Living with Intensity

"Because they can be so greatly stimulated, and because they perceive and process things differently, gifted children are often misunderstood. Their excitement is viewed as excessive, their high energy as hyperactivitiy, their persistence as nagging, their questioning as undermining authority, their imagination as not paying attention, their passion as being disruptive, their strong emotions and sensitivity as immaturity, their creativity and self-directedness as oppositional." excerpt from Living with Intensity by Susan Daniels and Michael Piechowski
It doesn't always make it easier to deal with gifted children's intensity to understand the theory mentioned (Dabrowski's Overexcitabilities), but it helps to recognize that what makes gifted children difficult to parent or teach is actually an asset and strength. It just needs growth and direction. Without that great drive, nothing great will be achieved.

Happy Holidays

Third Grade
Third Grade has been working on simple machines. We completed a science experiment on friction and have gotten to use the Lego Simple Machines kit. Each student has completed one rotation on either wheels and axles, levers, gears, pulleys, inclined plane, or screw and wedge. We have also made a concept map using Kidspiration software and listed two things learned in the station.
Fourth Grade
Students have completed their Independent Investigative Method research on an eminent person. They have identified achievements, obstacles, above average ability, task commitment, courage, creativity and caring for the person they chose to study. As soon as we get back from the holidays, we will begin creating a project to share what was learned.
Many of the students are getting close to finishing their ABC Book of Me so we will work on the cover art in January(fractals, marbling, paste paper, etc.)
Fifth Grade
Fifth grade competed in the Alabama FIRST Lego League competition. They pulled together fine presentations on a booster to a prosthetic leg and a comfort room for cancer patients. They handled the robot competition with gracious professionalism making modification at the tournament, and doing their best. Way to go.
We wrote thank you notes to all the sponsors and helpers. It takes a community to put on a project of this magnitude.
Next semester, we will finish What are Your Chances? - a probability unit and begin Record Breakers, a unit looking at World records, a favorite. We will also begin a unit on Autobiographies. In this unit we look at how talent is developed in children's authors and then in ourselves.
Happy Holidays,
Colleen