Kemp Elementary Gifted Program Target Team: Ashley Dorsey, Anna Dickinson, Beth Okraski
Our Mission Continues to Be… To prepare gifted students for an ever-changing global marketplace where they must be self-reflective, goal-oriented, problem-seekers and solvers While our standards and progress report have been updated, our mission remains the same.
Our gifted program is process-driven. Our ultimate goal is for students to meet the standards. The content and activities help us reach these goals. The program may not look as it did in the past. Focus will be on the standards and performance tasks instead of units. We are not teaching content; we are teaching critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Gifted Standards
Cognitive Growth Standards Critical Thinking Examples Algebraic Thinking Analyzing Mathematical Problems Convergent Thinking Logic Analogies Quotefalls Divergent Thinking Brainstorming Visualization Creative problem solving Evaluative Thinking Solving authentic problems Emphasis on STEM, teamwork and technology Relationships and Connections Researching real world topics Make connections Develop solutions
Algebraic Thinking Hands-On Equations (HOE) and Verbal Equations (3rd - 5th Grade) Primary Algebra (1st & 2nd)
Affective Growth Topics 1st Grade – Multiple Intelligences 2nd Grade – 7 Habits of Happy Kids 3rd Grade – VIA Character Strengths 4th Grade – Group Dynamics/Growth Mindsets 5th Grade – Goal Setting
Affective Growth Standards Examples Communication Verbal/Nonverbal Read and Respond Write for a variety of purposes Collaboration Group participation Decision making Constructive feedback Self-Reflection Weekly Target Tally with reflection questions and goal setting Respect for Others Value individual differences Respect input from others Listen
Affective Growth Cont. Self-Directed Learners: Establish and work toward short and long term goals Persevere despite failure and adversity Advocate for self Set appropriately high standards for work and behavior Take initiative to pursue new opportunities
Typical Target Day Convergent, Divergent, Evaluative Thinking, and Relationships & Connections
1st Semester Topics 1st Grade - Amelia Earhart / Legendary Aviator- Pilots, Aeronautical Engineering, GPS, Cartographer-Map Making, Google Earth, Drones 2nd/ 3rd Grade - Cubism-Picasso, Art, Rubik’s Cube, Architecture, Pixels, Tiling, Primary Algebra 4th Grade - Inventure-Patents, Inventions, Inventing Process, Marketing 5th Grade - Lego Robots-programming, coding, innovative solutions to real-world problems STEM is integrated into all grades 1st-5th
CUBISM Pablo Picasso Perimter and Area Rubik’s Cube Mosaics
Weekly Target Tally
Volunteers We are ALWAYS looking for guest speakers for our theme topics. We would LOVE to have you support our topics whether it’s speaking to our kids or just providing information/insight.
Progress Report Progress Reports now correlate with our semester unit structure rather than each 9 week grading period. Progress reports will go home with your child in January and May. If we ever see a need to provide communication regarding your child’s progress with our unit/standards, we will certainly be in touch.
Home/School Communication E-mail is always fastest. Our goal is get back to you as soon as possible! ashley.dorsey@cobbk12.org anna.dickinson@cobbk12.org beth.okraski@cobbk12.org Target Tally Teacher Blogs Phone Calls Conferences
Important Information Send your child in with a HEALTHY snack Water bottles are welcomed Bring your binder, pencil, and a smile to every class Target Lunch (11:40-12:10) Please look over and sign your child’s Target Tally each week. It is a great communication tool for us to include reminders in the HW section.
Thank you for attending! Are there any questions? We look forward to a great year!
Resources for Parents Raisin’ Brains: Surviving My Smart Family, by Karen L.J. Isaacson Hoagies Gifted Education Page SENG Georgia Association for Gifted Children www.puzzles.com www.mindware.com