GT Newsletter
February 2024
This Month in GT / Stretch:
This month was all about the debate! Students in grades 3 and 5 worked on debate skills. We listened to a podcast called Smash-Boom-Best, taking notes on arguments, evidence, and rebuttals. The following week, students picked a topic and held a debate against a classmate. Debate participation promotes problem solving and innovative thinking, and helps students build links between words and ideas that make concepts more meaningful.
Also this month: We learned about the Lunar New Year. We studied Chinese and Vietnamese customs while creating paper lanterns. Happy Year of the Dragon!
5th Grade: We played board games that date back as far back as 3,000 BC. These included the Egyptan games of Ur and Senet, the Indian games of Moksha Patamu (Snakes & Ladders) and Chataruji (a version of chess). We played a Viking version of chess, as well as Mancala from Africa, and the Roman game of Rota (a tic-tac-toe game that doesn't end in a draw).
Critical thinking puzzles and brain teasers are back in the cafeteria each day. Is your child taking advantage of these fun and engaging brain games? They are available in the morning for students who get to school early and at each lunch period.
4th Grade: We started our Revolutionary War simulations where students are playing a choose-your-own-adventure-like game that also leaves some situations up to chance! Which side is your child on - a Loyalist, a Patriot, or are they an undecided citizen?
Finally, several grade levels used hexagonal thinking, a critical thinking strategy to make connections between concepts. The beauty of hexagonal thinking is the ability to continuously move the hexagons to make new connections or accommodate changes in thinking. Conversations and collaboration are a huge part of this activity.
Summer SAIL
I have gotten several inquiries about Summer SAIL camp. Each summer, the GT department hosts an enrichment program for our fully identified students in rising grades 3-5. Summer SAIL is designed to be a fun, interactive, academically challenging summer learning experience for our students. 2024 Summer SAIL details are still being finalized, but I will update families as soon as I have more information.
Hexagonal Thinking
Students work toward higher levels of thinking as they arrange hexagons and analyze relationships between terms and concepts!
CCSD Gifted & Talented Resources:
- CCSD District GT Webpage
- SAIL Snapshot
- Profile of a SC Graduate
- Follow me on Instagram @mrs_eliz_biggs
Elizabeth Biggs
Email: elizabeth_biggs@charleston.k12.sc.us
Website: https://www.ccsdschools.com/giftedandtalented
Location: 103 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC, USA
Phone: (843) 724 - 7750