KCS GT Update April 2021
April Showers Bring May Flowers
What's Happening in GT?
We have some great thinking and problem-solving going on in our GT classes. Check out what we have been learning about!
3rd Grade: Students started our Area of Irregular Rectilinear Figures module. In this new module, students will be learning new geometrical concepts and will complete real-world tasks related to Mrs. Zhou's irregular rectilinear garden. Following those tasks, students will be able to complete Open Middle mysteries connected to the area of irregular rectilinear figures.
4th Grade: Students will be challenged to crack the code on fractions and be able to work on their 4th-grade GT competency through the process.
Questions they'll ask themselves include:
- What are the success criteria for mastering the fractions challenge?
- Where am I in my own learning with fractions? Do I fully understand equivalent fractions, comparing fractions, fractions as division, or converting improper fractions into mixed numbers?
- How can I manage myself to progress as I take steps toward mastering the fractions challenge?
5th Grade: Students have been working on Fractions with Pattern Blocks. After mastery of the original Farmer Fred task in Week 1, students will move into week 2 to complete more problem-solving tasks for Farmer Fred. Each task requires students to relate fractions to each other and to the greater whole (the farmer's field) when the sizes and values of the fields change. As they progress to the end of this module, they will get an opportunity to exercise their creative thinking by using virtual pattern blocks to make a fraction creature or character and write a story about him/her/it.
Self Efficacy
Do you want to help your child become a lifelong problem-finder and be able to advocate for him or herself in times of need? Help your children become life-long problem solvers and self-advocates by including them in solution finding when conflicts arise at home or at school. Click here for a very quick and useful read on how you can include your gifted child in solution-finding when conflicts arise.
Life Hacks
For Kids: This has been a stressful year and also this time of year can be stressful. There is the big assessment 'TCAP', end of year events, more sports and activities. With all that can be on our plates, we need to find ways to de-stress. Watch this video on three crafts that can be made to help with the stress in your life.
For Adults: Not only do our children have stress in their lives, we as adults also can have stress. Read this article to learn about 21 life hacks to help us in our daily lives.
Staying Connected
How to Make Cookie-Cutter Bird Feeders
Want to get your kids into a fun craft? Try out these great bird feeders. Learn more here. After the craft is complete, encourage your children to observe and note what type of birds visit and enjoy this tasty treat.
Earth Day: April 22nd
April 22 is Earth Day, a day all about protecting our environment. While events continue to be affected by COVID, there are still lots of ways to mark the day with your family outside and in your home. Click here to see 7 ideas on things your family can do to be better environmental stewards.
Knoxville Walking Tours
KCS GT Department
The KCS Gifted and Talented department strives to create a SAFE environment for each other, our teachers, students, schools and parents where we value Support, Advocacy, Flexibility, and Empathy.
As instructional coaches, we will meet each teacher where they are as we seek to create a SHIFT in service delivery and instructional practice in order for every teacher to feel confident in providing challenging and engaging instruction requiring students to persevere through complex tasks.
As gifted practitioners, we will meet each student where they are as we seek to create a SHIFT in student efficacy in order for every student to feel confident in participating in complex tasks, advocating for themselves, and utilizing a growth mindset.
https://www.knoxschools.org/Domain/143 KCS GT website
Email: daphne.odom@knoxschools.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/knoxschools.org/articles-for-gt-parents/home?authuser=0
Phone: 865-594-1521
Twitter: @KCSGifted