GT LEAD
LEARNING EXPERIENCES FOR ACADEMIC DISCOVERIES
1st Grade - Contribution
First Grade students reflected on their life events up to this point , and they each chose 5+ different Ideas. These were eventually put on their Pic collages (app). Their goal was to pick symbols/pictures that represented these events, and then they each shared their life map with the class. They worked on speaking loudly to an audience.
Sharing Life Map
Working on Speaking Skills
Using our digital piece to tell a story
2ND GRADE - Systems
Second Graders started their day with a puzzlement. Last week they looked for objects in a picture that ended in "o", and this week they looked for objects that began with "dr". Both of these puzzlements are used for a warm-up to stretch their points of view/vocabulary, as well as to think quickly in a timed atmosphere. The major focus of the past two weeks has been our universal theme, Systems. We went on a scavenger hunt and took pictures in and outside of our building that are systems. Then, they each picked their 4 most original items and built a Docerie around them, using voice recorder to prove why each item was a system. Next, students will go on a Gallery Walk to view each others findings.
3RD GRADE - Power
Third Graders evaluated their DOT day draw starts. They used FFOE (Fluency, Flexibility, Originality, and Elaboration) to evaluate the nameless draw starts displayed. We had great discussions about perspective and how, just like in writing, different perspectives can be portrayed through art and how they are powerful in making you think or surprising you. They also privately nominated 3 drawings that were most original. Lastly, we are transitioning to looking at the Power of Leadership. Students brainstormed the word "power" and shared their most original ideas. The theme for 3rd Grade is Power, and will be used throughout the year.
4TH GRADE - Exploration
We have been circling up each week to discuss aspects of Perfectionism. There have been guided questions about when they feel under pressure (recitals, tests, sports events) to being expected to be good at every subject because they are in GT LEAD. We talked about having a growth mindset, which led to a discussion about self-advocacy when needing help in certain areas. This led up to brainstorming our Favorite Mistakes ( the ones we learned from) and sharing those with a partner. You can ask your child what an oxymoron is as a side bar. Lastly, continuing with the idea of Growth mindset, students broke up into small groups to discuss the features of GCISD's A Portrait of a Graduate. They completed circle maps using symbols and words to teach us about being a Self-Regulated Learner, A Collaborative Worker, A Skilled Problem-Solver, an Effective Communicator, and a Global Citizen. Each group presented their POG feature with a cheer, chant, jingle and by pointing out some key points for us to remember.
Self-Regulated Learner
Effective Communicator
Collaborative Worker
5TH GRADE - Change
Fifth Graders have been learning a note-taking/organizational technique called Mind-Mapping. They brainstormed a list of strengths in school and beyond. Then they brought in what their parents, teachers, coaches would say that their strengths are, as well as areas to improve. These lists are private to them as a resource from which to work. You might ask if they'll share those with you. They also added hopes and dreams to this list (i.e. college choices and career goals). They are using this list to map out who they are as individuals at this time in their lives. Next week, they will continue to look inward by completing a Strengths survey through Thrively.com, and this will give them results on where their current strengths could potentially lead them career-wise.
CLICK ON THE TWO LINKS BELOW FOR ARTICLES ON PERFECTIONISM
Kathy Griffin GT Specialist
Email: kathy.griffin@gcisd.net
Location: 5300 Pool Road
Phone: 817-305-4870
Twitter: @OCTGriffin