Mrs. Haynes Dec. 2016 GE News
Gifted Education News for Rice Lake Elementary
Greetings GE Families!
Now that the first snow has fallen and Thanksgiving has come and gone, we can't be in denial any longer that winter is coming. Here's hoping you are staying warm and enjoying all that a new season brings!
Gift Guide
Looking for a gift idea for the holidays, a birthday, or other special occasion? The following links have some great options for gifted, high performing, creative, and brainy kids!
http://www.nagc.org/resources-publications/resources-parents/games-and-toys-gifted-children
http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/shopping_guide.htm
http://www.mindware.com/?ploc=9019681&gclid=CNKfq5Xyu8kCFQ-RaQoddQgCEA
Pull Out Groups--Needs Based Classes (NBC's)
We are now a couple sessions into the second round of groups! I am enjoying welcoming both new and returning students to our GE community! The third round of groups will begin mid-late January.
Round 2: The second round of NBC groups started the second week in November. Students selected for this group were sent a letter (with more specific outcomes and session schedule) the week before it started letting them now they will be participating in this group. The topics for this second round are:
- 3rd Grade: Quantitative--Math Patterns & Geometry
- 4th Grade: Non-Verbal--LEGO Kit Simple Machines
- 5th Grade: Quantitative--Stock Market
C4: Challenge, Create, Construct, Connect
GE Monthly District Parent Forums
Based on feedback we received last year, we plan to continue these forums this year! The purpose of these meetings is to provide parent support for students participating in gifted education needs based classes. These sessions will be facilitated by several of our #279 Gifted Education Teachers. All meetings will be held at Oak View Elementary and will be from 6:00-7:30 pm. Childcare for children 4+ years will be provided. If you are unable to attend any of the sessions, I will be linking the presentation information here.
December 6th--THIS TUESDAY!!!!!!
Topic Focus: Organization Issues and Common Sense Support.
February 28th
Topic Focus: We will discuss summer enrichment opportunities, digital programs offerings and Advanced Academic Programs.
April 25
Topic Focus: To be determined
May 23rd
Topic Focus: How to help your family/child fit in when necessary and how to be the protector and advocate for your child at school, AND with your family and friends.
Young Scientist Roundtable--Family Enrichment Opportunity
Monday, December 5, 2016 from 7:00-8:00pm
Wayzata Central Middle School
305 Vicksburg Lane/Plymouth
Dr. Lucy E. Dunne
Associate Professor & Director, Apparel Design Program
Co-Director, Wearable Technology Lab
University of Minnesota
"Engineering Wearable Systems: From Sportswear to Spacesuits"
Clothing is an important part of everyday life for most people, the first barrier between our human bodies and the outside world. Yet, it is taken for granted. Clothing functions as thermal insulation and sun protection. It communicates our status and identity. More advanced clothing forms need to do more through wearable technology addressing the ability for clothing to understand needs of the wearer and respond appropriately. Computer science and robotics play a critical role in clothing design. Dr. Lucy Dunne will talk about the roots of clothing functionality as well as the cutting edge of how future clothing might look, function and feel.
Social Emotional Resources and Support
Parenting all ages of children to reduce power struggles, explosions and tantrums:
The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible. Ross W., PhD Greene (Jan 19, 2010). Website has videos and helpful resources – www.livesinthebalance.org
Parenting Without Power Struggles: Raising Joyful, Resilient Kids While Staying Cool, Calm, and Connected. Susan Stiffelman (Mar 13, 2012).
Raising Your Spirited Child: A Guide for Parents Whose Child Is More Intense, Sensitive, Perceptive, Persistent. Mary Sheedy Kurcinka (Nov 28, 2006).
Raising Your Spirited Child Workbook. Mary Sheedy Kurcinka (Mar 4, 1998). This workbook has helpful lists and applicable suggestions. This workbook is very useful with several ideas and applications.
Parenting highly sensitive children:
The Highly Sensitive Child: Helping Our Children Thrive When the World Overwhelms Them. Elaine Aron (Oct 8, 2002)
Parenting to improve executive functioning skills:
Smart but Scattered (for elementary aged children) Peg Dawson and Richard Guare (Jan 2, 2009)
Smart But Scattered for Teens. Richard Guare Phd, Peg Dawson EdD and Colin Guare (Dec 17, 2012)
Book for children about controlling anger:
What to Do When Your Temper Flares: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Problems With Anger (What to Do Guides for Kids. Dawn Huebner and Bonnie Matthews (Oct 15, 2007).
Book for children about stress reduction and worries:
What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety (What to Do Guides for Kids). Dawn Huebner and Bonnie Matthews (Sep 2005).
Book for children about perfectionism:
What to Do When Good Enough Isn’t Good Enough: The Real Deal on Perfectionism: A Guide for Kids. Thomas S. Greenspon Ph.D. (Mar 15, 2007).
Book for children about ADHD:
The Survival Guide for Kids with ADD or ADHD. John F. Taylor Ph.D. (Mar 15, 2006).
Growth Mindset Tips
As I mentioned in the first newsletter, there is a large amount of research that is being done in the area of mindset, and that research is showing that your mindset can have just as much impact on your success and achievement as your intellectual potential/ability. Last month I shared two different tips and promised more with each newsletter. Here is one for this month!
Tip #3
Daily reflection questions to promote growth mindset:1. What did you do today that made you think hard?
2. What happened today that made you keep on going?
3. What can you learn from this?
4. What mistake did you make that taught you something?
5. What did you try hard at today?
6. What strategy are you going to try now?
7. What will you do to challenge yourself today?
8. What will you do to improve your work?
9. what will you do to improve your talent?
what will you do to solve this problem?
Identification Information
Our district has now approved the use of the new and updated version of the CogAT. This version is computerized, provides immediate results, and recommended to be given in the fall. Therefore, we will NOT be giving the CogAT test to any students in grades 2-4 this winter. This year students will continue to take the MAP test in the spring, and next fall all students in grade 3 with take the CogAT at the beginning of the school year. Students in grades 4 & 5 that are nominated by teachers and parents will also have the opportunity to retest with the CogAT in the fall. Results will determine placement in Gifted Education programs for the 2017-18 school year. Please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns.
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Previous Newsletters
Mrs. Haynes
Email: haynese@district279.org
Website: http://schools.district279.org/rl/
Phone: 763-420-4220
Twitter: @altoerin