Delta Details
OCTOBER
4th and 5th Grade - Paxton
We have had a great start in Delta! I love working with this group of kids! They are eager to learn, work hard and have the best attitude! All great characteristics of a quality student!
It isn't always easy tackling activities that are above grade level, require focus and attention, and problem solving but these kids are up for the challenge! Gifted classes should include RIGOR in a safe environment. At the beginning of the year, we discussed a "gifted survival guide"; what qualities and activities are part of a gifted class. I have added this information below.
We meet two times a week for 90 minutes. Our class time is scheduled at the end of the day and some classes are going to Specials or recess during this time. The kids and I have brainstormed ideas on how we can make sure we aren't missing important events (running the mile with our PE class, etc.) and also taking Brain Breaks (Recess); the kids work hard all day and they need a few minutes of exercise, fresh air and free time.
We started the beginning of the year with a research study on the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. It was a great research warm up incorporating geography, history, and even art. We are also working on logic, analogies, and Noetic Math.
Noetic Math is an excellent math challenge! The students take the challenge online, each week we have two assignments with a total of 10 math problems. These problems include many math strategies and lots of problem solving! It is designed for gifted students and the questions are not easy but the kids are working hard; an example problem is below.
It isn't always easy tackling activities that are above grade level, require focus and attention, and problem solving but these kids are up for the challenge! Gifted classes should include RIGOR in a safe environment. At the beginning of the year, we discussed a "gifted survival guide"; what qualities and activities are part of a gifted class. I have added this information below.
We meet two times a week for 90 minutes. Our class time is scheduled at the end of the day and some classes are going to Specials or recess during this time. The kids and I have brainstormed ideas on how we can make sure we aren't missing important events (running the mile with our PE class, etc.) and also taking Brain Breaks (Recess); the kids work hard all day and they need a few minutes of exercise, fresh air and free time.
We started the beginning of the year with a research study on the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. It was a great research warm up incorporating geography, history, and even art. We are also working on logic, analogies, and Noetic Math.
Noetic Math is an excellent math challenge! The students take the challenge online, each week we have two assignments with a total of 10 math problems. These problems include many math strategies and lots of problem solving! It is designed for gifted students and the questions are not easy but the kids are working hard; an example problem is below.
Gifted Survival Guide
Gifted students need Rigor; academic challenges that are above grade level objectives. Part of our gifted curriculum is to develop the growth mindset; the skills and tools that are necessary for HS, college and career readiness.
* We need to be flexible so that we can be challenged; we are used to getting everything correct. When we tackle new subject matter, we might get frustrated, upset, or even angry. How can we be a problem solver when faced with academic challenges?
* Roll with the punches- If I don't get something right away. What is my mindset to accomplish this challenge; I can't shut down. When I make a mistake or need help, how do I handle it? How do I respond to a teacher or peer giving me assistance, or do I ask the teacher for help?
* Effort - Extra: We would like to think that gifted students are actually making more of an academic effort (because most of them make "A's"). In reality, school work and grade level objectives are easy for them; gifted students usually don't have to put forth much effort to get the 100%. This is a skill that must be practiced to be developed. Our brain is a muscle; we must develop it to make it stronger. We must also encounter academic challenges to develop the skills needed for HS and college courses.
Developing Research and Problem solving skills: We will not have textbooks where "someone" has researched the important or main ideas on a given subject. We are the researchers and we must determine the important information in a text and how to locate that information.
Risk taking and a supportive environment: Gifted students need a safe place where they tackle academic challenges. Gifted students often place high expectations on themselves and their peers add to this pressure; it is stressful to make mistakes or not be the best in the room on a given subject. I remind the students that our classroom is a practice field, we are looking for opportunities to be a risk taker and get out of our comfort level.
* We need to be flexible so that we can be challenged; we are used to getting everything correct. When we tackle new subject matter, we might get frustrated, upset, or even angry. How can we be a problem solver when faced with academic challenges?
* Roll with the punches- If I don't get something right away. What is my mindset to accomplish this challenge; I can't shut down. When I make a mistake or need help, how do I handle it? How do I respond to a teacher or peer giving me assistance, or do I ask the teacher for help?
* Effort - Extra: We would like to think that gifted students are actually making more of an academic effort (because most of them make "A's"). In reality, school work and grade level objectives are easy for them; gifted students usually don't have to put forth much effort to get the 100%. This is a skill that must be practiced to be developed. Our brain is a muscle; we must develop it to make it stronger. We must also encounter academic challenges to develop the skills needed for HS and college courses.
Developing Research and Problem solving skills: We will not have textbooks where "someone" has researched the important or main ideas on a given subject. We are the researchers and we must determine the important information in a text and how to locate that information.
Risk taking and a supportive environment: Gifted students need a safe place where they tackle academic challenges. Gifted students often place high expectations on themselves and their peers add to this pressure; it is stressful to make mistakes or not be the best in the room on a given subject. I remind the students that our classroom is a practice field, we are looking for opportunities to be a risk taker and get out of our comfort level.