Genius Hour - Benefits

Close, Jackie. (2017, January 22).
Decew Falls [Image].

This blog post is going to focus on my experience so far with hiking as often as I can. The main reason is because I have noticed a change in myself so I wanted to do some research on people spending time in nature. The other reason is because I have not had many opportunities to go on hikes lately. The weekends associated with holidays I was not in the area and there have been many weekends where the weather has stopped me from going completely. Rather than not doing a post I decided to write this one on the benefits I have experienced and noticed while participating in this genius hour project.

The physical benefits may go without question. Any type of physical activity is good for one’s health in many ways. No matter the difficulty of a hike it will still benefit a person in some way. Through the few hikes I have done I have noticed an increase in my physical activity. I also have noticed an increase in my desire to participate in any form of physical activity. Not only have I been hiking but I have also added other forms of activity to my routines because of this change in mindset. Leading me to the main point of discussion I want to mention.

Close, Jackie. ( 2017, January, 22).
Decew Falls [Image].

Hiking has benefits physically but also mentally. Many people suffer from mental illnesses. People are constantly bombarded with negative and obsessive thoughts that focus on the symptoms of one’s distress and the possible causes and consequences as opposed to its solutions, this is called rumination. A study compared the rumination of those that take walks in urban areas and those that walk in nature. They found that more time spent in nature actually decreases negative thoughts. Those that walk in nature reported lower levels of rumination and less activity in the brain related to mental illness (Ketler, 2016). On the other hand, those that walked in urban areas did not report these lower levels of rumination. Researchers suggest the correlation is related to the experiences of depression and mental illness occurring in urban areas. Therefore, to lower these levels one must completely remove themselves from these influences.

Close, Jackie. (2017, January 28).
      Twenty Valley Trail [Image].

As much as I experienced a change physically I changed even more so mentally. While hiking, my mind was clear to think positively because I was removing myself of all that causes me stress. I would worry about taking the time away from work to go on hikes but afterwards I would feel so much more focused and work productively as a result of clearing my mind. I also noticed a change in my mindset. I have trained my brain to think more positively and not worry about the small details that would take my time and energy. This was a result of both the physical and mental benefits.

Close, Jackie. (2017, February 4).
   Niagara Glen Nature Reserve [Image].

These benefits and results have definitely come from hiking but I am sure people can experience these benefits just by doing something they love to do. When people take the time to stop and enjoy themselves they will notice a change in their mindset. They cannot let negative thoughts take over. This is why genius hour projects are so great for students. Not only are they learning content but they are also learning something they enjoy and can apply to their lives. I have loved participating in my genius hour research and so have those that have joined me on hikes. Nature is wonderful and people should spend more time unplugged to enjoy it. However, at the most basic people should take time doing what they love. I hope to incorporate genius hour projects into my classes to give my students time to explore their passions and interests. I have learned so much about myself through this process I am excited to see what my future students learn as well!

Lloyd, Amy. (2017, January 28). Twenty Valley Trail [Image].

Reference:

Ketler, A. (2016, April 8). Doctors Explain How Hiking Actually Changes Our Brains. Retrieved from, http://www.collective-evolution.com/2016/04/08/doctors-explain-how-hiking-actually-changes-our-brains/

Should Homework be Banned?

The Washington Post uploaded an article yesterday entitled “What happened when one school banned homework – and asked students to read and play instead.” This article caught my attention right away since homework has been a highly debated topic, at least in my own life. I was intrigued to find out the results from this homework ban and investigate the details of it.

First, it is important to note that the homework ban did mean that students were exempt from any responsibilities while at home, but instead a new policy was put in place. The daily home assignment was now to read (and/or be read to), to play outside, to eat dinner with family, and to get a good night’s sleep. At first glance this daily assignment may not seem to be very academic and support school success. However, looking deeper into each of these stipulations, they are much more beneficial to students than homework, teaching them skills that they cannot learn in a classroom and preparing them for the learning that occurs at school. This policy was put in place to make sure that although students were not being given homework that did not mean more screen time at home. The goal is still for student to learn important skills and take on responsibilities within the home.

Six months into this experiment and the results show that students have not fallen back academically and some are actually doing better. This could be for many possible reasons however the article suggests that students now have time to “be creative thinkers at home and follow their passions.” In addition, students are learning to read on their own through this process because they are encouraged to read everyday. Students are spending more time doing things that matter beyond math homework sheets.

There were concerns that students are missing out on opportunities to learn and practice doing homework to prepare for high school. While this is a very valid concern people must ask themselves what is more important for students to learn at this age, to do homework or to learn to read and be a child? There are many other ways students can learn self-regulation skills that will help them to manage homework in the future. For example, with each of the aspects of this policy students must learn to manage their time outside, reading, free screen time, and time with family. That can already be a lot to balance without incorporating completing worksheets.

I agree that teachers really need to rethink what they are sending home as homework to be completed. Teachers could consider coming up with a classroom contract that students and their parents sign, similar to this no homework policy. The purpose of this homework ban is not for students to have nothing to do but to learn important daily life skills from their parents and make time to enjoy being a child. So I ask you now, what do you think? Should more schools consider this homework ban? 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2017/02/26/what-happened-when-one-school-banned-homework-and-asked-kids-to-read-and-play-instead/?utm_term=.fd8bd2dd812f

Genius Hour - Niagara Glen

Close, Jackie. (2017, February 4). Niagara Glen Nature Reserve [Image].

For this hike we went to the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve, commonly known as the Gorge. These trails begin overlooking the Niagara River and following a large set of stairs continues down to the river below. Something interesting about these trails being associated with the Nature Reserve is that if you are unsure about exploring them on your own there are daily hiking tours at 11a.m and 2p.m. However, this is a main tourist attraction with many other activities and opportunities that the Reserve offers such as boat tours and zip lines. This just means that if you prefer quiet hikes, visit the Niagara Glen during the offseason when there are less tourists.

Close, Jackie. (2017, February 4).
Niagara Glen Nature Reserve [Image].

            The weather for this hike was beautiful! The sun was out shining as we explored the trails. Although it was still chilly the sun made for a wonderful hiking day. The ground was a little frozen but not icy so we did not have to worry too much about the weather affecting the experience of this hike. If anything the beautiful sun helped to enhance the impression of the hike and highlighted the beautiful scenery surrounding us.

Close, Jackie. (2017, February 4).
Niagara Glen Nature Reserve [Image].

To describe the scenery in one word I would use ‘gorgeous’. Everywhere you looked there was something to marvel at. Right from the beginning overlooking the entirety of the forest and river was amazing. Continuing the trails at the bottom and walking along the rushing water was astounding. The large boulders and tall rocks added to history of the location and the amount of erosion that has taken place there. In order to take in everything around you would have to walk extremely slow. I did my best to take in as much as I could but this is definitely a hike that you would want to visit more than once to explore all the possible trails available.

Close, Jackie. (2017, February 4).
Niagara Glen Nature Reserve [Image].

            Similar to the last hike the overall feeling was an immersion into nature. The beautiful sceneries partnered with the unkempt trail helped to develop this feeling. The trails for the most part were very rocky. The trail was a good balance of being somewhat challenging but fairly easy at the same time. Overall the trail was very enjoyable with something new at every turn.

As stated previously, this is a hike that you will want to return to. There are so many different directions that the trails go in that you would need to visit a few times. This hike will not disappoint you no matter how many visits you make. At every glance there is something to be amazed by. Take an hour and two and enjoy this lovely view!

Genius Hour - Twenty Valley Trail

Close, Jackie. (2017, January 28).
               Twenty Valley Trail [Image].

The second hike for my Genius Hour was the Twenty Valley Trail. We started the trail at Jordan Village and walked to Ball’s Falls Conservation Area. The Twenty Valley Trail is a side trail to the Bruce Trail, which I know so well. I am more familiar with the other end of the Bruce Trail on the Bruce Peninsula so it was very interesting to experience a taste of this part. This hike was 2km there and back and only took about an hour long with lots of stops to enjoy the views and nature.

The weather again impacted the hike. This time there was a light dusting of snow on the ground, which made the rocks very slippery so we stuck to the trail and did not venture too far from it. This also meant that we were unable to go along the creek all the way to the bottom of the falls, a sight I was really looking forward to. Instead, we remained following the trail and headed up to see the top of the falls.

Close, Jackie. (2017, January 28).
              Twenty Valley Trail [Image].

This did not impact the hike too much because the overall scenery was still worth it. Most of the hike was along the creek, which was alone beautiful, but going up the steep incline (that required stairs) made for a very interesting and heart-pounding encounter. Once at the top the views were amazing. While there were many trees overlooking the forest the clear view beside the waterfall was the main attraction, definitely a bonus compared to view of Decew Falls. I can only imagine how the falls would have looked from the bottom, guess I have to go back.

Close, Jackie. (2017, January 28).
               Twenty Valley Trail [Image].

The trail itself was probably one of my favourite parts about this hike. This is because it was a thin trail, which really made you feel immersed into the nature. Trees surrounding you with the sound of the running water beside you, it was wonderful. I really forgot for a moment that we were anywhere near a city, or even village. The trail was also a little challenging. There were many rocks and roots sticking out, along with the ice, made the trail tricky but lots of fun. I thoroughly enjoyed this trail, although it was short it was still challenging.

Something I was not expecting from this hike was the amount of people we ran into. There were not too many but it was strange because it was not a typical hiking day at all, too cold. However, everyone was very friendly, greeting and maki

Close, Jackie. (2017, January 28).
Twenty Valley Trail [Image].

ng jokes about the weather. When walking down streets in the city it is very random if people greet each other will a ‘hello’ although, when walking a trail, it is strange if you do not say anything. I wonder why this is. Two very different worlds and people act differently in them. This is what I love about nature and hiking though, people tend to be open and friendly.

Overall another great day and great hike. I thoroughly enjoyed this hike and would recommend it for anyone seeking a quick but challenging trail. I cannot wait to get back there and explore even more of the area.