Welcome to Towne Meadows Self-Contained Gifted Curriculum Overview

1. Welcome to Towne Meadows Self-Contained Gifted Curriculum Overview

2. About our school… Chip Pettit, Principal School Hours 8:38-3:25 VIK available before and after school

3. Self-Contained Gifted Philosophy • Purpose: Recognize the exceptional abilities and needs of its gifted students.  Designed to provide an enriching and challenging educational experience that will help each of its highly gifted students to reach their fullest potential. 

4. Self-Contained Gifted Philosophy • The Self-Contained gifted program:  • designed to provide, enrich and challenge  • help students reach fullest potentialThis individualized learning environment will provide:  •state of the art technology  •accelerated learning pace  •opportunities for peer collaboration  •use of divergent thinking skills  •participation in problem-based, interdisciplinary curriculum

5. Self-Contained Gifted Philosophy • Self-Contained Gifted Classroom: Specifically focused on fostering a positive self-image A responsible social consciousness A readiness to meet the exceptional needs of the 21st century.

6. Big Ideas • Project-Based • Problem-Based • S.T.E.M. • Socratic Questioning • Social Emotional • Cross-Curricular • Enrichment and Acceleration • Community Service • Technology

7. Self-Contained Gifted ClassroomRoles and Responsibilities • Teacher: Provide accelerated, differentiated, extended and expanded learning opportunities for the gifted student. • Parent: Support student by discussing assignments, projects, successes and difficulties. • Student: Demonstrate motivation to achieve, organization, behavior and completion of assignments.

8. Self-Contained Gifted English Language Arts William & Mary Curriculum • Literary Reflections • Literature Circle Novel Selection • Navigators for Literature Circles

9. Michael Clay Thompson • Grammar Island • Grammar Town • Grammar Voyage • The student books are compact and intended for use in the early part of the school year so students can get the benefits throughout the year. • These exciting and demanding books have been phenomenally successful both as stand-alones, and as part of a longer term, progressive English Language Arts curriculum. • They are widely used in the regular classroom and in Gifted Education programs.

10. Self-Contained Gifted E.L.A. Supplemental Materials • Language Arts Scope and Sequence & Pacing Guide Covering: Autobiographical Narrative, Expository, Imaginative, Persuasive, Response to Literature and Research • Write for the Beginning • Write to the Future • Junior Great Books • Six Traits of Writing +1

11. Self-Contained Gifted 4th Grade Mathematics Curriculum • Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Mathematics • Aligned to 5th Grade Common Core State Standards • Utilizes written, digital and hands-on methods • Hands-on manipulatives used to model mathematical concepts • Math talk extensively used where students must explain their reasoning through writing

12. Self-Contained Gifted 5th Grade Mathematics Curriculum • Glencoe Math: Consumable workbooks • Students make notes and ‘do math’ in their books • Web-based interactive class instruction • 24 hr. access to online eBook and tutoring • eTools: Virtual ruler, compass, calculator, measurement tools available for all units • Homework and Assessments assigned in electronic format; Students given instant feedback based upon their answers

13. Self-Contained Gifted Classroom Glencoe Science • Extension of current mathematics curriculum • Science, Engineering, Technology & Mathematically based curriculum • 24 hour access to ConnectED eBook, online tutoring and • Inquiry mini-labs • Teacher led, interactive web-based instruction • Online assessments and assignments with instant student feedback

14. Self-Contained Gifted Social Studies • Social studies units are extended and differentiated to meet the needs of gifted students • Depth and rigor of units accentuates the learning experience • Students showcase knowledge in project based unit study

15. Gifted Language and Math Supplemental Materials • Supplements: • Word Winks give students the opportunity to decipher the difference between literal and figurative speech • Each puzzle guides analytical though and helps students to stretch their thinking using both visual and verbal cues

16. Gifted Math Supplemental Materials • Supplements: • Mensa Mighty Mindbenders consist of mental tests, mathematical puzzles and a variety of challenges that begin on an easy plane and gradually rise to more difficulty • This activity reinforces mathematical concepts, patterns, logical thought and deductive reasoning

17. Gifted Math Supplemental Materials • Supplements: • Grid Perplexors challenge students’ ability to use logic, reasoning and proof in order to solve problems • Students come to conclusions by analyzing data and information that is given to them in each exercise

18. Social & Emotional Considerations for a Self-Contained Gifted Classroom • Jane Hecker • Heather Schlemmer • A social-cognitive approach to teaching students how to work and think in a group. • Topics addressed include recognizing expectations, self-awareness and self- monitoring, adjusting participation and language based on needs of others, managing conflicts, etc.

19. Self-Contained Gifted Classroom Technology • SmartBoard Technology Classroom with mounted NEC Projector • iMac Teacher Station • iPad Lab Exclusive to Self-Contained Gifted Classroom Use • Macbook Air Mobile Computer Lab Exclusive to Self-Contained Gifted Classroom Use • AverMedia Document Camera • Bluetooth ‘AirLiner’ • Wireless Scanner / Printer

20. Gifted Focus Future Clubs • STEM Robotics Club

21. S.T.E.M. Club LEGO Robotics • LEGO STEM Robotics Club will be open to students with an interest in robotics. • Students build, program and compete using LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0. • Robotics Club will support S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics for Towne Meadows Elementary School students. • Club will begin recruiting members shortly! Keep your eyes peeled for information about the club coming home soon!

22. Gifted Focus Future Clubs • Rocketry Club

23. Gifted Focus Future Clubs • Newspaper Club

24. Frequently Asked Questions: • Homework? How much? How often? • Specials ( band, strings, orchestra, art, P.E. library, computer lab) • School Social Settings ( lunch, grade level field trips ) • Automatic placement in next year’s following self-contained gifted class? • Transportation & bus stops ( pick up / drop offs ) • Are siblings allowed to attend Towne Meadows? Ride bus? • Longevity of self-contained gifted program at Towne Meadows?

25. Questions? Thank you for attending this evening!