EEND 713 Genius Hour
Week 1:
-Discovery & Education:
In order to decide what I was going to do for my Genius hour, I first asked myself the following 4 questions...
1) What do I want to do on weekend mornings?
Week 3:
Week 5:
Through this process I have noticed a few things about my learning. The first thing I noticed is that, when motivated and supported, I am able to do A LOT more than I think I can on a daily basis. I am extremly productive, happy, and my willingness to keep active is extremly high. However, I noticed something else about my learning through this process. The next thing I noticed was a BIG negative. Once I get out of routine, my learning quickly diminishes. If I even miss 1 or 2 days of commitment, I struggle to get back on track because something happens and then another, and another. It is a negaitve snowball effect. I know I can get back on track, but I really have to get focused and COMMIT myself once again.
Genius Hour Reflection: CLICK HERE
This process was 100% a process. It not only helped me reach personal goals that I set for myself, but also provided me with a better understanding of myself. With the ups and downs of staying proactive and committed to my goals, it was a constant struggle of finding balance with my everyday responsibilities and overcoming that feeling of "I will just do it tomorrow." From this experience I realized that I have an amazing support system in my fiance and that we both are creates of routine. Once our routine was impaired, it was a constant uphill battle to get back on track. However, we both have built good habitats and are continuing to strive to better both of our health by eating healither and staying active. I learned how to be healthy from prior experiences or being a 3 sport athlete and playing at one of the highest levels of rugby and from research online on how to balance your diet. I also learned by failing. By struggling to stay on track and really having to work to reach my goals is how I learned the best about myself.
Being a SPED teacher, it is very difficult to prepare my students for a genius hour like this. However, that does not mean it is impossible. If I were to do a genius hour in my classroom, it would have to take a lot planning and constant re-teaching for the students to understand what the point of the genius hour is. Also, I believe there would need to be a lot of parent involvement, which isn't always the best. Knowing my students interests I bet my team and I could develop a way for our students to not only show us what they truly enjoy doing, but why they enjoy doing those things. In addition, I will be taking my knowledge of myself into the classroom. By staying prepared and in my routine, I will be better serving my students which will improve the learning process for everyone.
-Discovery & Education:
In order to decide what I was going to do for my Genius hour, I first asked myself the following 4 questions...
1) What do I want to do on weekend mornings?
2) Identify the activities that you truly enjoy.
3) What types of things energize you?
4) What do I do when I have off of work/school
After reflecting on these questions and really thinking about what motivates me, keeps me happy, and is something I actually want to do I was able to pinpoint my Genius Hour. The biggest things that keeps me happy are my fiance and working out. Working out is something we both enjoy doing, but do not always make the time for. We are both school teachers and now that summer is coming up, we will, well hopefully, we will have more time to workout.
My Genius Hour will be...
Losing 10lbs & to get in better shape with my Fiance.
Week 2:
-Routines
What can you do now that couldn't do last week? Or What do you know that you didn't know last week?
One of the biggest things that has changed from last week to this week, is that I am able to get up in the morning without struggling to get out of bed. Additionally, I was able to make time for not only myself, but for my fiance too. With school getting out early, completing my end of the year school work, and the weather being nice I was able to get to the gym and run outside. My fiance and I have really made HUGE positive changes to our dieting and exercising routines to start this process off. We both went to the gym 6/7 days and additionally ran 6/7 days.
4) What do I do when I have off of work/school
After reflecting on these questions and really thinking about what motivates me, keeps me happy, and is something I actually want to do I was able to pinpoint my Genius Hour. The biggest things that keeps me happy are my fiance and working out. Working out is something we both enjoy doing, but do not always make the time for. We are both school teachers and now that summer is coming up, we will, well hopefully, we will have more time to workout.
My Genius Hour will be...
Losing 10lbs & to get in better shape with my Fiance.
Week 2:
-Routines
What can you do now that couldn't do last week? Or What do you know that you didn't know last week?
One of the biggest things that has changed from last week to this week, is that I am able to get up in the morning without struggling to get out of bed. Additionally, I was able to make time for not only myself, but for my fiance too. With school getting out early, completing my end of the year school work, and the weather being nice I was able to get to the gym and run outside. My fiance and I have really made HUGE positive changes to our dieting and exercising routines to start this process off. We both went to the gym 6/7 days and additionally ran 6/7 days.
However, this week I start football camp (7:30-11:30am M/T), wrestling camp (2-4pm M-TH), and on Wednesday the Extended School Year starts (7-11am). On top of all that, I am trying to balance this class and my 2 dogs at home. Oh, I almost forgot, we are also planning our wedding as well! I am really going to have to stick to my routine of waking up early and not getting lazy. Lastly, I will need to be flexible annd be able to adjust to when I will be able to fit my fitness program into my busy schedule. My fiance on the other hand starts babysitting this week from 7am-5:30pm M-F, which means, she will not be able to work throughout that entire period. She will either need to sign up for 5am classes or be flexible and get her workout in after 5:30pm. This week will really challenge both of us to be on top of our game, supportive, and understanding of whatever emotions may arise.
"If my mind can conceive it, my heart can believe it, I know I can achieve it" -Jesse Jackson
-Elevator Pitch
Below you will find my elevator pitch. This short film is a representation of why I am doing this. There are multiple reasons to better your health, however, with the high level's of stress that we both are facing this year, there is no better positive outlet than exercising to keep your mind and body healthy.
This week I realized, even though if I am CRAZY busy, I am still capable of making time for myself and am able to obtain the goals I set for myself. It just takes a little harder work and staying committed. I am currently down 8lbs from the start of this project and have no plans on stopping! My fiance is also down 7!
Week 4:
-Expect the Mutiny
Why...why...why?
This is a question I honestly try to avoid on a daily basis. However, for me, it can be helpful sometimes. The reason I try to avoid this question is because I will come up with reasons on why I shouldn't do it as well. When I commit myself to something, I try to be positive and stay positive throughout the entire time period, otherwise it becomes more and more difficult for me to continue with the process.
Why I keep going is simple...I like to feel good about myself. Exercising helps me relieve stress and helps me feel better about eating a couple of pints of ice cream in one sitting. Staying in shape helps me keep my mind straight and it really allows me to motivate others (my fiance) to commit themselves as well. This past week has been a struggle, I have not eaten as well as I have been the first couple of weeks, but I have still managed to obtain my goal weight for the week. I have yet to miss my goal weight in 3 weeks and I plan on continuing that progress even though I will be on a 5 day vacation.
To me, its very easy to come up with reasons on why I am not able to do something I want to do, but my mentatlity/positive thinking allows me to ask why can't I...You can always make time for yourself, it just takes a little sacrafice.
As you can see, I have had a very bad past week...with minimal weight lifting and minimal running. On the day I had a rugby tournmanet, I ended up playing 5 games and could barely move the next 3 days. I am hoping I fight the urges of "cheating" and get back to my routine.
This week I realized how EASY it is to get out of a routine. It started by being lazy one day. Then another. Then another. It snowballed out of control. Since I am now keeping track of my progress, I am truly able to see how fast you can start to slip on all of your progress. I really need to get focused and back on track. Hopefully, some warm and sunny weather in Florida is just what I need to motivate me.
-Expect the Mutiny
Why...why...why?
This is a question I honestly try to avoid on a daily basis. However, for me, it can be helpful sometimes. The reason I try to avoid this question is because I will come up with reasons on why I shouldn't do it as well. When I commit myself to something, I try to be positive and stay positive throughout the entire time period, otherwise it becomes more and more difficult for me to continue with the process.
Why I keep going is simple...I like to feel good about myself. Exercising helps me relieve stress and helps me feel better about eating a couple of pints of ice cream in one sitting. Staying in shape helps me keep my mind straight and it really allows me to motivate others (my fiance) to commit themselves as well. This past week has been a struggle, I have not eaten as well as I have been the first couple of weeks, but I have still managed to obtain my goal weight for the week. I have yet to miss my goal weight in 3 weeks and I plan on continuing that progress even though I will be on a 5 day vacation.
To me, its very easy to come up with reasons on why I am not able to do something I want to do, but my mentatlity/positive thinking allows me to ask why can't I...You can always make time for yourself, it just takes a little sacrafice.
This week I realized how EASY it is to get out of a routine. It started by being lazy one day. Then another. Then another. It snowballed out of control. Since I am now keeping track of my progress, I am truly able to see how fast you can start to slip on all of your progress. I really need to get focused and back on track. Hopefully, some warm and sunny weather in Florida is just what I need to motivate me.
Week 5:
--Working through this process what have you noticed about your learning?
Through this process I have noticed a few things about my learning. The first thing I noticed is that, when motivated and supported, I am able to do A LOT more than I think I can on a daily basis. I am extremly productive, happy, and my willingness to keep active is extremly high. However, I noticed something else about my learning through this process. The next thing I noticed was a BIG negative. Once I get out of routine, my learning quickly diminishes. If I even miss 1 or 2 days of commitment, I struggle to get back on track because something happens and then another, and another. It is a negaitve snowball effect. I know I can get back on track, but I really have to get focused and COMMIT myself once again.
--Do you get frustrated quickly?
I do not believe I get frustrated quickly, but I do get out of routine quickly. As long as I am getting to sleep early and waking up at a decent hour, I am able to stay in routine. But if I sleep in or stay up a couple of nights in a row, my
commitment level decreases tremendously.
--When were you most efficient or successful with your learning?
First two-three weeks, I was doing GREAT! I think this is because I was extremely busy and had a very good routine going. Then once my fiance's sister had her baby, we went on two vacations, and a holiday weekend happened, the success went down and kept going down.
This process was 100% a process. It not only helped me reach personal goals that I set for myself, but also provided me with a better understanding of myself. With the ups and downs of staying proactive and committed to my goals, it was a constant struggle of finding balance with my everyday responsibilities and overcoming that feeling of "I will just do it tomorrow." From this experience I realized that I have an amazing support system in my fiance and that we both are creates of routine. Once our routine was impaired, it was a constant uphill battle to get back on track. However, we both have built good habitats and are continuing to strive to better both of our health by eating healither and staying active. I learned how to be healthy from prior experiences or being a 3 sport athlete and playing at one of the highest levels of rugby and from research online on how to balance your diet. I also learned by failing. By struggling to stay on track and really having to work to reach my goals is how I learned the best about myself.
Being a SPED teacher, it is very difficult to prepare my students for a genius hour like this. However, that does not mean it is impossible. If I were to do a genius hour in my classroom, it would have to take a lot planning and constant re-teaching for the students to understand what the point of the genius hour is. Also, I believe there would need to be a lot of parent involvement, which isn't always the best. Knowing my students interests I bet my team and I could develop a way for our students to not only show us what they truly enjoy doing, but why they enjoy doing those things. In addition, I will be taking my knowledge of myself into the classroom. By staying prepared and in my routine, I will be better serving my students which will improve the learning process for everyone.
I appreciate that you have a partner in this! Hopefully keeping each other accountable will make this very successful. Best of luck to the both of you and have fun! - Mike Schuller
ReplyDeleteHow exciting that you will be going through this journey with your partner-in-life. I cannot wait to see the documented journey and how you will get there together. Best of luck hitting your goal of 10 pounds and chiseling out the time to work-out together.
ReplyDeleteKevin,
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrific genius project! I enjoyed reading how you and your fiancé have made a commitment together for fitness! How exciting for both of you! This will allow you both quality time together following your passion! Are you and your fiancé going to have a specific goal i.e. weight loss, muscle mass, attend fitness classes, participate in a fitness event. Thank you for sharing!
Kevin,
ReplyDeleteWow! Good for you! In the steps for setting and achieving a goal you are well on your way.
1. Decide on a goal. 2. Write your goal down. 3. Tell someone - you have told an entire class. Best of luck to the both of you. I look forward to seeing your progress.
Kevin,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great goal! I am wishing you the best! Congratulations on your engagement and good luck on planning the wedding! (You may both need the workouts just to take your minds off of the planning process.) I look forward to seeing your progress and wish you the best! Great post... thanks for sharing!
Kevin - First off, congrats on your engagement! Great idea on your genius hour. With so many things going on in your life and your super hectic schedule- it is really important that you have that time to release and take the time for yourself (or you and the future Mrs.). Looks like you are off to a really great start.....now the key is balance and keeping with it. You can do both! ;)
ReplyDeleteKevin,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your commitment to fitness! Your genius project is inspirational. You are doing a great job of balancing your project with other factors in your life (i.e, dog, planning a wedding, summer school, training camp, etc.) Wow! your spreadsheet looks terrific. Keep up the great work!
Nice work last week! Wow 6/7 days is really impressive. I know your genius hour is about losing getting healthier but if you want to share updates on the wedding plans I would not be mad about that (I just really love weddings).
ReplyDeleteReal question I have for you is how much do you like the Under Armour app? Can you tell me about it some in class, please.
I love that you are already feeling the motivation and positive effects of this change to your day. I like your tracking spreadsheet and have modified (stolen) a version for my own project. How are you going to keep up the routine once all of your camps start, or is modification coming to accommodate the extra activity you will now have in your day?
ReplyDeleteYou seem to really be making progress! Congratulations! I loved the iMovie trailer as your Elevator Pitch!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could get my wife into doing something with me to get in shape. I've tried, but unsuccessfully. I totally get the out of commission after rugby, and the older you get, the longer that recovery time gets! I like your comment about sacrifices. In order to achieve higher quality, sacrifice is always involved in some way.
ReplyDeleteKevin,
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about exercising. If I don't do it early in the morsning and let other comitments take over I get discourage. It takes a lot of dedication and will power to have better results. The key is be commited and try everyday and it becomes easier when you can share the same goal with a friend or partner.
Comment By Tulia
Kevin,
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are human- just like the rest of us. That negative snowball effect is the death of many good ideas. You have two things that will combat that.... 1- you realize that this is a weakness. Knowing this will be the best way to combat it. 2- you have a partner. A benefit of that is that they hold you accountable.
Keep working hard, you have done amazing with routines and keeping up with your hectic schedule. Be true to yourself and just keep plugging away at it. Nice work and thanks for sharing!!
Kevin,
ReplyDeleteIt was great to hear you reached your goal and lost 10 pounds. Nice job! Your road block is normal. just remember life will always put road blocks in your way. It is how you work around the road blocks that life learning really takes place. Best of luck in the future.
Barbara
I like how you stated that you are bringing a knowledge of yourself back into the classroom, I feel very much the same way. As a thought, could you look at passion project templates and sites for primary and intermediate students as a way to bring this type of decision making to your students? Congratulations on making your goal!
ReplyDelete