EXCEL-lent Expeditions
Loving the journey through life with our gifted learners.
Why we Code in Excel?
You know, as well as I do, that November and December are crazy months. Everyone is so busy and have so much to think about. Our thoughts are always going a million directions. Gifted kiddos are no different. Their minds are made for jumping to connections that others might not see. This is an amazing ability and leads to so many creative and, what we thought were impossible, possibilities. With this talent comes the tendency to think so fast that they don't know why they think something works. Their typical answer is, "I just know!" and the frustration can settle in.
Not only is coding a great thing for the future of our students, it also helps them to slow down and see the small parts of the bigger picture. They have to think about the left/right perspective of the character versus themselves, and exactly how many small steps and turns does it take to make it the goal.
All of my GT kiddos from 1st to 4th are being set up with an account on Code.org. We work through progressively harder levels of coding and coding language, as well as tie in perseverance lessons and lessons on how to handle frustration. Students are more than welcome to continue their learning process outside of the classroom. When they have mastered a level, I will advance them to the next one if they would like.
In our pullout classes, we will continue with our Extended Learning Projects, Engineering Design, and Social Emotional Lessons. However, we now add Coding to our mix of activities.
As we work with coding, I will introduce other applications and websites to the kiddos. If they find one they really like, they might be adding it to their Christmas requests.
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 GT Game Day!
The Fall Game Day is filled, but watch for more information in January about a Spring GT Game Day!
Saturday, Nov 11, 2017, 10:00 AM
Keller ISD Education Center, Keller, TX, United States
Keller Public Library and Robotics Kits! Thank you for sharing this info, Mrs. DeLoach!
The Keller Public Library has Makey Makeys, Little Bits, Raspberry Pis, and Arduino Kits available for check out.
Robotics Kits Circulation Policy
- Kits can only be checked out by Keller Public Library Patrons.
- Kits can be placed on hold through Polaris. Only Keller Public Library Patrons have this capability.
- Kits will be checked out for three weeks and can be renewed once if there are no holds on the item.
- Overdue kits will accrue a charge of $0.20 daily until they are returned. The maximum late charge will be $15.
- Kits must be returned at the circulation desk and a circulation staff member will verify that all the pieces are present in front of the patron.
- Any missing or broken parts will be charged according to the below price list.
- Any parts that have broken due to normal wear and tear will not be charged to the patron.
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
Stay Connected!
Your KISD Advanced Academics Department has been brainstorming and designing all summer, 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 and will be sharing the link in the weeks to come.
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