Guitar Genius {reflection}

Our 7th grade class finished our Genius Project presentations before winter break, but we had one last blog post once they returned, a reflection. How do you think it went? Which projects were the most fascinating to learn about?

The very first presentation was my own! I demonstrated for the class as an example so that they knew what my expectations were. I shared what the goals were at the beginning of the project, where I found my research, what I learned, and demonstrated my new skills with three versions of "Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer": an acoustic, a rock preset, and a setting of my own.

Demonstrating a "rock" preset on my amp.

I had students recording presentations, so for future years I have both my own and student samples to share at the beginning of our project. This will help students to see the expectations for their presentations from the beginning.

Students had very positive comments about the project overall; many wished we could have continued throughout the winter break. I also had a few parents and even a community member compliment this research presentation.

The three favorite performances were:

• Baking Holiday Treats (because they all had the opportunity to taste test)
• Learning Unique Hair Braiding (they appreciated the presenters use of videos that were well edited)
• Learning to be a Comedian (this student performed a short set within their project)

As a teaching staff, we plan to make a few improvements to the unit next year. Now we have videos to share, and we plan to have students create a works cited page (this year they created a list that sorted them by the source type).

Our blogs will continue to share our learning and progress throughout the rest of the year with other projects. We are especially excited to share Literature Circles with our students this spring.

Overall, Genius Projects have been deemed successful in developing student research skills, presentations abilities, and increasing their confidence! We plan to continue this project in 7th grade English for the foreseeable future.

Guitar Genius {presentation}

We've made it to the final work days of our Genius Projects. For my guitar presentation, I have my introduction and research information prepared on Google Slides, will play a Christmas song with two different sounds thanks to my amp, and will end with a conclusion with helpful suggestions based off my own challenges throughout this project. This will require me to bring in my music, guitar, amp, and music stand.

I am feeling nervous about this presentation. Typically I am very comfortable with public speaking thanks to my previous speech experiences. I took two speech classes in college, so that helps. My most intimidating speech, though was at high school graduation. Another reason to feel comfortable is that we've been studying as a class for more than three months, so I know that my students are extremely respectful. This helps me feel more comfortable. To be honest though, I have not practiced as much as I should have these last four weeks, and now I am not as prepared as I should be. This makes me nervous of making mistakes when I play my song selection.

I hope you enjoy my Guitar Genius presentation this week!

{practicing} to be a Guitar Genius

This past week I have been working on the creation part of my Genius Project. This requires me to practice my song(s) that I will be performing with different sound settings to my class. I have been trying to complete most of my research during class and then practicing guitar three nights every week. Some weeks I have done a good job of practicing, but there was one night that I thought I was going to fall asleep with my guitar on my lap! So I went to bed instead.

I am finding that it's difficult to practice guitar on the nights that I have basketball games or late practice, but I also find that even though this is my homework, I enjoy this time and it's a relaxing part of my evening. My dog Chance is a little confused by what I'm doing. He stares at me, and occasionally barrels over to be pet when I pause between songs.

I have chosen to play a holiday tune because then students will be familiar. It is also practical for me! Christmas break is coming up and I will be able to play sing-along songs for my nieces and nephew now. I have been practicing two different songs since I haven't decided which to play. It'll either be a fingerstyle of "The First Noel" which is my personal favorite to play or "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer". This one would be fun to play with the rock-style settings on my amp!

Here is Carrie Underwood's version of "The First Noel".

I will NOT be singing when I present, but this is beautiful and for any students reading this before my performance, you may be able to sing along!

Just for fun, I found this rock version of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

Deer students, please don't expect this kind of expertise from me.

I'm looking forward to preparing my presentation and performing next week already. Yikes!
Thanks again for following this Genius Journey!