Unfortunately, I have acquired the plague. (I am sure it is snowing pollen this week.) I left after lunch and your children were in the very capable hands of Mrs. Giacomo.
At the start of our day, I showed the students the steps of taking their two dimensional animal pictures and turning them into a three dimensional mask. Just a few students had time to build out their mask. They will be ready to finish up their papier-mâché at the start of our next class. The rest of the class will work on these same steps when we return from Spring Break on March 20th.
In the morning, the students worked on a Creative Problem Solving Squiggle. These exercises focus on and strengthen the students flexibility, originality and elaboration skills. They did a great job. Ask your child to share their squiggle with you.
Over the past two weeks, I have introduced the students to another digital storytelling site, Kerpoof. This week, the students were given an account under my teacher account. They know their user login and their password. The B Day students need to also remember their Class Account Code: E435. After lunch and recess, the students worked on their logical thinking skills in the Logic Links program. Next, they worked in their Exploratory centers. Ask your child about the task they are completing.
Mrs. Giacomo had an affective discussion on classroom expectations, learning to challenge and push yourself, "fairness" in a differentiated lesson, when and how to correct a teacher. Spring is upon us and the combination of:
- the weather changing
- passing into new developmental stages
- gained self-confidence
- and a relaxed level of comfort with teachers and the classroom setting
doesn't always bring out the best in a 2nd grader. Although this problem is not exclusive to gifted students, I do feel the asychronous nature of their development often sets them on a path of conflict with peers as well as adults. It is important for them understand appropriate social interaction with peers and adults so they are better able to successfully navigate their path.
"Giftedness is asynchronous development in which advanced cognitive abilities and heightened intensity combine to create inner experiences and awareness that are qualitatively different from the norm. This asynchrony increases with higher intellectual capacity. The uniqueness of the gifted renders them particularly vulnerable and requires modifications in parenting, teaching and counseling in order for them to develop optimally." The Columbus Group, 1991, cited by Martha Morelock, "Giftedness: The View from Within", in Understanding Our Gifted, January 1992 (A great article by the way...)
This time of year I hear more teacher complaints of students being verbally critical of other students and even their teacher/s, becoming lazier about doing quality work, and walking a fine line with regards to respect as they challenge a teacher and/or parents' requests. These life skills are difficult for many adults but I think it is important to have discussions so they can begin to understand and hopefully make the wise choices. And so the conversations continue....
The students ended their day with Senora Gates. Today they played Bingo with Spanish numbers and colors.
