A Meaningful Mess: Recent Episodes

Andi McNair

Engaging and empowering today's learners through meaningful experiences, even when it's messy

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andi-mcnair/message

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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.--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andi-mcnair/message

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In this episode, I share the difference between entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship as well as how Genius Hour can prepare learners for both. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andi-mcnair/message

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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!

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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Subscribe to my podcast and share with your friends/colleagues

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Underachievement can be frustrating and difficult to understand.  Why would a learner capable of so much achieve so little?  In this episode, I share four 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:

Underachievement - NAGC

8 Great Gripes of Gifted Learners

Want to Learn More (and do me a favor)?

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Visit my Website  

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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

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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

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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)?

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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)?

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"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

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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)?

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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 Nimmo 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)?

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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)?

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  • Leave a review to let me know what you thought about what I shared today.

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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.

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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

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.  

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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

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How do we know if our learners are being compliant or if they are actually engaged in the learning?  In this episode, Andi shares what engagement looks like and three practical questions you can ask to make engagement a priority every single day.

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Listen as Andi shares three questions we should ask to determine if technology is meaningful, as well as a framework that provides different lenses to consider as we explore and investigate technology to utilize in our classrooms.

SHOW NOTES:

TPACK.org

Sustainable Change Blog Post

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In this episode, Andi shares three things effective intervention is and three things effective intervention is not.  

Show Notes:  Blog Post (What Effective Intervention Is) Blog Post (What Effective Intervention Is Not) Daniel Pink's TED Talk The Value of Self-Assessment

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In this episode, Andi shares 4 ways that we as educators can look beyond the label to identify and address what every learner brings to the table. 

SHOW NOTES:

Blog Post: Click HERE

Thrively - www.thrively.com

Design for Depth

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Learn how one simple sentence can be used at the end of an experience to help the learning stick and help our learners make connections.  

SHOW NOTES: 

Blog Post - Purpose Statements

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In this episode, Andi shares 5 myths that we often assume to be true about gifted learners.  Learn why they are myths and what we can do to move beyond the myth to acknowledge the reality.  

SHOW NOTES:

G/T Awareness Week - TAGT

A Meaningful Mess - Facebook

DMLE Framework

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Listen as Andi shares how adventure mindset has the potential to help shift our perspective as educators.  Learn six ways that we can plan for and experience adventure as we explore this new educational landscape that lies before us all.

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In Episode 41, Andi shares how a shift in mindset can help us organize our teacher plates in a way that is manageable for us and meaningful for our learners.

SHOW NOTES:

Creating the Perfect Bite Blog Post

CASEL

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In this episode, Andi shares a conversation that she recently had with an educator that makes PBL a priority every day.  Learn how project-based learning can be done in a manageable way as well as the amazing outcomes that happen as a result of putting your learners in the driver's seat.  

SHOW NOTES:

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In this episode, Andi shares why it's important to let your learners D.R.I.V.E. their own learning and how as educators, we can still play a major role from the passenger seat.

SHOW NOTES:

Letting Them Drive Blog Post

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In order to move forward, we want to be intentional about reflecting on what just happened.  In this first episode of Season 3, Andi shares 3 ways that 2020 helped us grow as an education community.  

SHOW NOTES:

3 Ways 2020 Helped Us Grow - Blog Post

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In this episode, Andi shares 6 SUPER practical ideas for formatively assessing while having your students document their learning. 

SHOW NOTES:

Documentation of Learning Blog Post

Flipgrid Reflection

Self-Assessment Form

Scratch

BookCreator

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Learn 9 baby steps that you can begin to take RIGHT NOW to cultivate a PBL (Project-Based Learning) mindset into your classroom culture.  In this episode, Andi will walk you through each one with practical tips for application and new ideas to apply as you begin to move toward a PBL approach with your learners.

SHOW NOTES:

Reflection Flipgrid 

PBL Baby Steps Blog Post (includes image)

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Learn 4 questions that you can ask your students each day to encourage self-assessment and self-awareness.  

SHOW NOTES: 

CASEL - SEL Resource

The Value of Self Assessment Blog Post

Self Assessment Form

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What if we could not only survive this unprecedented school year but thrive, in spite of our circumstances.  Listen as Andi shares three practical ways to focus on growing and developing during this difficult time. 

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In this episode, Andi shares two questions that every administrator and educator should be asking before putting anything into place.  Learn how to plan for sustainable change in a way that makes sense for everyone involved.

SHOW NOTES:

Blog Post and Image for Sustainable Change 

DMLE Framework Templates and Planner

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Digital equity will require so much more than additional devices and better access to WiFi.  Instead, it will require a fundamental shift in how we see learning.  In this podcast, Andi shares practical suggestions and ideas for moving toward a more equitable approach as we consider the reality that remote learning might continue into the Fall. 

SHOW NOTES:

Digital Equity Blog Post (Check it out...there is an additional suggestion included in the blog post that was not mentioned in the podcast.)

SlidesMania Digital Choice Boards

Past and Upcoming Webinars from Andi

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In this episode, Andi shares three questions you should ask yourself before planning your professional learning.  Being intentional about what you learn and how you will use it is important and makes the learning meaningful.  If professional learning is something that you dread or absolutely regret attending, give this podcast a listen.  It might just change your perspective enough to help you look forward to and enjoy your next PD experience.  

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In this episode, Andi shares why Project-Based Learning might be one of the best options that we can consider for next year as well as practical ideas that can be implemented immediately in order to plan and prepare for what lies ahead.  

SHOW NOTES:

Mentioned Resources:

PBLWorks

Gold Standard Project Design

Gold Standard Teaching Practices

Texas Performance Standards Project

6 Ps of Genius Hour in Thrively - Use code 6PSANDI for free access!

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Andi shares things to consider as you think about what Genius Hour might look like from home.  It includes three things to consider as well as two powerful ready-made resources that you can use right now to help your students get started on their very own projects.  Check it out and please find the show notes below to access and use all of the resources that were mentioned and shared.

SHOW NOTES:

Genius Hour at Home Blog Post:  http://www.andimcnair.com/andis-blog/genius-hour-at-home

Genius Hour at Home:  bit.ly/geniushourathome

6 Ps of Genius Hour Thrively: bit.ly/6PsinThrively

Code for FREE ACCESS:  6PSANDI

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In this episode, Andi shares how we can use the 3E Model to engage our learners through a willingness to invest, design experiences as an opportunity to learn, and empower our learners to make connections beyond the walls of the classroom.  All of these pieces are more important than ever before as we begin to realize that it will not be "business as usual" when we return to the classroom in the Fall.  Every situation will be unique and it will be imperative that we are purposeful and intentional as continue to move forward into unchartered waters.  For links and other information, please see the show notes below.

SHOW NOTES: 

Andi's Website - andimcnair.com

Designing Meaningful Blended Learning Experiences - bit.ly/DMLE2020

Wonderopolis - Wonderopolis.org

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This was a difficult episode to record simply because we are in a difficult place with lots of work ahead.  I just wanted to take some time to share my thoughts on remote learning and share some practical resources that you can share right away with your learners as they work from home.

SHOW NOTES:

bit.ly/remotelearningslides

bit.ly/geniushourathome

bit.ly/wonderopolislides

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In this episode, I chat with special guest, Nate Green, about social media in the classroom.  He shares practical ways that you can encourage your learners to stay connected, learn from those connections, and use their connections to make a real difference in the world around them.  

SHOW NOTES;

Connect with Nate Green on Twitter - @mrshakedown

Social Media Marketplace

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Learn how challenge can play a role in your classroom and some specific strategies that can be used to engage your learners.  

SHOW NOTES:

12 Cs of Engagement

Digital Tools:

Kahoot

GimKit

Quizizz

Other Resources:

SMART Goal-Setting with your Students

If Smart Goals Don't Work for You, Try FAST Goals Instead

8 Questions to Ask Students when Writing a One Minute Paper

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Learn three simple ways to make creativity a priority and take the time to consider what curiosity might look like in your classroom with your learners.  

SHOW NOTES:  

12 Cs of Engagement

Digital Tools:

Wonderopolis

Additional Resources:

Wonder Walls: A Low-Prep Strategy to Cultivate Inquiry, Voice, and Choice by Dyan Branstetter

Question Formulation Technique

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In this episode, Andi shares the power of being a connected educator as well as practical ways to help your learners make connections to the content.  Learn how those connections can be used to not only engage but result in real learning that is meaningful and relevant to your students. 

SHOW NOTES:

The 12 Cs of Engagement

Digital Tools:

Nepris

Padlet

Help Wanted Wall Blog Post

NewsELA

DogoNEWS

TweenTribune

Thrively

Genius Hour Resources

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In this episode, Andi shares how creativity can be used to engage learners.  Learn practical tools that you can implement immediately in your classroom to engage your students and help them make connections.

SHOW NOTES:

The 12 Cs of Engagement

MakerSpace Resources:

What is the Point of a Makerspace?

6 Must Haves for Developing a Maker Mindset

Digital Tools:

Weebly for Education

Scratch

Code.org

My Creative Type

AutoDraw

BookCreator

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In this episode, Andi asks educators to consider what's on their plates?  She explains how our plates should look less like the plate of someone that doesn't want their food to touch and more like a Thanksgiving plate in which you are trying to fit all of the delicious recipes in.  

Show Notes:

http://www.andimcnair.com/andis-blog/whats-on-your-plate

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Learn practical ideas that can be implemented immediately in any classroom to make writing meaningful.

Show Notes: photoprompts.tumblr.com writingprompts.tumblr.com byrdseed.com/emoji Suggestions for Writing in Other Subject Areas How to Add Feedback to Student Writing Using Google Docs 8 Cs of Engagement Source: Silver and Perini, 2009

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Genius Hour is often adopted as a strategy to use with gifted learners. In this episode, Andi talks with Cory Camp about the benefits of passion-based learning for ALL learners.

Show Notes:

Twitter Handles:

Andi - @mcnairan3

Cory - @Camp_InclusivED

Cory Camp has a background in special education and is passionate about making learning meaningful for all learners. She currently works for Sibme and helps educators, as well as other professionals, find value in reflection through video.

Universal Design for Learning Resource

Genius Hour Resources

AJ Juliani's Passion Bracket

Call to Action - Find someone that hasn't heard of Genius Hour and share what you've learned today. Think about how what you've learned today might impact your classroom and your learners.

To WATCH the video of this episode, check out A Meaningful Mess on Facebook or find it on YouTube here ---> https://youtu.be/wDom8geF8Rw.

To connect and learn more, follow Andi @mcnairan3 on Twitter or A Meaningful Mess on Instagram and Facebook. Also, check out andimcnair.com for tons of resources, information, and inspiration!

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In this episode, Andi kicks off the new year by sharing 3 easy ways to find meaning in your mess.

Show Notes:

3 Ways to find meaning in your mess:

  1. Take Risks

  2. Make Connections

  3. Share your Story

Purchase A Meaningful Mess on Amazon

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Learn how to weave Social Emotional Learning into Genius Hour in order to make it even more meaningful for your learners.

Show Notes:

Blog Post - Genius Hour and SEL

Mentioned Resources -

Casel.org

Dirt Temperament Survey

My Creative Type

The Passion Bracket from AJ Juliani

Emotional Regulation

Pomodoro Technique

Genius Hour Thought Partner Cards

Transforming Education

The Global Goals

Five Categories of Social Emotional Learning from CASEL -

Self-Awareness

Self-Management

Responsible Decision-Making

Relationship Skills

Social Awareness

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In this episode, hear Andi share what she learned from visiting the World of Coca Cola in Atlanta, Georgia and how an unexpected connection resulted in BIG learning!

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Listen to Andi share innovative ideas for using FlipgridAR to make learning meaningful for your students.

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In this episode,  Andi shares how to make thought partnership a priority throughout Genius Hour.  Learn how to access free resources and fresh ideas to implement immediately into your classroom.

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How can we find authentic ways for learners to practice life ready skills through thought partnership?  In this episode, Andi shares practical ideas and resources to make it happen.  

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In this episode, Andi shares what thought partners are and how they can be incorporated into the classroom.

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The Messy Middle is a real place that is difficult to survive if you don't have a plan or aren't prepared to experience it.  In this episode, we will talk about five practical things that you can do to continue moving forward even when things are uncomfortable and not as easy or fun as you might have expected.  

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Listen as I reflect on my experience with Stewart Creek Elementary educators and share why I think PD needs to change.  

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In this episode, I share all about reflection and why it's important for both students and teachers.  I also talk about a unique professional development opportunity that I experienced and why I think it'll change way I design professional learning experiences from here on out.  

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In this short Meaningful Moment, Andi shares a practical way to design learning experiences using the 3 Es - Engage, Experience, and Empower.  Check it out and consider how you might be able to put some of these ideas to work in your own classroom with your learners.  

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Andi and Jaime talk about augmented and virtual reality and how it can be used to create experiences to make learning meaningful for today’s learners

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In this short segment, Andi shares why kids love video games and how we can implement those ideas into our classrooms to make learning more meaningful.

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In this episode, Don Wettrick and I talk about passion-based learning and why it’s so important for today’s learners.

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Learn three ways to make learning meaningful by helping your students make connections.

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Latest episode of A Meaningful Mess

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In Episode 3, I had the privilege of interviewing Marialice Curran. Marialice is the founder of the Digital Citizenship Institute and a great friend of mine. Throughout this episoide, we talk about the benefits of giving today's learners opportunities to share their work and practical tools for digital citizenship.

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In this episode, learn five practical ways to give your students opportunities to experience new learning as well as understand why this was such a priority in my own classroom.

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The very first episode of A Meaningful Mess! Listen to hear my story as well as practical advice for identifying, activating, and sharing your own core belief system.