Summarize the purpose of your Genius Hour project in 140 characters.
The purpose of my genius hour was to teach other people the importance of sign language, learn the language, and teach it to others as well. Explain the process of your Genius Hour project. Be reflective. Be contemplative. Explain and describe your journey. (No Less Than Three FULL Paragraphs.) There were several planning stages that went along with my genius hour project. The first was choosing a topic, and at first it was a very difficult decision. I debated between several topics including cooking, sewing and sports but then I finally decided to do a sign language project. I thought that this would be perfect for me because I know a little of the language so far and how to do the alphabet and other simple signs. The next stage however would be a little more challenging than the first. The next step was to research and learn about the language. I found a few sites that helped me along one was called Signing Savvy and the other one is called Life print. The sites were very easy to use and were also helpful to my learning. I practiced a lot and worked hard to memorize the signs. Once I started I caught on very quickly and learned the signs with ease. The final step would be the most challenging one and that was picking an audience. Now I had a few suggestions from my teacher, but she wanted me to give the presentation in front of my 12th grade English class which was something that was definitely out of my comfort zone. I searched and searched until finally my teacher suggested a 1st grade class that her daughter is in. They had already learned some sign language and knew what it was. So I contacted the teacher and asked her if she was ok with me coming in and teaching her class. When she responded with a yes my project was put into motion. The intention For Genius Hour is NOT only to learn, but ALSO to share your knowledge with others who can and will benefit from your learning. How did you share your learning? What do you hope the result might be? (No Less Than Two Full Paragraphs.) When I finally found my audience the next step was what to teach them. Their teacher suggested that I teach them their vocab words for the week which seemed like a great idea until I got them. They did not relate to one another at all and it would be very hard to make a game out of them. Then I realized that colors was the way to go so I worked hard to prepare a fun game for the children to play and a lesson on colors. When I arrived on Wednesday afternoon their teacher was there to meet me at the door. She introduced me to the class and then we went over a quick color lesson. The children were so excited when I told them about the game, and I told them that it would involve all of the colors we learned. The colors I taught them in ALS were red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, white, brown, black, and gray. They caught on very quickly and I was very impressed with how well behaved they all were. If you could do anything different with your Genius Hour project what would you do differently and why? (No less than two full paragraphs.) If I could have done anything different with my genius hour project it would have been one of two things. First I wish I would have chosen sign language as my first topic to begin with. My original topic was to discover the truth about historical events, and I switched it to sign language halfway through. If I would have started with sign language I could have learned a lot more than I did and presented it to others in a unique way. Next I wish I would have taken more time to focus on my genius hour project. We were given some time in class to work on it and I definitely made use of it, but I did not work on the project on my own time. If I would have I feel as though I could have had a better product in the end. Also I wish I would have made better use of my class time, because I used it to work on homework at times that were put aside for Genius Hour. Reflect on what you did well during this Genius Hour process? Note your successes and accomplishments. (No less than two full paragraphs.) I feel as though I accomplished a lot during the course of my genius hour. I discovered the truth about historic events, and also used my time to learn a new language. I did my best with the time I was given and really enjoyed this process. I was able to teach our class new things along with a first grade class as well. I feel as though the knowledge I gave them will be with them forever, and it was a joy and a pleasure to teach them. The biggest success I feel I experienced in the whole process was not from teaching the older kids, but the younger ones. When I told them that we were learning sign language they were so excited and their faces were so bright. They enjoyed every minute of learning, and inspired me to keep doing so also. Regardless of what I did for my Genius Hour project it is obvious they are the reason that my project was a success. I am so thankful I was able to do this project, and hope to continue my education of history and sign language in the near future. Include any videos, pictures, presentations, or artifacts that will document your journey. Well my step by step plan for the next week is to do the following
1. Gather information about certain signs to show the kids. 2. Prepare a game to play with the children to help learning. 3. Go to Mrs. Allen's Classroom and teach information to the children. 4. Report and video what I have done. Basically I will be going to Mrs. Allen's class room on Wednesday to teach the children a little sign language lesson, and then come up with a creative game to show them. I am very excited to share this information with the children, and Mrs. Allen said that she is to. |
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