GATES Newsletter
January 2017
Import News!
Progress Reports went home yesterday!
Our progress report policy changed this year and GATES will send out progress reports at the end of each semester.
Please fee free to contact me, at anytime, if you have questions or concerns regarding your child.
Casa Manana
Holiday Break
The last week of school, I received so many gifts from my students and I want you to know how thankful I am for each and every one of them. I loved them all!!!!!
Student Chromebooks
Breakout EDU
Stranded on the Island link:
A Spicy Mystery link:
Here's a look at what we are doing in our G.A.T.E.S classes
1st Grade
We have been working through the Creative Design Process to create a container that will help capture some animals that have escaped from the zoo!!!! Students a required to purchase their materials and they have a budget. I sure hope they can mange their money!The kids are being very creative and being very kind to one another by offering help to each other. I can't wait to see their final product!
2nd Grade
How much do they make?
What kind of education do they need?
What is their job description?
3rd Grade
Who can build the tallest tower?
Collaborating
Famous Structures
4th Grade
Student made artifacts
Becoming Ancient Civilization Experts
More artifacts
5th Grade
Student researched charities and selected one to promote. They are creating fliers and commercials to help promote their charity. Next, will start working on our entrepreneur ideas and then creating a business plan to present to the shark tank!
Charity flyer
Great charities selected by the students
Commericial
Parent Resources
Tic Tac Ten: strategic thinking game http://bit.ly/1L52THb
Gifted Students and Peer Relations
Does this sound familiar to you? Your child cannot seem to understand why their friend wants to play dress up instead of draw their dream home in intricate detail… Or talk instead of lay around and read their new favorite book… Contrary to popular opinion, not all gifted children have trouble making friends, but all children struggle through friendship issues at some point. Jim Delisle, Ph.D. has worked with and for gifted children for 33 years and recently published an article in the Davidson Newsletter about the differences between “peers” and “agemates”. An “agemate” is someone who shares your chronological age, while a “peer” is someone with whom you interact because you have common interests or ideas, whatever their age. It is important to remember that different friendships serve different purposes while coaching your child through life’s little crises. Below are a few other thoughts to ponder…
Alone Time. Highly intelligent students need some time and space where they can relax with their own thoughts.
Set up opportunities for friendships to be made. Parents have to help set up opportunities for the child when he/she struggles in this area: setting up play dates, having siblings, friends and family over, signing them up for sports, etc.
Modeling. Parents should model good behavior with their own peers. When it is appropriate, discuss certain relationships and the dynamics of the relationships with your children.
Effective tools for success. If your child seems to struggle with social cues or the handling of certain social situations, have your child role-play both sides of the coin so he or she can feel what it would be like to be on both sides. Through role-playing you can discuss what is successful in dealing with different kinds of people.
Loveky, D. “Tips for Parents: Peer Relations.” Davidson Institute for Talent Development (2002). Web. 26 Oct. 2011.
Delisle, J. “Interview with Jim Delisle on Gifted Students and Peer Relations.” Davison Institute for Talent Development (2011). Web. 26 Oct. 2011.