Mrs. Haynes December 2015 GE News
Gifted Education news for Rice Lake Elementary
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.hoagiesgifted.org/shopping_guide.htm
http://www.mindware.com/?ploc=9019681&gclid=CNKfq5Xyu8kCFQ-RaQoddQgCEA
Building our GE Community!
While there are a number of things I am doing to help achieve this goal, one of the big things that I'm doing is incorporating Schoology into each of the pull out groups. Schoology is what is called a "learning management system" that can be used in schools that allows me to create, manage, and share content and resources with students. As I have described it to students--it is like combining an online class with Facebook! It is a totally secured, in-district system that allows me to connect with students beyond just the one a week I get to see them face to face.
I will be gradually increasing my use of Schoology as the year goes on. I just wanted to let families know that this is a school approved digital tool that I have encouraged students to use. I will be sending more detailed information at another time. If you have questions or concerns about Schoology or other aspects of our GE community please feel free to contact me.
Testing for GE Services Coming Up in January and Early February
What does CogAT measure?
CogAT measures learned reasoning and problem-solving skills in three different areas: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal. Reasoning skills develop gradually throughout a person’s lifetime, and at different rates for different individuals. CogAT does not measure such factors as effort, attention, motivation, and work habits, which contribute to school achievement as well.
All second graders will be given the Cognitive Abilities Test in January. Data gathered from this process and the upcoming NWEA assessments, will be used for decisions about GE services for 2016-17. Watch the Wednesday envelope for testing schedule and additional information. You do not need to sign and return anything unless you DO NOT want your child tested.
Third and Fourth graders can be tested with the CogAT too! Teachers in grades three and four will soon begin the data-collection process in preparation for identifying those students with the greatest need for pull-out enrichment in the 2015-2016 school year.
Teachers and parents may nominate students for this testing and students may self-nominate. Students may re-test for areas in which they do not currently qualify for GE service. Contact your GE teacher for additional information or to nominate your child for testing.
Current GE Pull Out Groups:
3rd Gr. Quantitative Class!
QUANTITATIVE NBC: Math Patterns and Geometry
Students will know:
· A pattern is a sequence that can be described by rules
· Geometry is a section of math that studies how the shapes and sizes of things go together can be measured, and what they are like.
Students will understand:
· The study of how numbers or objects are arranged in some kind of sequence is a pattern.
· The study of triangles, squares, pentominoes, trapezoids, angles, flips, slides, and glides is all about geometry.
· A sequence is a repeating pattern that can be used to predict and extend patterns.
· The use of a table to describe patterns of change and solve problems.
Students will do:
· Use a chart/table to display data sets.
4th Gr. Nonverbal Class!
NON-VERBAL NBC: Constructive Problem-Solving: LEGO Machines
Students will know:
· How specific principles of simple machines simplify work for humans
Students will understand:
· The purpose of each simple machine
· A complex machine is made up of two or more simple machines
Students will do:
· Modify the design of a simple machine in order to simplify human effort
· Successfully work as part of a team to complete assigned investigations
· Use problem solving to design and build a working LEGO machine.
5th Gr. Quantitative Class!
Quantitative NBC: Introduction to the Stock Market
Students will know:
· Factors that indicate that a stock is desirable for purchase.
Students will understand:
· Reasons for the volatility of the stock market.
· Significance of research prior to investment.
· How to think deeply within the context of problem solving to find varied and complex solutions
Students will do:
· Locate necessary stock information online.
· Read/use stock quotes
· Maintain a portfolio of their chosen stocks
· Analyze the change in stock prices
Who Knew?!
Students who may need Gifted Education Quantitative classes may show evidence of the following abilities:
- Multiple Intelligence strength in logical reasoning/math
- Strong academic performance and/or potential, particularly in math (Evidence may include math RIT score, MCA score, classroom performance)
- Makes distinction between minute logical inconsistencies
- Pairs logical and creative thinking to solve problems
- Strong interest in math computation, problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and/or complex patterns
Students who may need Gifted Education Non-Verbal classes may show evidence of the following abilities
- Multiple Intelligence strength in visual/spatial, logic, and/or bodily kinesthetic
- Sequencing skills
- Pattern recognition
- Constructive problem-solving
- Hands-on processing
- Communication with pictures, images and/or large gestures
- Makes distinction between minute visual differences
- Pairs logical and creative thinking to solve problems
GE Monthly District Parent Meetings
Our first Osseo district GE parent meeting was a success! We had over 55 parents in attendance. The purpose of these meetings is to provide parent support for students participating in gifted education needs based classes. There will be monthly meetings throughout the year with various topics – see schedule below. 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 6:30-7:30 pm. Childcare for children 4+ and a light snack will be provided. Our second meeting will be December 8th and the topic will be on intensity, perfectionism and stress, which are all common characteristics of gifted children.
December 8th, 2015
6:30-7:30 PM
Intensity, Perfectionism and Stress
January 12th, 2016
6:30-7:30 PM
Motivation, Enthusiasm, and Underachievement
February 9th, 2016
6:30-7:30 PM
Idealism, Unhappiness and Depression
March 29th, 2016
6:30-7:30 PM
Communication: The Key to Relationships
April 12, 2016
6:30-7:30 PM
Not Just Gifted? Twice-Exceptional Children, Organization Issues
May 10th, 2016
6:30-7:30 PM
Advocating for Your Gifted Child Gifted Child
The REACH FOR THE STARS Catalog
Previous Newsletters from Mrs. Haynes:
Contacting Erin Haynes
Office phone 763-420-4220
Gifted Education Resources:
Hoagies' Gifted Education Page: www.hoagiesgifted.org
National Association for Gifted Children: www.nagc.org
Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG): www.sengifted.org