GT LEADers in Action!
November 2nd edition

The depth and complexity continues to grow in LEAD.  Our talented scholars are realizing that Mrs. Gable is looking for ideas and responses DAILY that are innovative and unique!  In other words, the majority of the world would not think of the same answer.  What a delight it is to see the students using metacognition to reflect on their own thinking!  Man, I love my job!

1st Grade enjoyed a lovely little book called My Dog Is As Smelling As Dirty Socks to see the power of similes in describing characters.  Just wait until you see the similes they wrote about their families.  At first you were just "stick people," but look at your now....some mothers are as brilliant as diamonds, but some fathers snore as loud as trains!  First grade also attempted XVO puzzles, Draw Starts and Perplexor logic problems independently.

1st grade using SCAMPER Strategies to minify, magnify, elaborate
or substitute something on their pumpkin masterpieces.

2nd grades' brains continue to grow as we learn new experiences.  The pathways between our neurons becomes stronger and stronger as we practice getting better over time with new skills, such as cursive writing, algorithms, gymnastics, etc.  We are also discovering that the more we persevere through challenges, the more stamina in our brains we build.  Next week we will write goals focusing on our growth-minded thinking by using the word "yet" in our goals.

We love the new pillows, Mrs. Lamas!  Thank you.

Brainiac, Alex (2nd grade) modeled how his brain functioned after learning a new skill.

3rd grade faced a "hair tangling" challenge by solving Tangler Problems in a small group.  They were forced to listen and focus intently by the clues that were shared by their teammates.  After organizing their data, they had to decide as a team which information was irrelevant and which was purposeful to solving the challenge.  Next, they used SCAMPER Strategies to appreciate all the design and creativity that altered my "clunky desk phone, laptop computer and 35 mm camera," into a modern, hand-held, cordless iPhone.  Next week students will become CEOs of a styrofoam cup company to design a new and improved cup that will prevent the company from going bankrupt and having to layoff employees.....lots of responsibility, for sure.

4th grade presented their Texas Our Texas PBL commercials today.  Their job was to research a specific region of Texas and to develop an ad campaign that encouraged others to want to visit that region.  (After seeing the presentations today, my family will struggle trying to narrow it down which regions we should travel to first next summer as a family.)  The scholars did a terrific job!  Like any group project, however, they also witnessed first hand that group work is never easy....getting along with others, sharing ideas and resources, putting leadership skills to the test, etc.  Wonderful reflection after the presentations allowed the children to see what they overcame and succeeded in.

5th grade continued to "zoom in" on their research topic for their SPARK Talks, and they were introduced to incorporating the STAR Idea (Student Taking Active Responsibility) in their projects.  Not only are they being asked to create a powerfully moving speech about their selected topic, but it is also my hope they find a creative way to positively impact the community or the world through their actions and/or awareness.

ATTENTION KINDERGARTEN PARENTS:  It is time for parents to refer their Kindergarten children for GT LEAD.  The window lasts from Monday, Nov. 9th-Nov. 20.  This is a direct link to the parent referral forms.  Please pass this information to other families that might be interested in the LEAD Program.  Thank you.

http://gcisdtraining.wikispaces.com/file/view/GT+Parent+Inventory+2015.pdf