techtechtech (week 3)

This week is week 1 in our Genius Hour projects. Unfortunately for me, that did not bring the best outcome. While searching for participants in the grade 3 class I work in, I came up very short. The class did not seem interesting in spending recess inside reading books, instead of outside playing. This will continue to be one of my greatest obstacles. I did try and talk to the grades 7/8's in my placement class about literature, and encouraged a student to read Lord of The Rings, after noticing he had just finished The Hobbit. He does not know it yet, but he will be my first participant from the class. I decided to try it with both the classes I work with in hopes that I can see the differences between younger students and older students. From this week, I have learned that I will have to start with the inspiration part (which I was hoping wouldn't come until later on). But I will definitely have to bribe kids to be interested, and encourage them with little hints and tricks. I don't know how many willing participants are going to join, and if that happens I will have to subtly track the project through my practicum. I also ventured to the library at the elementary school and tried to engage the librarian in the methods she uses to convince students to join the library programs. She did not provide me with any details. I see why the students have been avoiding that section of the school. Unfortunately the school lacks the funds to create engaging and interactive programs, but really all they need is good books and willing educators. I am hoping to try and propose some ways to the librarian that we could work together to create a book club. Before next genius hour I hope to find more students who will participate. I also am hoping to spend more time researching methods on how other people have encouraged their students in English class.