What boy wouldn’t like doing math if you used LEGOS? Look what I stumbled upon today. I love to find those ideas that 1) create instant engagement and 2) make our jobs easier!
Are we afraid kids might accidentally have fun? Wouldn’t that be a crime. When did learning become a “school” thing instead of a “life” thing? Step out of the box. The world is depending on you.
More ideas with LEGOs.
(This could become an activity to use for curriculum compacting.)
After recently reading a blog, I began to wonder if the kiddos we are with every day know and understand what our expectations really mean and when is it enough? The idea of having to live up to someone else’s expectation without a break seems exhausting. Pressure. Too much of it begins to work against us. So how can we push our kids without pushing them over the edge? I like these. It’s a real good start.
Simple expectations of children…
1) Learn to work hard
2) Put forth reasonable effort at learning and facing challenges
3) Maintain a healthy perspective on what you can and cannot do in your life
Fabulous. Gee these are good for the “big” kids, too.
Read the rest of the blog. It will give you language to help kids know it’s okay to not be perfect. Reassure your children and affirm their value. You’ll make someone’s day! Someone’s life.
Caution: Read at your own risk. If you aren’t in the mood for self-reflection and direct discussion, choose another day to read this blog.
Do you ever read an article, blog, or story and ask yourself, “Who am I in the story?” (By the way, forcing students to consider the story from a different perspective is EXTREMELY higher order.)
With the history of gifted education, it’s not surprising why some seem to be quick to answer in defense (okay, defensively) to justify the needs of these students (I include high achieving with these kiddos in 95% of what I say.). It dates back to early 1900’s…or earlier. Funding swings back and forth. Opportunities swing back and forth. Acceptance of the definition of gifted or “adverse affect” swings back and forth.
Federal money (Javits Grant) provides little if any (some years $0), and its affect on gifted is indirect but important! State funding…gifted is protected in the State of TN because the State includes it under the special education umbrella, but actual $ to spend…not so much.
Sputnik changed society’s focus. No Child Left Behind changed the focus. Just when it seems something will fall in the favor of these students, another obstacle rushes in front. Our society seems to have the concept of “I know they need more, and we’ll get there. But first we need to do this…they’ll be okay because they are smart” replaying on a vicious cycle. Recently this nation wide concern seems to be getting a little more press. But will it make a difference THIS time?
To understand why this topic seems to put some on the defense, one must understand that every single inch of progress literally feels like it has been at the expense of someone’s entire career.
So, back to the original question. When you read stories, do you challenge yourself to look through the eyes of someone else? The parent. The teacher. The news reporter. The child. Do you REALLY consider the point of view and ask yourself how you contribute to the success or the stumbling block of others? Or let’s be more specific. For student learning.
Don’t we want ALL students to excel? What role are you playing in the lives of ALL the children in your classroom? School? District? Are you THE REASON for success?? Or for maintaining status quo? Or sadly, failure? Sometimes the hard questions are necessary to make change. No. Not sometimes. Always.
I’m going to send you to TWO stories. Ask yourself, who am I in this story based on what you currently do, your views, and your actions. Then decide if what you are currently doing represents what you really stand for in education.
In case you are still feeling like Gifted seems like elitism, let’s look with open eyes while we are being honest. There is so much that goes with gifted (isolation, mental exhaustion, intensities….) it’s pushing it to call it “gift”ed at all. Different. It means different. Just like every single child in your classroom. No one is the same. Gifted students deserve to learn every day like everyone else in the room.
Make the mind shift. I guarantee it will amaze you.
I’m done after this. But trust me, you’ll like this. Check out the video that shows VTS with CCSS.
Quick cool idea!
What’s Going On in This Picture?
My brain is going crazy with the possibilities…especially since writing and research seems to be such a tough area on TCAP. Let me know if you use this and how!!!
This came to me in an email today. The first thing I did was scan the list to see how many I owned or had read. If you haven’t read The Last Lecture, you need to do so immediately! I do own and have started The Smartest Kids in the World. Interesting stories. I am enjoying it; however, it’s not pulling me…demanding that I finish it. (I will add here that I am embarrassed of the number of books in my life that fall into this category.) Pathways to the Common Core is a wonderful book.
Personally I would add a few to the list. I would also remove a few. Since I haven’t read them, I’ll try not to judge a book by its cover. I’ll probably look into a few of them in the near future (NurtureShock is one.)
I have come to this not-so-brilliant epiphany (Can I put that phrase with that word?). Reading is scholarly and free to anyone who chooses to exercise the habit. Far too many times I’ve witnessed how this plays out in the hallways or on grade-level teams. How do you respond to scholars at your school? Do you welcome it or resent it? (Yikes. Even I am getting uncomfortable.) We have to be honest with ourselves if we want to grow.
If you don’t read (for pleasure or professional development), I encourage you to try. Decide what you’re interested in learning a little more about…what question is swimming in your mind? Seek the information. There is so much to learn in our great big world!!
Be careful though, you might become a scholar.
Don’t bother commenting. (I’ll try reverse psychology.)
 | Norah on Student Voice/Choice…wit… |
 | Bonnie Jones on Organizing Your Thinking |
 | Dianne on Nemo’s Motto |
 | Bess Turner on Nemo’s Motto |
 | Tamara Cosby on Nemo’s Motto |
Teach to Educate 