January KCS GT Update
January 2021 Volume 8
Happy New Year!
Let's Get Creative! with Dr. John Spencer
What's Happening in GT?
Third-graders have been focused on understanding and practicing their creative thinking through writing, engaging in two types of poetry. Looking ahead, they will use music and practice Pareidolia, among other activities, to apply what they have learned. Soon our 3rd-graders will be able to compare and contrast the different types of thinking (critical, abstract, or creative) they are using.
Learning more about our current holidays, MLK Jr. and President's Day, fourth-graders have been comparing famous Presidents and activists. They used Google Jamboard to contribute to a brain dump to compare and share their thinking. Students also enjoyed sharing their perspective related to a fun fact about Presidents' Day. Many were in awe and shared new knowledge as they took a virtual field trip to Mount Vernon.
Fifth-graders had some thought-provoking conversations centered around various New Year's traditions around the world. Among the various traditions, students dug deeper into the Chinese New Year and lunar animals. Based on what they learned, they began planning a New Year's Dinner Party, and as host, had to create a seating chart of all the lunar animals at their dinner table. Students had to write their justifications and share their thinking behind their seating charts, using the character traits of each one.
Looking ahead, 3rd-grade students will be working through multi-step problem-solving, 4th-graders will become Snowman Construction Company owners, and our 5th-graders will be learning about MLK Jr. and the Letters from the Birmingham Jail.
Self-Efficacy and Advocation
Stay Connected: Ijams E-Learning Station
Children's Exposure To The News
The American Psychological Association has updated an older article on the impact of children watching too much news. The article also lists ways to talk with your children about news and the appropriate amount of news time children should have. Click to read more.
KCS GT Department
The KCS Gifted and Talented department strives to create a SAFE environment for each other, our teachers, students, schools and parents where we value Support, Advocacy, Flexibility, and Empathy.
As instructional coaches, we will meet each teacher where they are as we seek to create a SHIFT in service delivery and instructional practice in order for every teacher to feel confident in providing challenging and engaging instruction requiring students to persevere through complex tasks.
As gifted practitioners, we will meet each student where they are as we seek to create a SHIFT in student efficacy in order for every student to feel confident in participating in complex tasks, advocating for themselves, and utilizing a growth mindset.
https://www.knoxschools.org/Domain/143 KCS GT website
Email: daphne.odom@knoxschools.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/knoxschools.org/articles-for-gt-parents/home?authuser=0
Phone: 865-594-1521
Twitter: @KCSGifted