Thumbprint Biographies

Everyone has a fingerprint that is unique to them.  This idea can be concrete, but can also be viewed from an abstract perspective.  How many connections can be made to the idea of “fingerprint” in our world today?  From the past?  In the future?  Generate a list of as many ideas as possible.

After activating the idea of “fingerprints,” have students create their own Thumbprint Biography.

Directions can be found here: 

Biographies

To extend this idea, students could read a biography or research online.  Help students build empathy and awareness by understanding how people from history contributed to the present, and how what we do will contribute to the present and future.  Students can then make a Thumbprint Biography for the person in history or choose quotes from the person, explaining the impact that person can have on others.

Here is an article that explains the benefits of reading biographies.

For some students, they will be reluctant to engage in “learning” activities.  This idea could be done through discussions and watching documentaries.  Increase the depth of thinking and increase the number of discussions in the home.    This idea gives content that can contribute to character development while building relationships at home.

Parents Need Information, Too

Several weeks ago our district had a parent information meeting.  After reading through some of their forms, it reminded me of the power of sharing information with parents.   This idea reminded me of this blog that seems to get put aside.  I guess one reason the blog gets put aside is the idea of the “other needs” for our children.  Parent questions and needs are also critical for those of us raising children with advanced potential, and I feel like the blog is a great way to feed information to parents.  Shout out to our amazing parents for reminding me of this!

One question that seemed to pop out at me (with the Holidays around the corner) was, “How do we keep little Suzie (not a real person) engaged at home?”  Parents also noted the need for more help with increasing their child’s perseverance.  The first thing that popped into my mind was ThinkFun Games.  The games from this company offer critical thinking opportunities that are actually fun!  Some games can be played alone.

Check out their website.

Think Fun Games

Another thing that popped into my mind was coding.  One app I really like is LightBot.  I like this because when students “run” the program it becomes a “self-checking” device.  Students have to figure out what they did wrong.  This game also provides students with some basic knowledge about coding.  Check it out.

LightBot

Two other great places to find games…

MindWare

Fat Brain Toys

Providing games, building blocks, science kits, etc., that require imagination, thinking, and/or revisiting the problem give students an opportunity to build critical thinking skills and perseverance that will nurture potential and increase student success in many areas.  And…it’s fun.

If you have a child who likes to opt out of challenge, you may have to play the games with them and not allow your child to quit playing.  Set a timer, have your child attempt for that amount of time, and then let them walk away.  They need to revisit the challenge at a later time.

So look into some of these games to engage your children at home, but also, make them READ a BOOK.  That’s a soapbox for another day.

 

Student Voice/Choice…with Standards

Google 20% or Passion Projects…Genius Hour…whatever you call it…the premise is the same.  Allowing students to research and learn about things they choose.  It’s difficult for teachers to “give-up” instructional time; however, I’m convinced a teacher can accomplish both.  Standards and student choice.

As I was looking at some things preparing for the upcoming school year, I ran into this simple article.  Might not be a new concept to all, but it’s a refresher course with a simple twist.

How can you incorporate student voice and choice?  How can you increase student buy-in?  I think this is a great way to do both without compromising standards.

Looking forward to beginning a new year of learning, teaching, and growing.  Try this option to learn more about your students as you begin the school year.

Standards Aligned Genius Hour

 

 

Poetry…Teach It??

Little nervous about teaching poetry?   Check out this amazing resource filled with words to help you wrap your head around poetry and exercises to use in the classroom. If you are seeking a tool to make poetry approachable, you should consider this resource!!

 

Nemo’s Motto

I read today in a book by Jen Hatmaker that change is uncomfortable because it takes away the boundaries…or certainties of life.  That’s uncomfortable, isn’t it?  But then again, life is all about changes.  Do we really think we can make life certain? Everything changes.  We grow old.  We acquire different foods or styles.  We grow close or away to friends.  It’s all about change.

The book mentioned the idea of embracing change.  If we can begin to view life as it is…ever changing, then perhaps we wouldn’t be so rattled by change.  Maybe we would begin to look at each day as an opportunity.  Look at possibilities.  Take a moment to celebrate what you are accomplishing.

When you think you’ve given all you can, ask yourself to give just a little more.  Then feel good about your efforts.  Try to fix tomorrow what you didn’t like about today.  It’s more about effort and attitude…not perfection.  Isn’t that what we want from students?

We all come to work for the same goal.  Children.  Let’s teach them that change isn’t something to dread.  Change opens doors.

Nemo.  Sometimes we find ourselves caught in a situation that seems impossible.  But all it takes is one person to lead.   To save Dory, Nemo didn’t see the “what if’s” and live by his fears.  His dad tried to hold him back…Nemo was certain that he could make the necessary change that would save Dory and many others.

It’s amazing what we can do if we all swim in the same direction.  And in the same breath, it’s amazing what damage will surface if we don’t.   A lot of people believe in you, even when you’re not sure if YOU believe in you.

So I’ll leave you with a little gift.  As I was looking for resources for the reading scope and sequence, I found this little gem tucked away on my home computer.  This blog has a ton of picture book ideas for teaching in your class.  Hope you find it to be useful.

Teaching with Picture Books

Teach on!

DAP Tool

Often I am teased about my infatuation with documents! I love creating a thinking template because it frees up cognitive space for more synthesizing!  Well, look at this document (Website is extremely useful, too!).

For those differentiated projects that get difficult to grade…here’s a tool…a document!

http://www.warren.kyschools.us/~dbaxter/ct_gifted/DAP%20Tool.html

Tic Tac Toe or Chess?

Complexity

If you haven’t subscribed, you are really missing out. Byrdseed explains why it’s important to have the “just right” balance of complexity. Check it out!

Hope you’re enjoying summer!

Vocabulary Game

This is fun!!  Check it out!

http://www.vocabulary.com/

Verbally Gifted…and the Implications

I never stop learning.  Ever.  I’m constantly searching for knowledge that feeds my drive to make sense of the world.  In the classroom…I always search for something new to add to my practices, ideas, or content knowledge.  As a parent, I’m constantly searching for ways to improve for my family.  As an artist, my eyes are always keenly aware of the lines, angles, and circles…uh, ok.  Not so much.  But I do like to stand back and admire art.

In the field of gifted education, I learn something new every single day.  With each child, each IEP, each teacher of the gifted, each Google search, each conversation, each parent concern, each obstacle…I learn.

This article gave my brain something to work with, and I thought it might be valuable for others, too.  Remember to connect to the information and reflect on your practices and classroom.  During reflection is when we start to make sense of it all.  Ask yourself, how can what I’m learning in this article affect one thing or student in my class?  Make a commitment.  One small step at a time.  The world is counting on us!

Verbally Gifted Students

Hold Me Back!!! 7 Steps to Improving the Gifted Classroom???

I just struck gold.  I can’t believe how simple this guy makes it.  And the resources are WOW!  So, in my previous post, I told you about the Byrd man. So, I was following my own advice and looking around on his site.  Seriously considering paying the money to get his videos.  And I thought…subscribe?  Clicked it.  Entered my email address.  And WOW.  That’s all I can say.  Wow!  SO…here’s a few teasers for you.

For those who have been to the Gifted PDs we’ve provided, you’ve heard us discuss adding universal themes to your classroom lessons or discussions.  It becomes an invitation for THINKING and rigor.  Check this out (Thank you, Bryd!)

Universal Themes

Okay…and one more…in case you haven’t left me already to go and subscribe for yourself…ever wonder WHERE ON EARTH DO I START????  Congrats.  A gifted student in YOUR classroom.  What do you need to do?  Mr. Bryd has put together 7 places to begin.  Beautiful.

Improve Your Gifted Classroom

Enjoy!!!  (go subscribe)