Measurement/Geometry Math Task

Here are some photos from a recent Measurement/Geometry Math Task where the scholars were challenged to "Think Like an Architect."  Even though none of the scholars were quite able to reach the objective, they all persevered and did an amazing job.  Many of the students said it was their favorite activity of the first trimester.  It makes me so proud to see scholars enjoying challenging work!

Math Tasks

During conferences I touched on Math Tasks, which are a new component of common core math instruction.  They are open ended, challenging tasks without stated steps that time for students to complete.  Students must think critically about the question to choose an effective strategy and persevere in completing the task.  Often there is more than just one correct answer.  Here are a few math tasks that we worked on recently in our addition and subtraction unit.

Typing Club

http://www.typingclub.com/

This week our big buddies helped us to set up our usernames and passwords for Typing Club.  This is a website where students can practice typing correctly with their fingers on the home row.  This website can be accessed from home for practice.  Becoming fluent typers would be a HUGE benefit and head start for the scholars, as they are expected to take tests on computers beginning in third grade.  There are many other typing websites and programs that your child can use such as Dance Mat (linked on this website), Mavis Beacon, or even just typing into a word document.  As we have started using iPads more frequently in class I have noticed that most student use the "hunt and peck" style rather than home row.  Learning to type correctly is fun for first graders and will be a lifelong skill.  If you're looking for something for them to work on during winter break, why not try typing?

Conference wrap up

Thank you to all of you for attending conferences over the past week.  I am so proud to report that many scholars have already begun working on the areas I asked them to focus on for further growth, such as more active participation, better listening skills, and taking more academic risks.  I know our new report cards are a big change so please don't hesitate to ask if any questions come up.  Overall the scholars are off to a great start this year.

The most common comment that I heard from parents was how much harder their work is this year compared to kindergarten.  Yes, that is true for many reasons.  First, remember that kindergarten is an introduction to school and structured learning and our first grade standards have always been much more complex.  Every year this is something that parents notice in both GATE and general education.  Also keep in mind that our school day in first grade is also several hours longer than in kinder so we have much more learning time.  In addition, this year we have transitioned from the old standards to common core standards which are more challenging across all grade levels.  The work that first graders are expected to do now is more demanding than what they were expected to do  just a few years ago, let alone when you and I were in first grade.  Finally, of course my expectations of GATE students are higher because I know what they are capable of.  I design my lessons to be challenging.  I would rather see my scholars tackle a challenging lesson and struggle than to only do easy work.  Of course, they are supported in their struggle and my lessons are designed to encourage their growth towards the standards and academic understanding.  GATE is not about giving students MORE work, it is about giving them different kinds of work that challenge their very capable minds.  If I were only to give easy assignments I would be doing a disservice to your talented children.

The first trimester was a time filled with learning and exploration.  I love seeing my scholars develop their minds and work habits, and I feel grateful to teach such exceptional students.  As 2014 wraps up and we prepare for Winter Break we will be having a celebration on Friday afternoon.  Please check your child's Friday Folder for a note from me.  After all of our hard work and growth we are ready for a celebration!

Habit of a Scholar: Academic Humility

This week we discussed an important Habit of a Scholar that GATE students often struggle with: Academic Humility.  We discussed the difference between being proud of yourself and bragging meaning that it's good to be proud but not in a way that makes other people feel bad.  We also discussed that no one knows everything and we should all continue to learn new things every day.  It's important that our scholars recognize that they always have room to grow and keep learning.  If they believe that they are perfect and already know everything it can be crushing to them to make a mistake and it hinders their learning.  It's also important for them to realize that they can learn from their peers and that it's ok to change their mind after learning new information.  Academic Humility means being respectfully proud of what you know and understanding that there are always many new things to keep learning.

Autumn Artwork

This month we met with our Big Buddies to create a Thanksgiving Turkey craft.

We also created painted paper in the style of Eric Carle. We then traced and cut out leaves on our painted paper and traded leaves with friends to create autumn leaf art.

Sensory Details

We have been working a lot lately on one of the new Common Core reading standards for Craft and Structure.  This is a new area of focus that the scholars have been enjoying:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.

We have read and analyzed multiple stories to identify sensory details.  Some of these stories are Two Bad Ants, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Thundercake, and The Fox and the Falling Leaves.  I'm sure you have also seen our recent homework assignment where the scholars wrote about a place they visited using sensory details in their writing.  I assign this type of work because applying the skill is a deeper level of understanding than simply identifying the words in other authors' work.  This week we applied our understanding of sensory details by creating our own menus and advertisements for restaurants.  Please enjoy these photos of some of their excellent work!

Here's a look at how we identified words that appealed to our 5 senses: