Genius Hour Video Interview #1 – Paul Solarz
This evening I had the pleasure of interviewing Paul Solarz about Genius Hour (aka Passion Projects) in his classroom. This is the first interview in a series of interviews that I have planned for Genius Hour teachers. Mr. Solarz clearly has a passion for being an educator and his students are fortunate to have him as a classroom leader.
Interview Notes
– Works with @joykirr
– Learned about genius hour from the books The Passion-Driven Classroom: A Framework for Teaching & Learning and The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child
– Gives credit to Google’s 20% time
– YouTube for Schools
– Read more about the KWHLAQ chart that Paul uses for his classroom
– Paul briefly mentions Teach Like a PIRATE It’s a fantastic book that every teacher should read.
– Twitter hashtags #geniushour and #20time
– Paul’s website http://psolarz.weebly.com/
– Paul’s email can be found at the very end of the video (not publishing here)
– Paul on Twitter @paulsolarz
Chris & Paul,
I feel like I’m a home listening! Paul, where’s the lighting? You must be incognito!
Paul is so right – our district is progressive, and it is hard to find time, but my principal is also very supportive (Paul and I are at different schools in the same district, but it is sad I won’t get his students!!). I like how he calls it “passion time,” especially if he can’t get in an entire hour. I do feel for those teachers who don’t have the support.
Thanks for talking to each other & sharing! Spread the love for students learning what THEY think is valuable!
~Joy
Great way to share ideas. I’d love to see this used on WizIQ.