TD at PSE
A Newsletter for Parents of TD Students
Quarter 4: Late Spring 2022
Mrs. Atri will return to PSE next year (2022-2023), but will remain out on medical leave for the remainder of the 2021-2022 school year. If you have questions regarding TD from May 2 to the end of the year, please reach out to Mrs. Safran.
5th Grade
Literacy
While Dr. Cernyka-Spatz is no longer with us to tell us her story, Ms. Fishman has given a moving account of her mother's life and resilience. Ms. Fishman is a former educator and continues to travel, telling her mother's story so that we may never forget.
For more information about Dr. Cernyak-Spatz's miraculous life, you can visit here or here.
Math
Students had to complete a series of word problems involving measurement that would direct them on what to include in each of their three themed drawings. Students used measurement conversions in the word problems to correctly solve them and create both digital and hand-drawn scenes of castles, aquariums and libraries.
4th Grade
Literacy
Students used a Cross-Impact Matrix to look at how the actor's portrayal of King George III through facial expressions, movement and vocals impacted the mood, tone, and theme in the song.
Students identified lyrics, tonality and movements that made the song ironic as King George III sings his "breakup song" to the 13 colonies. Not familiar with this catchy tune? Check it out below!
Math
Students were given a series of word problems involving finding the area and perimeter of irregular shapes to solve. Based on their correct answers, students were able to place a certain number of details/objects in their drawings of a medeival castle. They were given the option of hand-drawing their castle pictures or creating them digitally through Google Slides.
3rd Grade
Literacy
Math
2nd Grade
Literacy
Second grade students worked with concept-based instruction this quarter. Concepts represent ideas that are broad, abstract, timeless, and universal. Gifted children think globally and concept-based instruction encourages students to make connections across subject areas.
This quarter, second grade students focused on the concept of change. Students brainstormed, classified, and labeled examples of change. Students then developed generalizations about change.
Change is everywhere.
Change occurs over time.
Change can be positive or negative.
Change can be predictable or unpredictable.
Some changes occur naturally, while others are caused by people.
In literacy, students examined how characters react to events and challenges in stories…and how those events and challenges produce opportunities for change. In An Angel for Solomon Singer (Cynthia Rylant) Solomon “journeys” both externally and internally to find hope in the midst of difficult circumstances. In The Memory String (Eve Bunting), Laura learns that she can remember the past while embracing the future. Students used Literature Webs to analyze structure, ideas (theme), feelings (mood/tone), images/symbols, and key vocabulary.
Math
According to the NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics), problem-solving experiences are critical if students are to be able to use and apply mathematical knowledge in meaningful ways. Problem solving supports students’ ability to:
think creatively, critically, and logically
structure and organize
process information
Students engaged in “real world” problem solving this quarter.
Students worked as “chefs” to plan meals meeting food group requests and dietary needs (calorie restrictions/goals).
Students worked as “travel agents” to plan trips to Disney World, New York City, and/ or the Grand Canyon. Given set budgets, they calculated costs (transportation, lodging, meals, activities, souvenirs etc.) to determine if families could afford the vacations.
Students worked as “gardeners” to plan gardens maximizing profits for produce sold at local farmers’ markets.
Resource Spotlight
Jacob's Ladder
Jacob's Ladder reading comprehension units also include social/emotional learning through their Affective Ladders and also a non-fiction series that not only delves into non-fiction passages, but also asks students to compare and contrast the passages.
For more information on the Jacob's Ladder units, click here.
Summer Enrichment Opportunities
Summer Reading
Parent Meetings
Contact Us
Email: kathryn.safran@cms.k12.nc.us
Website: giftedteaching.com
Location: 10045 Providence Church Lane, Charlotte, NC, USA
Phone: (980) 343-6935