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My Genius Hour Project

3/24/2015

6 Comments

 
During Spring Break I started my Genius Hour Project. The idea was to tee up the second round of Genius Hour with my class. To show them I don’t just advocate for it but participate in Genius Hour too.

I started it the same way I have my students start their projects. I ask them to answer the “Big Three” questions to get the ball rolling.

1.     What do you love?

2.      Within what you love, what bothers you?

3.      And then lastly, what are you going to do about it?

For my first answer I went on a little different tangent and thought if I weren’t a teacher what other job would I love to do?  With all the renovations that I have done of late, and how much I love it, the answer didn’t take long “carpenter!”

The second answer came to me later that night when watching TV. It was my cheap, keep while you have kids and then update, TV stand.  So quickly came then third answer, I will build a TV stand for my house.

But I wanted to take my project elsewhere and share it globally. So I took pictures of my work, placed it on social media, and asked if anyone else wanted me to make a table for them.

Currently, after one week, I have started a little business. I have taken six orders, which include making benches, coffee tables, TV stands, candle holders and side tables. All furniture is the rustic farmhouse style, that my wife and I love.

During this process I have documented my daily work, followed a S.M.A.R.T. goal plan and drafted up measurements, tweaking them as I go. I am seeing problems, addressing them and fixing them. I am doing everything I ask of my students, and having a blast doing it! The extra money doesn’t hurt either. :)

I hope you enjoy pictures below of my Genius Hour Project and I would love your feedback!

6 Comments
Karen link
3/24/2015 08:42:04 am

Can't wait to get our new TV table next week!

Reply
k
6/5/2015 12:08:11 am

colmi

Reply
Karm Connolly
3/28/2015 12:54:36 pm

Practice what you preach! Very cool! Very nice furniture too!

-Grade 5 teacher, advocate of Genius Hour

Reply
Denise link
3/29/2015 12:56:40 pm

Wow, Mr. Dorland, that is a concise explanation and productive example of genius hour! You answered the three questions and came up with a great project. Very lovely furniture. Your students will definitely be inspired, as well as people around the globe.

Thanks for sharing,
Denise

Reply
CyberStone link
12/11/2015 09:34:15 pm

Very lovely furniture. Your students will definitely be inspired, as well as people around the globe.

<a href="http://www.cymax.com/TV-Stand-Width-Guide-Find-the-Perfect-TV-Stand-for-your-TV--p1.htm">tv stand dimensions</a>

Reply
Ron Dorland
12/23/2015 02:56:38 pm

Thank you!

Reply



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    Mr. Dorland

    I Am A K-5 vice principal and teacher in Langley, BC, Canada.

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“Human beings have an innate inner drive to be autonomous, self-determined, and connected to one another. And when that drive is liberated, people achieve more and live richer lives.”  
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