Exceedingly Excel
March/April 2017
Exciting things are happening in the Excel classroom!
Kindergarten GT
From learning to organize a binder, to solving plexar (word puzzle) instructions for the day on the board, these enthusiastic students bring smiles and new perspectives to the classroom. Last week, they learned to log onto their Google drive, save photos I shared with them, create a GT file on their drive, and drag their GT photos to the file. I wish I could show everyone the video of them accomplishing these tasks, jumping up and cheering "I did it. I did it." Such joy!
1st Grade GT...
As we say farewell to Max the Magician, and meet Yolanda the Yarnspinner, we move from visual perception to creative expression. Pick up the pencil, utilize the right brain, and let's weave some unique perspectives through words.
2nd Grade GT...
My other second grade group has recently created scripts for morning announcements, plus organized the sorting and counting of markers.
Both worked on Cyphers, creating their own code and secret message - more challenging than they thought possible, wrapping up our logical deduction and flexibility of perspective unit. Creativity and brainstorming skills will be honed next, using new writing techniques in a most unique way.
Of course, the Super 7 GT Expectations are integrated in each lesson or activity, as each student must identify which expectation is being used (and how). brainstorming students will weave their own creative, original stories.
Dried Up Marker Collection a Success!
3rd and 4th Grade GT...
https://www.quia.com/cc/67717.html
Next, this interactive site gave them a glimpse of life without our Bill of Rights:
At the end of each class, I've been taking a few minutes to share some crazy laws still on the books today. Most were obtained from Legal Zoom. I'm sure your child has informed you of several, at this point. One law reinforced my strict editing (punctuation, grammar, spelling, etc.) of their work all year:
In Belvedere, California - dogs must not appear in public without their masters on a leash!
Just 3rd Grade...
Just 4th...
Opinions count!
We're also looking at different situations, determining which amendment applies to each, and if the situations are legal. I love their passion for defending the rights of others using the amendments.
Google Drive Bonanza
HOW??
Your child's Google email address is first initial + middle initial + last name + 01 (or 02, 03, 04 in a few cases) @kellerisd.com.
Example: if the student is named Ima Brilliant Child, the email address would be ibchild01@kellerisd.com. The password is always keller.
* I hope you have requested access for your child's Excel class folder on my Google drive, but if not, there's still time to do so. I try to update it weekly.
The Weather Game?
COGSS (Community of Gifted Student Supporters) Meeting
This month's meeting topic is Mindfulness and Test Anxiety.
Join other GT parents in the Texas Rooms at the KISD Ed Center on April 13th!
Thursday, Apr 13, 2017, 07:00 PM
350 Keller Parkway, Keller, TX, United States
KISD School Survey
or use this QR code.
Your GT Specialist...
I am also the editor of the Advanced Academics blog. You can subscribe at: http://kellerisdgt.blogspot.com/ Don't worry, you won't be bombarded with blogs - maybe one per week?
In your child's Excel class Google folder, I've added my updated list of Summer Camp Opportunities for Gifted Youth. I'll email the official list another day. But as it is 7:25 pm on a Friday night, and I would like to get home to my family, I'm going to send this to you now, with a THANK YOU for sharing your amazing gifted child with me.
Gayle Barron, GT Specialist
Keller ISD Advanced Academics
Woodland Springs and Keller-Harvel Elementary Schools
@gaylebarronGT
@GayleBarron