Innovation @CrystalMiddleCA

What happens when you allow students to design their learning experiences? What happens when you tell students there won't be grades? What happens when you tell teachers you won't be teaching today?  Amazing things happen. Students create, design, explore, imagine, and innovate.  Students are engaged, motivated, and HAPPY!!!

On Thursday, May 22nd, Crystal Middle School had its 2nd Annual Innovation Day. Students designed and planned their learning for the day. Teachers did not teach, they facilitated. Classrooms were no longer classrooms, they were workspaces. Grade levels did not exist since students were grouped together by similar projects not by their grade level. Students worked independently and collaboratively; by their choice. Students volunteered to help their peers when they were stuck with a tech problem. Students volunteered to help their peers learn a new musical instrument. It was truly an AMAZING day.

Innovation Day 2014 was a day of Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose!! 

Please enjoy the following videos. The first video is an original song that student Zach Wahid wrote and performed. It could be the next Chipotle jingle!! The second video is a compilation of photos and videos taken on Innovation Day 2014.

OriginalChipotleJingle

CrystalInnovationDay2014

Many more great things are in store for Crystal!

Continue to be innovative, creative, and a model of excellence! 

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!