A Meaningful Mess

Andi McNair
  • 5.0 (45)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
A Meaningful Mess

Andi McNair is an author, international speaker/ consultant, and educator that is passionate about helping educators design meaningful experiences for today’s gifted learners. As a mom of gifted learners and an educator that had the opportunity to work specifically with gifted learners in the classroom, she as a unique perspective that is clear throughout her message. As a strong advocate for passion-based learning, Andi shares practical ways to engage and empower today's gifted learners through meaningful experiences, even when it's messy.

  1. JAN 16

    Episode 96: Unexpected Wins of Genius Hour {Roundtable Conversation}

    This conversation explores the unexpected wins of Genius Hour, highlighting the importance of fostering creativity, executive functioning skills, and community building among learners. Educators share personal stories of student projects that exceeded expectations, the significance of reflection, and the transformative power of allowing learners to pursue their passions. The discussion emphasizes the need for a supportive environment that encourages risk-taking and resilience, ultimately leading to meaningful learning experiences. SHOW NOTES: Key Takeaways Genius Hour fosters creativity and passion in students. Unexpected wins can lead to significant personal growth. Executive functioning skills are crucial for project success. Building community enhances the Genius Hour experience. Encouraging risk-taking helps students develop resilience. Reflection is key to recognizing student growth. Transformative experiences can arise from student-led projects. Students thrive when given a voice in their learning. A structured approach can guide students through projects. Patience and support are essential for student success. Chapters 00:00 Embracing Passion and Skills in Education 01:40 The Power of Executive Functioning 04:41 Unexpected Success Stories in Genius Hour 07:57 Learning Through the Journey 10:34 Encouraging Risk-Taking in Projects 16:11 Transformative Project Ideas 20:22 Fostering a Safe Learning Environment 27:09 Engaging Student Projects and Validation 28:07 Adapting Projects to Meet Community Needs 29:00 Unexpected Turns in Student Projects 31:22 Building Stamina and Resilience in Learning 32:10 The Importance of Check-Ins and Reflection 34:13 Creating Timelines for Project Success 37:15 Reflecting on Learning and Growth 39:00 Empowering Students Through Real-World Projects 42:00 Strategies for Effective Reflection 47:06 The Power of Community and Connection 49:33 Final Thoughts on Implementing Genius Hour Resources: To learn more about Andi's Genius Hour Framework and book, please visit andimcnair.com/geniushour. Special Guests Laura Haselton Catherine Augustine Dyan Branstetter Emily Frady From Laura: Skateboarding Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXKaeyS6AtA&t=5s From Dyan: Instagram Handle: giftedthinkers_excelResources:  To help with inspiration: Kids Do the Most Remarkable Things by Great Big Story: https://youtu.be/or0tspzzI-4?si=QNYlsiwWYk4wMr2b Teaching Slides:  https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1P986nPUAVB25CuNlVbdwyUZ19gD_cSLPjmglVLBt_ns/copy?usp=sharing Reflection Slides student template: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ngIdXiD4QmHATW64rz-kAA4PFTX0LpS6kC-B2c_8siA/copy?usp=sharing From Emily: The curriculum I mentioned: Encounters with Archetypes: Integrated ELA Lessons for Gifted and Advanced Learners Grades  4-5  https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781003234890/encounters-archetypes-tamra-stambaugh-emily-mofield-eric-fecht-kim-knaussI know you've talked about the 6 Thinking Hats: https://www.debonogroup.com/services/core-programs/six-thinking-hats/ Instagram: @emily_frady

    59 min

  2. JAN 8

    Episode 95: Gifted Games [Amanda O'Neil and Bobbie Parmann]

    In this episode of A Meaningful Mess, Andi discusses the significance of games in gifted education with guests Amanda O'Neil and Bobby Parmann. They explore how games can enhance social-emotional learning, teach life-ready skills, and engage learners in meaningful ways. The conversation includes practical tips for implementing games in the classroom, organizing game materials, and fostering a positive learning environment. Amanda and Bobby also share their favorite games and resources for educators looking to incorporate game-based learning into their teaching practices. SHOW NOTES: Keywords gifted education, games, social-emotional learning, classroom management, life skills, teaching strategies, educational resources, gifted learners, game-based learning, student engagement Takeaways Games are crucial for engaging gifted learners. Play enhances learning and retention significantly. Social-emotional skills can be developed through games. Healthy competition fosters growth and learning. Games provide opportunities for life-ready skills practice. Organizing games effectively can enhance classroom management. Students can take ownership of their learning through games. Incorporating familiar games can ease students into new experiences. Reflection after games enhances learning and retention. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Gifted Games 04:05 The Importance of Play in Learning 07:15 Benefits of Gifted Games for Learners 10:09 Life-Ready Skills Through Games 13:17 Practical Game: Counting to 20 16:01 Establishing Norms for Game Day 19:09 Organizing Games in the Classroom 21:11 Creative Organization Strategies 22:27 Engaging Games for Gifted Learners 26:48 Implementing Games in the Classroom 30:56 Reflecting on Game Experiences 32:13 Exciting Resources for Teachers 36:02 Introduction to Gifted Onboarding Masterclass 36:29 Understanding Giftedness and Its Importance 🎁 GAMES RESOURCE LIST Gifted Onboarding Masterclass

    38 min

  3. 12/31/2024

    Episode 94: Genius Hour Norms

    Work with Andi 1:1 to utilize purposeful passion projects as a way to identify and serve gifted learners in your classroom or on your campus. Use the code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount. Summary In this episode, Andi discusses the significance of establishing norms for Genius Hour and passion projects in the classroom. She emphasizes the need for clarity and ownership among students, providing a framework for creating effective norms. The episode outlines key norms such as ownership, curiosity, time management, communication, and reflection, and suggests implementing a classroom contract to reinforce these expectations. Andi encourages educators to adapt these norms to fit their unique classroom environments, ultimately aiming to foster meaningful learning experiences for gifted learners. Keywords Genius Hour, passion projects, classroom norms, gifted education, student ownership, learning framework, education strategies, project-based learning, reflection, collaboration Takeaways Genius Hour is a unique learning experience that requires clear norms. Establishing norms helps students understand their roles and responsibilities. Ownership and responsibility are crucial for student engagement. Curiosity should drive students' project choices and exploration. Time management is essential for consistent progress on projects. Communication and collaboration enhance the learning experience. Reflection is necessary to acknowledge growth and learning. Creating norms can help maintain focus and direction in projects. A classroom contract can clarify expectations and roles. Adapting norms to fit your classroom is key to success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Genius Hour Norms 02:29 The Importance of Norms in Passion Projects 04:43 Creating Effective Norms 11:07 Five Key Classroom Norms 20:31 Implementing a Classroom Contract Resources Gifted Onboarding Masterclass and BIG TALK Community Genius Hour Norms Instagram Post Genius Hour Classroom Contract/Agreement In the agreement, I added a safety/appropriateness piece. You are welcome to utilize this agreement as is or as a guide as you create your own agreement for you and your learners. Genius Hour Learning Guides

    24 min

  4. 12/27/2024

    Episode 93: [A Meaningful Moment] The Grocery Store

    In this episode of A Meaningful Mess, Andi McNair discusses the importance of embracing vulnerability and the value of experiences that may not represent our best selves. Through a personal anecdote about a grocery store encounter, she emphasizes that valuable learning can occur even when we feel less than perfect. The conversation encourages educators and gifted learners to reflect on their experiences rather than striving for perfection, fostering a mindset that values growth and learning opportunities. SHOW NOTES: Keywords gifted education, meaningful experiences, passion projects, vulnerability, reflection, learning opportunities, high expectations, risk-taking, educator insights, personal growth Takeaways We often think that if something isn't our best, it isn't valuable. Valuable learning can happen even when we aren't at our best. Expecting perfection can hinder our willingness to take risks. Reflection is key to understanding the value of our experiences. Learning opportunities exist everywhere, not just in our best work. It's unrealistic to expect anyone to be their best all the time. Encouraging reflection helps learners grow from their experiences. Taking risks can lead to unexpected and meaningful connections. Our best work should not be the only focus in portfolios. Finding meaning in the mess is essential for growth.

    8 min

  5. 12/24/2024

    Episode 92: It's the Wrong Word!

    Keywords education, vocabulary, teaching, learning experiences, classroom ownership, struggle, failure, real world, peer tutoring, thought partnership Takeaways Words matter in education; they should convey clear understanding. Shifting from 'activity' to 'experience' enhances learning impact. Referring to 'my classroom' as 'our learning space' fosters ownership. Struggle is an ongoing process, while failure feels final. School is part of the real world; we should respect that. Thought partnership is more valuable than peer tutoring. Language shapes student perceptions and engagement. Educators should reflect on their vocabulary choices. Small shifts in language can lead to significant changes in mindset. 2025 is an opportunity for growth in education. Chapters 00:00 Reconsidering Words in Education 05:05 Shifting Perspectives on Classroom Ownership 07:12 The Importance of Struggle Over Failure 10:26 Rethinking the 'Real World' Concept 12:13 From Peer Tutor to Thought Partner 16:39 New Chapter Share your wrong word HERE!

    18 min

  6. 12/22/2024 · BONUS

    Episode 91 [A Meaningful Moment]: The Work Convoy

    In this episode, Andi McNair discusses the challenges faced by gifted learners when they have to wait for their peers to catch up. Through a personal anecdote about being stuck behind a work convoy, she draws parallels to the experiences of these learners in educational settings. Andi emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the needs of gifted learners by providing meaningful extensions that allow them to engage with the content at their own pace.

    5 min

  7. 12/19/2024

    Episode 90: NAGC and giftED 24 Takeaways

    In this episode, Andi McNair shares her key takeaways from the NAGC and TAGT Gifted Conferences, highlighting innovative ideas, networking opportunities, and the importance of family involvement in gifted education. She emphasizes the need for play in learning, creative thinking routines, and the long-term vision for gifted education, encouraging educators to engage in meaningful conversations and celebrate achievements.

    36 min

  8. 12/11/2024

    Episode 89: Genius Hour BIG TALK

    In this episode, Andi McNair discusses the significance of 'Big Talk' in educational settings, particularly during Genius Hour. She reflects on her experiences at recent conferences and emphasizes the importance of meaningful conversations that go beyond small talk. The episode explores how Big Talk can enhance understanding, support, and encourage learners, while also fostering thought partnerships between educators and students. Andi shares practical questions to facilitate Big Talk and announces the launch of a new community focused on driving change in gifted education. SHOW NOTES

    30 min
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About

Andi McNair is an author, international speaker/ consultant, and educator that is passionate about helping educators design meaningful experiences for today’s gifted learners. As a mom of gifted learners and an educator that had the opportunity to work specifically with gifted learners in the classroom, she as a unique perspective that is clear throughout her message. As a strong advocate for passion-based learning, Andi shares practical ways to engage and empower today's gifted learners through meaningful experiences, even when it's messy.

Information

  • Creator
    Andi McNair
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    98
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Andi McNair

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