68). Another great way to help them identify their topic. Keeping these ideas in mind will make implementing 20% time a lot less intimidating, and will also help me pick my own 20% topic, because I fully intend to work right alongside my students this year!