Third Grade

Second Grade

First Grade

The Seasons of Arnold's Apple Tree by Gail Gibbons reinforced the theme, "Patterns."  Some of the concepts explored through the selection were patterns, Earth patterns, cycles, and change.  The book follows a young boy named Arnold and his apple tree through all the seasons of the year.  Before sharing the selection the students were asked to define the word pattern and think of some examples of patterns.  Students found patterns in their classroom at school, in nature, and in their lives outside of school. After hearing the story, the students were asked to brainstorm examples of repeating patterns in nature.  The life cycles of several animals were popular examples given by many of the first graders.  11/02/14

Kindergarten

Exploration was the theme for one of our gifted lessons in October.  We were working with the generalization:  Exploration requires taking risks.  Exploration may result in new findings.  Our literary selection for this lesson was Quick As A Cricket by Audrey Wood.  After reading through the selection we took a second look at the book and brainstormed ideas about why the author may have chosen a cricket for the example of "quick" and what other insects/animals could the author have chosen instead and why.  The students were asked to think of a way in which they behaved like one of the animals/insects in the book.  Then the students were asked to illustrate how and when they behaved like their chosen animal/insect.  Some students were as "Loyal as their pet dog" while others were as "Loud as a lion."  All of the students seemed to be able to relate their own behaviors to many of the animals/insects in the book.  The students enjoyed exploring their own behaviors and making connections to the animals/insects in the book.  11/02/14