A couple of years ago, a fellow Gifted and Talented teacher, Michelle A., introduced me to these brief biographies by showing me the book Not Quite What I Was Planning. I was immediately intrigued, and went out to buy my own copy. There is something deeply moving about the power of six words to tell … Read more
Apparently, I really like this site. I keep coming across it in my Bookmarks and Favorites on several different computers, as well as my online bookmarking site. One reason I like this site is because my students like it. They enjoy the different comic templates and the choices of characters and scenes. Another reason that … Read more
Triptico is one of the most user-friendly teacher tools I’ve come across in a long time. Designed by a teacher named David Riley to use with interactive whiteboards, this is free software that you download to your computer. Don’t despair if you don’t have an IWB, however. If you can project your computer to a screen in the classroom, the activities (over … Read more
Kids Philosophy Slam has just announced its new topic for this year’s contest. It is, “What is the meaning of life?” Visit the site for more information on this contest for students in K-12. And if you have any students who figure out the meaning of life, please be sure to at least give me … Read more
Lemelson Center’s Invention at Play is a website that encourages creative thinking. The philosophy is that, by playing, we become more inventive. Cloud Dreamer allows the students to use their imaginations to create their own visions in the clouds. Puzzle Blocks emphasizes problem-solving with tangram pieces. In Word Play the students create stories. By far, … Read more
According to its website, “The Learning Network provides teaching and learning materials and ideas based on New York Times content.” Although the site is designed for students who are 13 or over, I have found many lessons that can be adapted to my elementary level Gifted and Talented students. The site includes lesson plans with links to … Read more