13: Genius

 "Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you."

-Oprah Winfrey

Albert Einstein developed the Theory of Relativity.

Leonardo da Vinci engineered many inventions that changed the way we live.

Jane C. Wright made significant advancements in curing cancer through chemotherapy.

Nikola Tesla studied how electricity works and pioneered the transmission of energy.

Katherine Johnson used her mathematical skills to send people to space safely. 

These are only some of the geniuses throughout time who had noteworthy contributions to society. They all excelled in their respective fields because of their passion, determination, and growth mindset -- traits that people from different walks of life can develop if they set their mind to it. 

To deepen our inquiry on our yearlong unit on our interests and abilities, I introduced a new concept to the students:

PASSION.

We identified passion as something we love or something we want to learn about. I shared with the kindergarteners that when one is interested in something deep enough, it could turn into their passion. Inspired by Simon Sinek's Golden Circle, I asked the children their whys, hows, and whats to help them identify what it is that they're passionate about, how they want to develop in that aspect, and why that is their goal. 

 Every week, the children are given the opportunity to work on their goals for their passion project during our Genius Hour. This is a half unit block on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, where the children take charge of their own learning and record the progress they've been making.

It was beautiful to see the children taking ownership of their growth as a learner, and to see them slowly developing qualities that geniuses throughout time have exhibited in their process of changing the world. Qualities such as determination, perseverance, and of course, a growth mindset. 

I'm a believer that being a genius can both be a gift when one is born or it can be nurtured in one's lifetime. All of us are unique and have special interests and abilities that we can nurture. If we care for it enough to see it grow, then we can be geniuses in our own right -- regardless of our age.

Have a wonderful week ahead, everyone!

Your Kindergarten teacher, 

Pam 

P.S.

Apart from our passion project, we also got ready as a class for an upcoming special occasion that will happen very soon. 🎄We are keeping our mini-project under wraps for now, and will reveal all the details when we finish it. One thing's for sure, things are getting MERRY (and messy) in the Kinder 2 room!