TAG Parent Meeting: 3/5/18 Focus: Summer Opportunities Camp Opportunities Websites Parent Sharing Additional Resources

Camp Opportunities Belin-Blank https://www2.education.uiowa.edu/belinblank/ OPPTAG (Iowa State) http://www.opptag.iastate.edu/ Camp Invention http://campinvention.org/ Learn, Create, Build https://learncreatebuild.com/location/sioux-city-iowa USD http://www.usd.edu/education/gifted-programs Sanford Research Center http://www.sanfordresearch.org/education/k12students/

Favorite Websites for High ability students From the Sioux City Enrichment Specialists

Free Rice http://freerice.com/ Nonprofit website owned by  the United Nations World Food Programme. Answer multiple choice questions related to a subject such as English vocabulary, chemistry, geography, and more. Each correct answer results in the donation of 10 grains of rice to charities to end world hunger. Why we like it: A socially conscious way to practice your skills.

Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/ For independent learners Free for all By watching videos, students can teach themselves above-grade level content Strong math and science focus, but also includes a section on arts and the humanities. Why we like it: Motivated learners teach themselves advanced content.

Storybird https://storybird.com/ Students use graphics as a basis for creating their own stories.  Students can share stories they have created and read stories written by other authors. Caution—some students do not like to be limited by the pictures on the site. In this case, have students write long-form books and use only one image. Why we like it: This is especially for your child who loves to write and create!

First In Math: Building Math Skills www.firstinmath.com Based on the 24 Game. Includes math standards from K-8th grade. Students compete with others for high scores. Downside: An annual membership is $30. Your child really needs to love math to make this worth it. Why we like it: This program is for all students, but high ability math students can work at advanced levels and love competing with others across the country for high scores.

The Kids Should See This: Smart Videos for Curious Minds http://thekidshouldseethis.com/ Short videos curated by a mom and her 7 and 9 year old children Strong STEAM focus Videos are “not made for kids, but perfect for them.” Search the site for videos of interest, or sign up to receive around 8 videos sent weekly to your inbox. Why we like it: Great alternatives to typical You-tube videos shared by kids; these videos arouse curiosity and support learning.

Other Sites with Math Challenges: Nrich Maths: http://nrich.maths.org/frontpage Students may choose a level and work on challenging math problems. Great for advanced problem solving! Figure This—Math Challenges for Families: http://figurethis.nctm.org/challenges/challenge_index.htm Created for families to work on together. Great for problem solving. Prodigy Math Game: https://www.prodigygame.com/ Math games aligned to grades 1-8 math standards. Lure of the Labyrinth: https://labyrinth.thinkport.org/ Teaches pre-algebra concepts through a game-like format. Inquiry and trial/error is required.

Logic and Reasoning Websites: Hooda Math: www.hoodamath.com Games on this site often require reasoning skills. Try the logic puzzles and the escape games.  Puzzle Baron’s Logic Puzzles: http://www.logic- puzzles.org/game.php?u2=403f5d875b2ff2a51fbd07e3f2c8d4f0 Students practice reasoning skills while solving these puzzles. Illuminations: http://illuminations.nctm.org/BrainTeasers.aspx Explore these thinking puzzles.  ABCya: K-5 http://www.abcya.com/ Try the strategy games.

Other Sites for Creative Kids Powtoon: http://www.powtoon.com/ Students create their own animated cartoon on this user friendly site. A login is required. Storyboard That: http://www.storyboardthat.com/ Students can choose from many templates to create their own cartoon. The free account offers two storyboards per week. A login is required.

And for Animal/Nature Lovers: National Geographic For Kids: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/ Includes videos, games, information about animals, and an interactive world map.

Additional Suggestions from Parents STARS: Special Troopers Adaptive Riding School https://www.scstars.org/programs.html Pickled Palette http://pickledpalette.com/calendar/public-classes/ MakerSpace https://www.makerspacesiouxcity.org/ Omaha Children’s Museum http://www.ocm.org/ Omaha Zoo http://www.omahazoo.com/day-camps Sioux Falls Zoo https://greatzoo.org/camps-classes Sioux City Library http://www.siouxcitylibrary.org/