Genius Hour Evaluation Form

BLOG POST 8

As it is the end of my Genius Hour experience, I cannot help but reflect on the creativity and stress-free living that became available to me throughout the process. I was able to enjoy the things that I used to love, that I had lost touch with throughout the stresses and demands of post-secondary education. I got the chance to paint and draw again, which I have not done in years. I got the chance to play guitar (I even learned a new song), which got me thinking about my times in high school with my band (we were really just 3 girls with nothing better to do on a Friday night than play guitar and sing together, pretending we were rock stars of course). I got to do more yoga and exercise more, which I always say I will do and never do! I also got to work on a new passion of mine, which is the relaxing art of crocheting. 

These experiences, rated from best to worst in my Genius Hour, were great experiences to reconnect with the artist side of myself that I seemed to have lost in the last few years. Creativity is so important for students to recognize, develop, and ultimately value! I will use my beneficial Genius Hour experience to transfer this learning to my students, showing them how important creativity and finding stress-free activities is for the overall balance of life. 

BLOG POST 7

This week I researched many different links to discover what other people online found about being creative and stress free.
I have finally decided on the order of my creative and stress free activities. I have listed them from most effective to least effective and why. I have reflected on these activities. It was a great experience being able to do the things I love, while also doing a project for school!


1. Crocheting
2. Painting
3. Playing Guitar
4. Exercise
5. Yoga
6. Editing videos


I decided that a blend of activities was also very effective. For example, my most creative and least stressed moments were listening to my favourite guitar tracks, while crocheting. Blending my passions for Genius Hour was very useful for me and for my reflection.


Genius Hour is a great way to teach students about their passions and creativity. It taught me to balance my lifestyle, to value my passions, and to value my hidden creativity that I had so naturally as a child, but have lost along the way.


I enjoyed exploring Genius Hour and I will not forget how fulfilling this experience was for me.










http://tinybuddha.com/blog/feel-happy-and-stress-free-7-simple-tips-to-stay-in-the-now/


http://www.skillsyouneed.com/ps/avoiding-stress.html


http://www.wikihow.com/Live-a-Stress-Free-Lifestyle


http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/29-ways-stay-creative.html


http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/stay-creative-40-easy-ways.html


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacia-pierce/21-ways-to-be-and-stay-creative_b_3807472.html

Genius Hour Movie Trailer

BLOG POST 6

This week, I focused on crocheting, exercising, and making videos online. These three aspects of my project were very relaxing and encouraged creativity in many ways.


I was able to use my movie making passions during our exploration of our movie trailers. I love working with technology creating compilations of songs and editing videos. I used to do this in high school a lot with my friends. By reintroducing myself to this passion, I have renewed my love for it. it was a great experience, forcing me to be creative in a good way! However, this activity was not the most stress-free, especially when the programs were freezing or giving me other troubles.


Crocheting is one of my favourite things to do! I find it very relaxing when I am in the middle of a project, but less relaxing when I am starting a project or when I am trying to learn a new pattern. This week, I tried a new crochet pattern and, like any new learning experience, it was tough at first, but I made a baby hat and gloves, and was very happy with it in the end!


Exercising has been something that I have let fall to the wayside in terms of making time in my busy schedule. Since the weather has brightened up, I have begun running and hiking more and I feel great! Exercising has always been something that relaxes me and releases my stress from my day.


These three activities were very helpful in boosting my creativity and lowering my stress levels at this busy time!


Next week, I will work more on my movie trailer and engage in more of my chosen activities to get more experience and have more to reflect upon in terms of which activities are my favourite!

BLOG POST 5

This week, I explored YouTube videos that deal with creativity and stress relief, in terms of three of my ideas: Yoga, Colouring, and Guitar.

I chose the videos that I have used and actually completed before. The first video is a yoga video that I use very often for relaxation and digestion.
The second video is the Adult Colouring Book "The Mindfulness Colouring Book". I own this book and I colour in it when I get stressed form school and work.
The third video is a tutorial of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here". This song is one that keeps me relaxed, and is also a song I have been wanting to learn for a long time, but have not taken the time out of my busy schedule to sit down and do it. This project is allowing me to do these things as part of my school work.
Next week, I will work on the rest of my ideas of being creative and stress free and reflect on my experiences.




Yoga With Adriene
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBPP_izKKSs
ASMR relaxing colouring, no talking- Paper and pencil sounds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAPLaovqkhI
Pink Floyd "Wish You Were Here" guitar chords tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r--wKmJmMhM

BLOG POST 4

This week, I began to reflect on my next steps of my Genius Hour project on mindfulness (the increase in creativity, and decrease in stress in everyday life). I realized that I had to do some research on this topic, along with using my personal journal reflections. I decided to research to find other people's opinions on the best activities for creativity and stress relief.

I learned that many people who document their progress on the internet, have tried the same activities that I am trying, in order to boost creativity and lessen stress (i.e. yoga was a favourite, as well as drawing and playing music). Many people also said spending time with family and friends, which I think is a very important one as well.

The trouble that I think I will have is the fact that my Genius Hour topic is so broad, and so personal, that it is hard to find factual research to improve my understanding. However, I am combatting this challenge by researching based on studies that have shown that certain activities improve creativity and lesson stress more than others.

Before my next Genius Hour, I need to complete more of my activities in question, and write my reflections on each of my experiences.

From here, I will make a conscious effort to research my Genius Hour topic, and find out which activities of creativity and anti-stress work best for me!