It is time to update our status on our BettPassion project.
Part of our process in this project is to help students identify who they are and what their contributions are to the world.
What was amazing to me and other teachers were how many students really don’t believe they have anything to offer. It really broke my heart as an educator. The students who sauntered the hallways acting the most confident were the ones lacking the most confidence in themselves.
We are not just working on helping the world and offering our contributions, but we now had another element to address by helping students find themselves. If you don’t believe in yourself, then how can you help others?
Below is a slideshow showcasing how we had our students declare their Genius using light bulbs. Please check it out! I would love to see what others are doing to help students declare their genius.
One of the major mental blocks students faced was the context of the term “Genius”. They connected this term with the “gifted” or “smart” kids. What we had to do was show them that we are talking beyond that. What is it that you possess that allows problems to be solved. When we have an issue on a certain topic, can we go to you?
The next big goal is to use these Genius walls as a resource. If I am stuck on video editing, who can I go to for help? I need to brainstorm, who can help me? This wall will be a living breathing resource that we can all go to. It allows students to help others as well as see their genius spread.
We are currently in a phase where we are allowing students to find out what they need on their own. Part of this project is to help students find their independence and passion. They must begin to own it! This is not about requirements for a grade. This is about helping students find out how important their voice and ideas are to this world.
Next week we will be asking teams to submit their group folders showcasing examples of their work and connections. I will share those soon. From there each group will present on their current status. A few will want to go further and so we are in the process of developing a Shark Tank from local business owners to gain community buy in and to help students learn how to sell their ideas. We are very excited for this and have some amazing things in development.
To see more about our project check out my prior blog posts – http://coffeeforthebrain.blogspot.com/search?q=bettpassion
I have so much more to share and will do that soon. For now, let me know what you think, what questions you have, and what I can do to help please let me know.
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