EXCEL-lent Expeditions
Loving the journey through life with our gifted learners.
Design Thinking: Creative and Empathetic Problem Solving
As we begin our Spring semester of the Excel pullout classes, I am reminded how anxious the minds of our gifted learners are. I have been involved in the referral and testing process for other students, and therefore haven't had any pullout classes. As I saw my sweet learners in the hall, I was always met with sad faces and questions of, " When can we see you again?" I, too, have missed my buddies. I have resumed the Excel classes again, and can't wait to start on our Spring projects!
Each of our grade level groups are working on their own level of the Design Thinking process. We know that our gifted learners are very capable and sometimes other gifted characteristics get in the way of them producing their best work. I'll be working with each level on their specific social emotional needs while we progress through our Spring projects. Some of the needs that we embed and work on during the project are empathy for others and their needs, risk taking and openness in regards to ideas and solutions for a problem, and persistence to keep trying even if the first solution doesn't work.
Our Design Thinking projects will have three parts: Design, Create, and Advertise. Each grade level will be working on their respective versions of the process. The entire process does take a while and will be our focus over the upcoming weeks. The "Design" phase for the process focuses around designing for a purpose and consumers. We are looking at what our family and friends might need to make their lives better. I want to help my gifted learners observe others, recognize needs, and start to build connections between the needs of others and themselves. Gifted learners tend to not look beyond themselves.
When we get to the "Create" phase for any grade level, both I and the learners will be looking for recycled items that can be used at school to create their prototypes for their ideas. Some of our biggest needs for their projects are cardboard, tape (both masking and duct), liquid glue, index cards, paperclips, styrofoam, regular foam, and small items to use as decor. As we get closer to the "Create" portion on our projects, I will be asking the students to determine a list of materials that they might need for their prototypes. I will gather those lists and share any needs we might have off of them as well.
The Advertise phase will involve students describing and advertising their products. We will learn about the process of advertising in general as well as how to communicate to others about their product and the needs that it meets.
As always, if you have any questions about it, please don't hesitate to ask!
Donna Hodge
Problem Solving Champions, we will be!
Masters of our Social and Emotional Needs!
Pride in Ourselves! Respect the Diversity!
Extended Learning Projects
In 2nd - 4th Grade we are working on Extended Learning Projects. Students have chosen topics and concepts that they are interested in, and are working on learning about those topics and then sharing with our Excel Pullout class. They are welcome to work on these projects at home, here at school, and in their classrooms when they are finished with their classwork.
As we dig deeper into our learning process with the GT kiddos, I am sharing safe ways for them to learn about almost any topic.
KCloud is the first place that we go to learn more. Students log into KCloud using their Student ID number and Keller as the password. Once in KCloud, we use a variety of applications like Brainpop, Brainpop Jr., Destiny, World Book Online, and the Kidrex Search Tool to find information that is appropriate and on their level.
When we are looking for more specific information we head to more specific websites focused on the topic they are learning. Khan Academy is a great place to find information on specific skills and topics.
KISD Spring GT Game Day! Mark your Calendars!
Watch for upcoming information about the sign up!
Saturday, Mar 3, 2018, 10:00 AM
Keller ISD Education Center, Keller, TX, United States
Motto & Communication
Our class motto is:
If it doesn't challenge us, then it doesn't change us. Stay Challenged!
We talk about wanting to be the best that we can be each day while knowing that tomorrow will be better. We discuss how we decide if something changes us personally for the better or worse. We practice seeing the growth that can happen in any circumstance, and how to stand up for ourselves. These are things that some gifted children have a hard time with especially when they are in the grip of puberty and their hormones are not being very nice.
I know that you have a lot of communication that comes homes and that you have to sift through. I try not to overload you. I will send occasional emails, but maybe a handful all year. If you ever have questions, know that my email is my primary form of communication. We can set up a time through email to meet face to face or have a phone conversation.
I am here to help you with your precious gifted kiddos. Please know that if you ever need anything, that I am only an email away.
The new Parent Portal is up and running! Bookmark this site! We will continue to add more information for you and your child!
COGSS is a new parent group for those with gifted children. It's a wonderful way to meet other parents with the same concerns and questions as you! Check out its Facebook page, here!
Donna Hodge
Camp Invention is Back!
Look for more information as Summer gets closer.
Monday, Jul 9, 2018, 08:00 AM
Florence Elementary School, Johnson Road, Southlake, TX, United States
Stay Connected!
Your KISD Advanced Academics Department continues to brainstorming and redesign, and we are very excited to implement some innovative experiences for your gifted child this year. One of the best ways to stay informed with what is going on in our Excel classroom is by following us on social media. Please like, follow, or subscribe to our pages using the links below. We are also developing a website just for our GT families! Check it out here!
KISD Advanced Academics
@KellerISD_GT
Keller ISD GT Blog
Mrs. Donna Hodge
Florence Elementary
Independence Elementary
Email: donna.hodge@kellerisd.net
Website: https://www.kellerisd.net/Domain/122
Location: https://maps.google.com/?cid=1521591384918616605
Phone: (817) 744-4700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellerisdadvancedacademics/about/?tab=page_info
Twitter: @Donna12thman