1. Working to challenge and create

3. GRC is taught through the English/Language Arts class in middle school. You will be learning the exact same standards that all other 6 th graders have to learn, but we just learn the content in different ways- through critical thinking strategies, Six Thinking Hats, Socratic Circles, Multiple Intelligences, and more. We also address the social and emotional needs of gifted kids.

4. Social and Emotional Issues are dealt with through bibliotherapy, cinematherapy, and through reading the Gifted Kids Survival Guide.

5. What does GIFTED look like in middle school? We read material on a more challenging level. Metacognition: Think about their thinking Social/Emotional needs are addressed and nurtured Greater depth and complexity More flexibility Advanced reading and thinking strategies Less drill Critical and Creative Thinking skills are strengthened Certified Gifted Specialists are trained to meet the vast needs of Gifted Students

6. What goes on in class? Guided reading Creative writing and problem solving Argumentative and Analytical writing Research-based interdisciplinary projects Rich discussions Interactive lessons Hands on learning

7. Higher Order Thinking Skills Gifted Literature Classes ask students to go beyond the “regurgitation” of facts. Students are asked to explain their thinking to analyze and evaluate.

8. Higher Order Thinking We go far beyond mere reading comprehension. Students are asked to do analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Students will do at least one research project. The research project will give students the opportunity to investigate a topic of their choice. Many units are interdisciplinary and allow students to dig deeper and make new connections.

9. Benefits: Able to attend classes with their intellectual peers. Able to develop an awareness and appreciation for their gifts. In these classes teachers not only enrich or extend learning, but they also recognize and address the unique abilities and social- emotional needs of the gifted student.

10. College and Career Readiness Standards Like all 6th graders, gifted students are taught according to the state adopted curriculum, which sets the goals and objectives for students to master.

11. A good teacher is like a sport’s coach… Always asking the student to stretch, Try something new and different, Try to do it better, Faster, More accurately, In greater detail, More creatively, And to add polish.

12. To work outside their comfort zone… May be harder for the gifted than for others Often a little uncomfortable Sometimes a little frustrating Sometimes very uncertain That’s the purpose of having GRC classes.

13. What you can do to help… Assist your child in making connections on a personal and global level. Tie in the conceptual lens of “CHANGE” whenever possible. Encourage revision, independence, and initiative Support the teacher Avoid negative talk and diffuse frustration

14. Coming attractions for the year…

15. We get CREATIVE!

16. We learn!

17. We have fun!

18. Reading…

19. You have to make TIME for that!

20. Reading is a MUST! No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.” – Confucius “We read to know we are not alone.” – C.S. Lewis “The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read.” – Mark Twain

21. Gifted Education Plan Concepts – Big ideas, topics Essential Understandings – important things to know Guiding Questions – what we ask to get us to what we know

22. Concept Based Learning Content is taught within the context of a bigger idea. Students will learn to generalize what they learn to other settings or content areas. Learning occurs as students construct knowledge using guiding questions and apply knowledge to other areas of study through essential understandings.

23. CONCEPT for 6 th Grade GRC Change

24. Essential Questions… How is change inevitable? How does change affect our lives? Why must things change? How can change influence an individual’s decisions? In what ways do things change?

25. Essential Understandings… Essential Understandings: Change is inevitable. Change is necessary for growth. Change requires adaptation. Change is constant. Individuals deal with change differently.

26. FAQ’s How is my child assessed? How can I contact you? How can I help my child be successful?

27. Thank you for coming! Please sign the GEP in the lower left corner and date your signature. Put your child’s FULL LEGAL NAME Keep one copy of the GEP for your records.