EXCEL ELEMENTS
March 2016
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First of all...
http://news.ditd.org/March_16/eNews_March16_web.htm
Next is NAGC (National Association for Gifted Children) NewsSource:
http://www.multibriefs.com/briefs/nagc/
And finally, SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted) website, where you can subscribe to monthly email newsletters:
* 4th Grade STAAR WRITING - March 29th - No GT Classes *
KISD Film Festival Finalists Announced...
You can view them at:
http://www.kellerisd.net/community/media/film/Pages/2015-16-Finalists.aspxIt's exciting seeing videos produced by former students. But I am especially proud of my student Tate Strzinek for his Documentary entry "Sgt. Schott - A Survivor of Iwo Jima". Be sure and view some of the finalist films with your child, in hopes that some will be interested in entering the competition NEXT year.
And now, a look at happenings in the Excel Classrooms...
HARK - Woodland Springs
"Kool Kidz" (3rd Grade GT) - made cards for two different groups. One group was Christ Haven's Children's Home, receiving "somebody loves you" cards. The other recipients were the ER doctors at Cooks Children's Hospital, "thank you for taking care of children" or ...for saving lives".
All grade levels had the opportunity to write their heartfelt acts of random kindness on post-it notes during Random Acts of Kindness week.
HARK - Keller-Harvel
"Super Smooth Smarties" (3rd Grade GT) wanted to thank a different group - members of the FBI. Not only did they create a poster full of thank-you notes, Mr. Axline, an FBI officer, visited the class and answered the many questions. No handcuffs with his visit (whew!). He did bring an official (probably not, but it is very cute) FBI eagle for the classroom.
Again, ever grade level participated in writing heartfelt acts of random kindness on Tuesday, Feb 16th (since Monday was a holiday).
Challenge of the Week
Fourth Grade - Building bridges
Building Inspector Approves Plans
Hard Hats, Safety Goggles Required
Construction on Proper Surface
Following OSHA safety guidelines
Check writing, balance sheet, construction plans
Teamwork in action
What's next?
Bridge Breaking Competition!
Third Grade - ancestor adventure ends with travel to country of ancestors
Post card from a stop on Trip Itinerary
Reverse side of postcards on trip to land of ancestors
Self-Evaluation, Important for GT students!
60s:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Njng0P0XZwI
70s:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTXBza5wGEY
80’s:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGBCC6ZfNKo
Next stop...develop own toy company, create business plan, design and market a new toy!
Second Grade GT - Going WILD!
First Grade - Inventive Thinking to analytical thinking
Inventions created using items in classroom
What is a scientist? Paleontologist
Analytical Thinking - Chemist
And more for first grade...
http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/vocabulary-games/analogies/analogy-game.html
I read the book Animologies. First graders then came up with their own analogies.
Here are some excellent apps for analytical thinking:
Sorting Machine
ClassifyIt!
Guess the Code
MasterMind
Combinations
Turnacle
Next stop...MAX the MAGICIAN (searching for patterns). We're also creating paper hats with student generated patterns on the brim.
Creating different patterns
Different shapes for patterns
More complex patterns
Can't forget Kindergarten GT - now in session...
Guji Guji - to introduce WHY we're in GT
GT Binders, Nametags, "I Am Special"
Solving Challenging Bunny Math
Finally...
Gayle Barron, GT Specialist
Keller ISD Advanced Academics
Keller-Harvel Elementary
Woodland Springs Elementary