Week 4 Update

Hello fellow blog readers and writers,

I cannot believe we are already finishing up week 4 of teacher's college and my Genius Hour is well on its way. Since I changed my topic I have been so excited to work on my assignment and it’s coming together quite nicely. I have thoroughly researched how to make a vision board and I am currently in the process of piecing my own vision board together. I have found it to be very therapeutic and enjoyable flipping through magazines and cutting out pictures that I feel best reflect my goals for the future. As I've been cutting out hundreds of pictures I brainstormed what I can discuss in my PDF file that I plan on making. The document will depict a lesson plan or activity that allows teachers to incorporate vision boards into their classroom. 

Marano, A. (CC) 2016.

From my brainstorming sessions I have found that vision boards should be incorporated into the classroom in the beginning of the year as a way for students to visualize their goals for that school year or their future goals. I think that this activity would be best for grades 3-6. The vision boards can be completed individually or the whole class can make one vision board. The group vision board forms a sense of community and allows everyone to be on the same page for setting goals. I've also found that the therapeutic aspect of this activity could be beneficial for student’s mental health and it’s also a great stress relief. Through the vision boards the student can reflect on their life and become organized with their mindset and what they want to achieve. I have learned a lot about myself throughout this process and there is a sense of vulnerability that a vision board exposes from you because you are being open and communicative with where you want to be in the next year or so.

My plan for the next coming weeks is to complete my vision board entirely and begin creating my lesson plan/activity. I also plan on starting my TedTalk and highlighting key points of this Genius Hour experience.

Marano, A. (CC) 2016.

Come along for the ride!