I’ve been lately trying to use more Integrative Thinking in class. It bring about really deep discussions, and I like to see the students make visual models of their thoughts. In the past few weeks, I have been working on “Causal Modelling” with my 3rd-5th graders with varying degrees of success. You can see a … Read more
One of the sessions I attended at TCEA 2018 was presented by a group from Richardson ISD. #4CoresonFire focused on some cross-curricular activities using tools that I’ve used before. However, I got some great integration ideas I hadn’t thought of – which makes the session a success in my book. One of the teachers described … Read more
In my post about C.S.I. last November, I talked about the Visible Thinking routines that are outlined in Harvard’s Project Zero. Another one of these routines is called, “3-2-1 Bridge.” This is kind of a deeper version of a KWL chart. For “3-2-1” Bridge, students write their initial ideas about a topic, then learn more, … Read more
Even though I really enjoy hearing the conversations that go on when my students do a Hexagonal Learning activity, my students will tell you that the playlist assessment is actually their favorite when it comes to demonstrating their understanding of a novel. According to them, they enjoy being able to work independently on this assignment, and … Read more
9/11/01 was a Tuesday. That year, I met with my 5th grade class of gifted students every Tuesday. We had just begun reading the The Giver, by Lois Lowry, when another teacher beckoned me to the door and whispered to me about a plane that had crashed into one of the Twin Towers. Even then, as … Read more
If you visit my Pinterest Board of Books for Gifted Students, you will see The Giver, by Lois Lowry, is prominently featured. I read this dystopian novel along with my 5th grade Gifted and Talented students every year, and those of you who know me are aware that I don’t often do the same thing more than … Read more