GT Parent Meeting

Las Lomas Elementary School GT Teacher Mrs. Monica Laughlin th and 7th , 2012 December 6

Our goal is to teach the children to be

Critical thinkers Creative problem solvers Dynamic leaders and effective members of the group

Traits of a Gifted Learner Shows superior reasoning powers and can see subtle relationships, abstract thinker Shows persistent intellectual curiosity Develops one or more interests to considerable depth Observes keenly; is responsive to new ideas Learns quickly and easily and retains what is learned Shows creative ability or imaginative expression Is self-critical, a perfectionist Communicates easily with adults (not always peers)

What kinds of activities does my child work on in GT?

~Developing thinking and reasoning skills ~Supporting ideas and opinions ~Recognizing and valuing opposing viewpoints ~Accepting ambiguity

We studyStructures
~What is a structure? ~What are examples of Natural structures and Man-made structures ~What gives a structure strength? ~What similarities and differences are there in structures made by man and those found in nature?

We studyWonders and Discoveries ~Folk tales around the world are read to make connections all over the world. ~How are these connections similar and different? ~Making discoveries about ourselves and other things around us. .

Using the PETS Curriculum First and Second Graders also look at :
~Convergent Thinking: find and organize clues and find one right answer ~Divergent Thinking: wild ideas accepted, change categories, piggybacking on other ideas, no idea is judged ~Visual Thinking: spatial, shapes, patterns, multiple perspectives ~Evaluative Thinking: identify problem, brainstorm, develop criteria, find best solution

We also use Problem Solving Skills with Six Hat Thinking (2nd)
~Builds a foundation for problem solving program used in grades 3-5. ~Gives students an opportunity to consider points of view, consequences of actions, and to explore a variety of potential solutions.

GT Class Schedule
2nd: Monday 7:45 10:45 1st: Monday 11:30 12:45 Tuesday 7:45 9:15
GT students remain with homeroom class in the case of a special event such as a field trip or class party.

Report cards will go home

~2 times for 2nd grade (December, and May) ~1 time for 1st grade (May)
~Please return signature slip. You may keep the report and any work that comes home at that time but please also return Reflection Journal.

~NEISD has 3 GT programs: K-2, 3-5, and secondary. ~A student in GT in kinder or 1st grade will continue to remain in GT through the end of 2nd grade with no additional testing. ~At the end of 2nd grade all GT students are exited from the program and must be retested at the beginning of 3rd grade. Not all 2nd grade GT students will qualify as 3rd graders. All students in that were in GT previously will be retested. ~The qualification standard is higher in the 3-5 Program. Any student with an InView score at or above the 95th percentile will be tested at the beginning of 3rd grade for the 3-5 program.

Feed that hungry mind. (Museums, Libraries) Be a learner yourself. Keep track of your childs school performance and progress. Encourage and support your childs creativity. Respond to your childs questions. Create a safe environment for failure. Give them permission to make some mistakes and learn from them. Praise your child for taking risks, even when things dont turn out the way he/she planned. Look for science, art, or music classes in the community. Help your child find a mentora caring adult or teenager who will guide and encourage him. Tell them specific things you like and admire about him/her. Go beyond school performance. Treat your GT child with respect by listening to them. Pay attention to your childs passions. Support and encourage. Help your child find balance in life Get your child involved in activities and programs.

Communication is key to your childs success.

You may always contact me By e-mail mlaugh@neisd.net By phone 407-1606

Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire. -William Butler Yeats.