Going Batty!

1st graders have been busy learning about bats.  Check out some of our Animoto slide shows...

Our Animoto Slide Show

Gifted 1st-3rd

Chess for Kids

Today we introduced the chess board and learned about Pawns.  Why teach kids to play chess? 

Chess makes kids smarter. It does so by teaching the following skills:
 

Focusing - Children are taught the benefits of

observing carefully and concentrating. If they don't

watch what is happening, they can't respond to

it, no matter how smart they are.

Visualising - Children are prompted to imagine a

sequence of actions before it happens. We actually

strengthen the ability to visualise by training them to

shift the pieces in their mind, first one, then several

moves ahead.

Thinking Ahead - Children are taught to think first,

then act. We teach them to ask themselves "If I do

this, what might happen then, and how can I

respond?" Over time, chess helps develop patience

and thoughtfulness.

Weighing Options - Children are taught that they

don't have to do the first thing that pops into their

mind. They learn to identify alternatives and

consider the pros and cons of various actions.

Analysing Concretely - Children learn to evaluate the

results of specific actions and sequences. Does this

sequence help me or hurt me? Decisions are better

when guided by logic, rather than impulse.

Thinking Abstractly - Children are taught to step

back periodically from details and consider the bigger

picture. They also learn to take patterns used in one

context and apply them to different, but related

situations.
Planning - Children are taught to develop longer

range goals and take steps toward bringing them

about. They are also taught of the need to reevaluate

their plans as new developments change the situation

We are learning to play on "Quick Chess" boards.

Check this awesome website out:http://www.chesskid.com/

Who am I?

This week one of our activities focused on "Social Processes" which is one of the gifted domains.  "Social Processes" guides students towards a responsible philosophy of life through experiencing self and others.  We try to provide opportunities throughout the year which facilitate goal development, productive interpersonal techniques, a strong sense of self-worth and an appreciation for the ideas of others.
The "Who am I?" activity pictured here works on the following objectives from our curriculum:
~Identifying strengths and weaknesses
~Identifying personality traits of self and others
~Recognizing diversity of group members

Have you Filled a Bucket Today?

Today we read a book called "Have you Filled a Bucket Today?" by Carol McCloud.  This author has the idea that everyone walks around carrying an "invisible bucket."  You "fill" a bucket when you show love to someone, when you say or do something kind, or even just by smiling at someone.  A bucket "filler" is kind and treats others with respect.  You can also "dip" into a bucket and take out these good things and feelings.  You are a bucket "dipper" when you make fun of someone, say mean things, or even ignore someone.  A bully is a bucket "dipper."  The author says,"All day long, we are either filling up or dipping into each other's buckets by what we say and do." 

This year in our class we are working on becoming bucket "fillers."  So, have you filled a bucket today?