A Meaningful Mess

In this episode of A Meaningful Mess podcast, Andi McNair and guest Tina Wyman discuss the importance of depth and complexity in education, particularly for gifted learners. They explore the depth and complexity icons, how they can be effectively integrated into classroom practices, and the cognitive growth they promote in students. The conversation emphasizes the need for educators to approach the use of these icons thoughtfully, starting small and building upon them to foster critical thinking and deeper understanding in students. Practical strategies for implementation and the significance of creating a culture of inquiry and engagement in the classroom are also highlighted.TakeawaysDepth and complexity helps students think like experts.The icons serve as visual tools for deeper understanding.Incorporating depth and complexity can transform learning experiences.Starting small with icons prevents overwhelming students.The icons encourage critical thinking and metacognition.Using the icons effectively requires active engagement, not passive learning.Depth and complexity can be applied across all subjects.The icons foster empathy and understanding of multiple perspectives.Project-based learning can integrate depth and complexity seamlessly.Creating a culture of inquiry enhances student ownership of learning.ResourcesCenter for Depth and Complexity

In this episode, I discuss the do's and don'ts of implementing Genius Hour in the classroom. I emphasize the importance of expecting real learning rather than perfection, focusing on the process instead of the product, and supporting students through their struggles. I also highlight the value of embracing uncertainty as a teacher and providing meaningful feedback rather than grades. This conversation is packed with insights and practical advice for educators looking to enhance student engagement and learning through passion projects.Want to register for the Genius Hour Academy in Waco, Texas this summer? Join me for two days of learning, connecting, and growing. I'd love to see you there! Learn more HERE! SHOW NOTES: TakeawaysDon't expect perfection, but do expect real learning.Focus on the process, not the product.Support learners as they work through their struggles.Don't be afraid to say, 'I don't know.'Do not give grades for Genius Hour projects.Provide meaningful feedback throughout the process.Celebrate small wins in student learning.Real learning is relevant, engaging, active, and lasting.Genius Hour fosters intrinsic motivation in students.Join the Genius Hour Academy for hands-on learning opportunities.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Genius Hour03:29 Expecting Real Learning Over Perfection06:51 Focusing on Process, Not Product09:39 Supporting Learners Through Struggles12:50 Embracing the Unknown Together15:36 Feedback Over Grades in Genius Hour18:43 Conclusion and Upcoming Events23:28 Introduction to A Meaningful Mess23:50 Engaging with the Audience24:08 gaming-outro-high-short.wav

How can we give gifted education the main character energy it deserves? In this episode, I'm sharing why bold advocacy, meaningful learning experiences, and student ownership are essential for truly serving gifted learners. I'll walk you through five practical strategies to elevate gifted education—embracing big talk, celebrating uniqueness, advocating for transformative policies, prioritizing purpose in learning, and empowering students to own their stories. If you're ready to rethink how we support gifted learners and make a real impact, this episode is for you!SHOW NOTES:

This conversation explores the unexpected wins of Genius Hour, highlighting the importance of fostering creativity, executive functioning skills, and community building among learners. Educators share personal stories of student projects that exceeded expectations, the significance of reflection, and the transformative power of allowing learners to pursue their passions. The discussion emphasizes the need for a supportive environment that encourages risk-taking and resilience, ultimately leading to meaningful learning experiences. SHOW NOTES: Key Takeaways Genius Hour fosters creativity and passion in students. Unexpected wins can lead to significant personal growth. Executive functioning skills are crucial for project success. Building community enhances the Genius Hour experience. Encouraging risk-taking helps students develop resilience. Reflection is key to recognizing student growth. Transformative experiences can arise from student-led projects. Students thrive when given a voice in their learning. A structured approach can guide students through projects. Patience and support are essential for student success. Chapters 00:00 Embracing Passion and Skills in Education 01:40 The Power of Executive Functioning 04:41 Unexpected Success Stories in Genius Hour 07:57 Learning Through the Journey 10:34 Encouraging Risk-Taking in Projects 16:11 Transformative Project Ideas 20:22 Fostering a Safe Learning Environment 27:09 Engaging Student Projects and Validation 28:07 Adapting Projects to Meet Community Needs 29:00 Unexpected Turns in Student Projects 31:22 Building Stamina and Resilience in Learning 32:10 The Importance of Check-Ins and Reflection 34:13 Creating Timelines for Project Success 37:15 Reflecting on Learning and Growth 39:00 Empowering Students Through Real-World Projects 42:00 Strategies for Effective Reflection 47:06 The Power of Community and Connection 49:33 Final Thoughts on Implementing Genius Hour Resources: To learn more about Andi's Genius Hour Framework and book, please visit andimcnair.com/geniushour. Special Guests Laura Haselton Catherine Augustine Dyan Branstetter Emily Frady From Laura: Skateboarding Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXKaeyS6AtA&t=5s From Dyan: Instagram Handle: giftedthinkers_excelResources:  To help with inspiration: Kids Do the Most Remarkable Things by Great Big Story: https://youtu.be/or0tspzzI-4?si=QNYlsiwWYk4wMr2b Teaching Slides:  https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1P986nPUAVB25CuNlVbdwyUZ19gD_cSLPjmglVLBt_ns/copy?usp=sharing Reflection Slides student template: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ngIdXiD4QmHATW64rz-kAA4PFTX0LpS6kC-B2c_8siA/copy?usp=sharing From Emily: The curriculum I mentioned: Encounters with Archetypes: Integrated ELA Lessons for Gifted and Advanced Learners Grades  4-5  https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781003234890/encounters-archetypes-tamra-stambaugh-emily-mofield-eric-fecht-kim-knaussI know you've talked about the 6 Thinking Hats: https://www.debonogroup.com/services/core-programs/six-thinking-hats/ Instagram: @emily_frady

In this episode of A Meaningful Mess, Andi discusses the significance of games in gifted education with guests Amanda O'Neil and Bobby Parmann. They explore how games can enhance social-emotional learning, teach life-ready skills, and engage learners in meaningful ways. The conversation includes practical tips for implementing games in the classroom, organizing game materials, and fostering a positive learning environment. Amanda and Bobby also share their favorite games and resources for educators looking to incorporate game-based learning into their teaching practices. SHOW NOTES: Keywords gifted education, games, social-emotional learning, classroom management, life skills, teaching strategies, educational resources, gifted learners, game-based learning, student engagement Takeaways Games are crucial for engaging gifted learners. Play enhances learning and retention significantly. Social-emotional skills can be developed through games. Healthy competition fosters growth and learning. Games provide opportunities for life-ready skills practice. Organizing games effectively can enhance classroom management. Students can take ownership of their learning through games. Incorporating familiar games can ease students into new experiences. Reflection after games enhances learning and retention. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gifted Games 04:05 The Importance of Play in Learning 07:15 Benefits of Gifted Games for Learners 10:09 Life-Ready Skills Through Games 13:17 Practical Game: Counting to 20 16:01 Establishing Norms for Game Day 19:09 Organizing Games in the Classroom 21:11 Creative Organization Strategies 22:27 Engaging Games for Gifted Learners 26:48 Implementing Games in the Classroom 30:56 Reflecting on Game Experiences 32:13 Exciting Resources for Teachers 36:02 Introduction to Gifted Onboarding Masterclass 36:29 Understanding Giftedness and Its Importance

Work with Andi 1:1 to utilize purposeful passion projects as a way to identify and serve gifted learners in your classroom or on your campus. Use the code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount. Summary In this episode, Andi discusses the significance of establishing norms for Genius Hour and passion projects in the classroom. She emphasizes the need for clarity and ownership among students, providing a framework for creating effective norms. The episode outlines key norms such as ownership, curiosity, time management, communication, and reflection, and suggests implementing a classroom contract to reinforce these expectations. Andi encourages educators to adapt these norms to fit their unique classroom environments, ultimately aiming to foster meaningful learning experiences for gifted learners. Keywords Genius Hour, passion projects, classroom norms, gifted education, student ownership, learning framework, education strategies, project-based learning, reflection, collaboration Takeaways Genius Hour is a unique learning experience that requires clear norms. Establishing norms helps students understand their roles and responsibilities. Ownership and responsibility are crucial for student engagement. Curiosity should drive students' project choices and exploration. Time management is essential for consistent progress on projects. Communication and collaboration enhance the learning experience. Reflection is necessary to acknowledge growth and learning. Creating norms can help maintain focus and direction in projects. A classroom contract can clarify expectations and roles. Adapting norms to fit your classroom is key to success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Genius Hour Norms 02:29 The Importance of Norms in Passion Projects 04:43 Creating Effective Norms 11:07 Five Key Classroom Norms 20:31 Implementing a Classroom Contract Resources Gifted Onboarding Masterclass and BIG TALK Community Genius Hour Norms Instagram Post Genius Hour Classroom Contract/Agreement In the agreement, I added a safety/appropriateness piece. You are welcome to utilize this agreement as is or as a guide as you create your own agreement for you and your learners. Genius Hour Learning Guides

In this episode of A Meaningful Mess, Andi McNair discusses the importance of embracing vulnerability and the value of experiences that may not represent our best selves. Through a personal anecdote about a grocery store encounter, she emphasizes that valuable learning can occur even when we feel less than perfect. The conversation encourages educators and gifted learners to reflect on their experiences rather than striving for perfection, fostering a mindset that values growth and learning opportunities. SHOW NOTES: Keywords gifted education, meaningful experiences, passion projects, vulnerability, reflection, learning opportunities, high expectations, risk-taking, educator insights, personal growth Takeaways We often think that if something isn't our best, it isn't valuable. Valuable learning can happen even when we aren't at our best. Expecting perfection can hinder our willingness to take risks. Reflection is key to understanding the value of our experiences. Learning opportunities exist everywhere, not just in our best work. It's unrealistic to expect anyone to be their best all the time. Encouraging reflection helps learners grow from their experiences. Taking risks can lead to unexpected and meaningful connections. Our best work should not be the only focus in portfolios. Finding meaning in the mess is essential for growth.

Keywordseducation, vocabulary, teaching, learning experiences, classroom ownership, struggle, failure, real world, peer tutoring, thought partnershipTakeawaysWords matter in education; they should convey clear understanding.Shifting from 'activity' to 'experience' enhances learning impact.Referring to 'my classroom' as 'our learning space' fosters ownership.Struggle is an ongoing process, while failure feels final.School is part of the real world; we should respect that.Thought partnership is more valuable than peer tutoring.Language shapes student perceptions and engagement.Educators should reflect on their vocabulary choices.Small shifts in language can lead to significant changes in mindset.2025 is an opportunity for growth in education.Chapters00:00 Reconsidering Words in Education05:05 Shifting Perspectives on Classroom Ownership07:12 The Importance of Struggle Over Failure10:26 Rethinking the 'Real World' Concept12:13 From Peer Tutor to Thought Partner16:39 New ChapterShare your wrong word HERE!

In this episode, Andi McNair discusses the challenges faced by gifted learners when they have to wait for their peers to catch up. Through a personal anecdote about being stuck behind a work convoy, she draws parallels to the experiences of these learners in educational settings. Andi emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the needs of gifted learners by providing meaningful extensions that allow them to engage with the content at their own pace.

In this episode, Andi McNair shares her key takeaways from the NAGC and TAGT Gifted Conferences, highlighting innovative ideas, networking opportunities, and the importance of family involvement in gifted education. She emphasizes the need for play in learning, creative thinking routines, and the long-term vision for gifted education, encouraging educators to engage in meaningful conversations and celebrate achievements.

In this episode, Andi McNair discusses the significance of 'Big Talk' in educational settings, particularly during Genius Hour. She reflects on her experiences at recent conferences and emphasizes the importance of meaningful conversations that go beyond small talk. The episode explores how Big Talk can enhance understanding, support, and encourage learners, while also fostering thought partnerships between educators and students. Andi shares practical questions to facilitate Big Talk and announces the launch of a new community focused on driving change in gifted education. SHOW NOTES

In this episode, Andi McNair discusses the concept of gifted onboarding, emphasizing its importance in the educational journey of gifted learners. She introduces a structured framework consisting of four pillars: clarity, community, content, and challenge, each essential for effective gifted education. The conversation highlights the need for intentional onboarding processes to ensure gifted learners and their families understand giftedness, feel supported, and are appropriately challenged throughout their educational experience. Andi also shares insights on how to implement these pillars in educational settings and announces an upcoming masterclass for deeper exploration of the gifted onboarding framework.

In this episode, I explain three ways that Genius Hour helps learners gain self-awareness and why it matters. SHOW NOTES --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andi-mcnair/message

What is gifted onboarding and how can you make it a priority on your campus or in your district? In this episode, I answer that question as I share why all of us should be making gifted onboarding a priority for gifted learners and their families. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andi-mcnair/message

In this episode, Andi shares 5 "I will..." statements that can be utilized to help learners have a better understanding of the Genius Hour experience. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andi-mcnair/message

In this episode, I share how the Pomodoro Technique can benefit gifted learner and how we, as educators, can utilize the idea to increase focus and sustained motivation. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andi-mcnair/message

I apologize for some of the sound issues on this episode. We were using our phones and my sound just didn't pick up as well as I hoped it would. But, this is a great interview that you are going to want to hear! Also, if you caught the end recording before I edited, I'm so sorry, I forgot to delete our end conversation so you got to hear our "after" conversation. Just one of my "messy" moments! LOL! On this episode, I had an amazing conversation with Julie Lee, AKA Socratic Sister. She shared her best tips and favorite outcomes of making socratic seminars a priority in the classroom. If this is something you've thought about implementing, already implemented, or have never heard of before, you have to listen to this episode. Julie shares some wonderful advice that I just know you are going to absolutely LOVE! SHOW NOTES --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andi-mcnair/message

In this episode, I talk about meaningful goal-setting in the classroom and why setting healthy goals are so important for our gifted learners. SHOW NOTES andimcnair.com/episode82 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andi-mcnair/message

Is wonder a priority in your classroom? Did you know that being able to wonder can lead to a deeper understanding of content? Cultivating a willingness to wonder in the classroom is more important than ever before and this episode, I share three easy ways to make it happen! SHOW NOTES

In this episode, I share what essential questions are, why they are so important for gifted learners, and how they can be utilized throughout the Genius Hour process.

In this episode, I share the difference between entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship as well as how Genius Hour can prepare learners for both.

In this episode, I share 5 specific ways that you can utilize AI right now to differentiate content for your gifted and advanced learners. You don't want to miss this one! SHOW NOTES

In this episode, I have a conversation with my very own thought partner, Kari Espin. We talk about what thought partnership is, how it can be incorporated in the classroom, and why it's so much more valuable than peer tutoring.

On today's episode, I share about gifted leaders and the different types of leaders that might exist within the classroom environment. I also spend some time during this episode sharing how to identify and empower these specific types of leadership styles as learners are working on their Genius Hour projects. Show Notes HERE

In this episode, we explore the difference between mastery and perfectionism. Learn three key differences and practical ways that we can help our learners lean into mastery rather than perfectionism.

In this episode, I share 5 reasons that productive struggle is so important and how we can make it a priority when implementing Genius Hour in the classroom. SHOW NOTES: andimcnair.com/episode74

I think that identifying gifted learners is so important. Because, if they are never identified, they are never served. And, that can lead to some less than desirable outcomes. In this episode, I share the reasons that learners are often not identified as well as some innovative ideas for identifying gifted learners that you may not have considered. SHOW NOTES: andimcnair.com/episode 73

In this episode, I share the difference between passion projects (Genius Hour) and research projects as well as why it's so important that we, as educators, know and understand the difference. SHOW NOTES: andimcnair.com/episode72

In this episode, I share specific questioning strategies and question examples that we can use, as educators, to help our learners make progress, take ownership, and reflect on their learning as they work on their Genius Hour projects. You can find the show notes at andimcnair.com/episode71.

In this episode, I share 6 practical ways that educators and administrators can encourage family involvement in the gifted education program.  Show notes can be found at andimcnair.com/episode70.

On today's episode, my special guest talks about creativity and the role that it plays in gifted education.  This episode is full of practical ideas and innovative solutions that you can implement in your classroom tomorrow.  Show notes can be found at andimcnair.com/episode69.  

In this episode, I talk about ChatGPT and how we might utilize it in the classroom. I share what artificial intelligence can do, what it can't do, and why we shouldn't be afraid of what's coming next.

The home school connection is so important and is something that should be prioritized when implementing Genius Hour in the classroom. In this episode, I share five practical ways to make that connection a reality. Show Notes can be found at andimcnair.com/episode 67.

I often hear so many things about this type of learning that simply aren't true. On today's episode, I share five myths around passion-based learning. We will explore, not only the myth, but also the reality that needs to be considered before implementing Genius Hour into your classroom. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Genius Hour is so much more than free time How passion projects are different from research projects Why Genius Hour isn't just for gifted learners How to manage Genius Hour How to find the time and resource to make this type of learning a priority Resources: My Genius Hour Resources Genius Hour - The Book Want to Learn More (and do me a favor)? Follow me on Instagram @a_meaningful_mess Visit my Website Subscribe to my podcast and share with your friends/colleagues Leave a review to let me know what you thought about what I shared today

Giving your learners an opportunity to create authentic products can help them move from simply learning content to understanding content. When students deeply understand what is being learned, they will be able to use what they know to create something new. In this episode, we talk about why products are important, how they can be utilized, and how we can give feedback that matters. In this episode, you'll learn: Why products are important What types of products can your learners can create How you can provide authentic feedback to honor their work Resources: Webb's Depth of Knowledge Gold Standard PBL: Public Product (PBLWorks.org) The Products Students Can Create (PBLWorks.org) 100 Final Product Ideas for PBL PBL Baby Steps Scratch Passion Projects that Ignite Innovation and Student Inquiry (the book) Single Point Rubrics Want to Learn More (and do me a favor)? Follow me on Instagram @a_meaningful_mess Visit my Website Subscribe to my podcast and share with your friends/colleagues Leave a review to let me know what you thought about what I shared today

Underachievement can be frustrating and difficult to understand.  Why would a learner capable of so much achieve so little?  In this episode, I share three specific causes of underachievement and specific ways that it can be addressed.  If you are a parent or learner of an underachiever, this episode is for you! In this episode, you'll learn: What is underachievement? What causes underachievement? How can we support gifted learners that are underachieving? Resources: https://www.nagc.org/resources-publications/resources/achievement-keeping-your-child-challenged/underachievement Want to Learn More (and do me a favor)? Follow me on Instagram Visit my Website  Subscribe to my podcast and share with your friends/colleagues Leave a review to let me know what you thought about what I shared today

Have you ever wished that your learners could make their class presentations more meaningful? In this episode, 5th grade teacher, Tiffany Perry shares a framework that she created to make this happen in her own classroom. Listen as she shares practical ideas and easy-to-use resources that will make presentations much more meaningful through intentionality. In this episode, you'll learn: A framework for purposeful presentations How to utilize Question Formulation Technique in the classroom Why depth should be considered by today's learners How to improve presentation delivery Resources: Expanding Students' Ideas About How to Give Presentations by Tiffany Perry and Michael Glasheen Question Formulation Technique What is a Decision Matrix? Connect with Tiffany 5-Day Challenge Want to Learn More (and do me a favor)? Follow me on Instagram Visit my Website Subscribe to my podcast and share with your friends/colleagues Leave a review to let me know what you thought about what I shared today

In this episode, I share three intentional pivots that I had to make to shift from being a traditional teacher that did what was easy to being an innovative educator that did what was write. In this episode, you'll learn: Why pivots are important What to do when you feel stuck How to become a connected education How to shift the way that you lesson plan How to ask the right question Resources: Blog Post Teach Like a Pirate by Dave Burgess 5-Day Challenge Want to Learn More (and do me a favor)? Follow me on Instagram Visit my Website Subscribe to my podcast and share with your friends/colleagues Leave a review to let me know what you thought about what I shared today

Everybody makes mistakes...on this episode, I share four mistakes that I made when serving my gifted learners in the general education classroom as well as what we must consider in order to avoid making these mistakes in the future. In this episode, you will learn: Why we shouldn't tell gifted learners that they are smart Why perfection shouldn't be the expectation Why comparison is always a bad idea How we can design experiences with gifted learners in mind Resources: Episode 58 - Strengths-First Mindset Episode 59 - Embracing and Encouraging Productive Struggle Episode 51 and 52 - Gifted Kid Burnout Want to Learn More (and do me a favor)? Follow me on Instagram Visit my Website Subscribe to my podcast and share with your friends/colleagues Leave a review to let me know what you thought about what I shared today

It's no secret that Genius Hour had a huge impact on myself as an educator and on my learners. In this episode, I share 7 important attributes of passion projects that need to be considered when making this type of learning a priority in the classroom. In this episode, you will learn: What Genius Hour Is and Is Not 7 Key Attributes of Passion Project 4 Ideas for Actionable Projects The Difference Between Passion and Purpose Resources: Usage of the KWHLAQ Thought Partnership and Genius Hour Genius Hour: Passion Projects that Ignite Innovation and Student Inquiry Want to Learn More (and do me a favor)? Follow me on Instagram Visit my Website Subscribe to my podcast and share with your friends/colleagues Leave a review to let me know what you thought about what I shared today

"This is hard." " I can't do this." We hear this often in our classrooms when things don't come easily. In this episode, I share how you can help your learners embrace productive struggle and understand that valuable learning happens when things don't go as expected. In this episode, you will learn: What productive struggle is Why productive struggle is important What is a pre-mortem strategy? How can I model productive struggle? How can we celebrate the struggle? What is My Favorite No? Resources: Edutopia: The Neuroscience Behind Productive Struggle Pre-Mortem Strategy My Favorite No Video Want to Learn More (and do me a favor)? Follow me on Instagram Visit my Website Subscribe to my podcast and share with your friends/colleagues Leave a review to let me know what you thought about what I shared today

How can we move beyond just knowing what our learners can do and into understanding who they are? And, how can we be intentional about identifying giftedness that may not be evident in the classroom? In this episode, I share three ways to make strengths-first mindset a priority as well as why I believe it is so important. In this episode, you will learn: What is a strengths-first mindset How can a strengths-first mindset help us identify gifted learners What are three ways to implement a strengths-first mindset How can Genius Hour play an important role in making a strengths-first mindset a priority Resources: Genius Hour Resources Genius Hour Teachable Online Course Want to learn more (and do me a favor)? Follow me on Instagram Visit my Website Subscribe to my podcast and share with your friends/colleagues Leave a review to let me know what you thought about what I shared today

Extensions for Gifted Learners (with Megan Minno) What does it look like when gifted specialists and general education teachers collaborate to co-plan and co-teach? In this episode, Megan Minno and I share experiences and practical ideas that can be utilized to meet the needs of gifted learners in a manageable way. "When we know better, we do better." ~ Maya Angelou *BTW, if you'd like to see a video of our conversation, please visit my Facebook page. The entire conversation is there on video for you to watch and enjoy. In this episode, you will learn: What do co-planning and co-teaching look like Three practical ways to extend learning for gifted learners How to utilize Depth of Knowledge when planning to make sure learning is meaningful The role that pre-assessments and check-ins can play when extending learning How to utilize Depth and Complexity in the way that they were intended How using different entry points and make learning meaningful for gifted learners What is MDF and how you can use it in your classroom Resources: What is Hexagonal Thinking? Everything You Need to Know about Depth and Complexity JTaylor - Depth and Complexity Resources Most Difficult First Megan's Contact Information Website Instagram Want to learn more (and do me a favor)? Follow me on Instagram Visit my Website Subscribe to my podcast and share with your friends/colleagues Leave a review to let me know what you thought about what I shared today

Extensions for Gifted Learners (What They Should and Shouldn't Be) If you serve gifted learners in any way, shape, or form, it's important that you give this episode a listen. Look, I get it. Oftentimes, we are so focused on our struggling learners because we assume that they need us more than our gifted learners do. However, nothing could be further from the truth. The reality is that all of our learners need us to design experiences with them in mind. In this episode, I share four things that should be considered when extending the learning for those that already understand or finish their work early. In this episode, you will learn: What extensions should and shouldn't be 4 things to consider when designing extensions for those that already understand or finish early A practical way to design for depth What makes an extension meaningful? A practical way to identify student strengths How to utilize respectful tasks to make extensions appropriate How to be intentional about the extensions that you design Links Mentioned in this Episode: Design for Depth Resource Scratch (Website for Designing Video Games) Thrively (Finding Student Interests) Respectful Tasks from Differentiation Central Genius Hour Resources on My Website Want to Learn More (and do me a favor)? Follow me on Instagram Visit my website Subscribe to my podcast and share with your friends and colleagues. Leave a review to let me know what you thought about what I shared today.

3 Things to Consider BEFORE Implementing Genius Hour If you are considering passion-based learning for your classroom, don't miss this episode! It's August and that means it's time to go Back to School. Many educators are considering how to implement passion-based learning in the classroom. In this episode, I share three important questions that educators need to ask before making this a reality. Intentionality can go a long way and asking these three questions can make implementing Genius Hour feel more manageable. In this episode, you will learn: Why Genius Hour is something that you should consider 3 things to consider before you implement Genius Hour A simple process for implementing Genius Hour into any classroom What needs to be considered when you are deciding when you implement Genius Hour Some benefits of implementing this type of learning in any classroom Links Mentioned in this Episode: Genius Hour Resources on My Website Genius Hour: Passion Projects to Ignite Innovation and Student Inquiry (the book) Want to Learn More? Follow me on Instagram Visit my website Subscribe to my podcast and share with your friends and colleagues. Leave a review to let me know what you thought about what I shared today.

In this episode, Andi shares practical ways to make purpose a priority while implementing Genius Hour in the classroom. Show Notes: https://www.routledge.com/Genius-Hour-Passion-Projects-That-Ignite-Innovation-and-Student-Inquiry/McNair/p/book/9781032164564

In this episode, Andi shares about the Passion-Based Teaching Academy and why she believes teachers need passion projects, too. Learn more at bit.ly/PBTAregistration.

Listen to Andi and Brian share their thoughts around Gifted Kid Burnout and how it's affecting today's gifted learners and their school experience. 

What is gifted kid burnout and how can we, as educators, keep our gifted learners from experiencing it?  In this episode, Andi shares practical ideas that we should consider and utilize when working with gifted learners.

In this episode, Andi shares 4 simple questions that you can ask, as an educator, to be sure that what you've designed is meaningful and will give you a return on your investment.

In this episode, Andi shares 5 mistakes she made when implementing Genius Hour and what she would do differently today. SHOW NOTES: Feedback Questions: What's going well? What's not going well? On a scale of 1-5, how would you rate your project progress? What questions do you have? Documentation of Learning Slides: bit.ly/6pslides