JISD Elementary Gifted and Talented

Our elementary G/T students were introduced to Tony Sarg, the puppeteer of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, by reading Balloons Over Broadway, by Melissa Sweet. After further research, students were challenged to design and create their own STEAM parade feature including: puppets, balloons and floats. On video, students performed using their creations against a green-screen to re-enact the Macy's parade. Everyone loved seeing the parade on screen!

www.jisd.org/apps/video/watch.jsp?v=330301

Students were challenged to design and construct an Elf Trap using a variety of STEM building materials while imagining what would lure the elf into their traps! Creative ideas included: making a cozy space, fishing with sweet treats, and using musical sounds or fragrances to draw the elf's attention. Disclaimer: No elves were harmed in the use of these traps!

As part of our continuing study on Growth Mindset, students were challenged to identify the "closed or open" mindsets of the main characters in the book, The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau. The Quiltmaker uses her gifts and talents to show compassion to those in need. The greedy king is ultimately inspired to share his treasures and in doing so, finds true happiness. Students also identified the Quiltmaker's use of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) to design and make her beautiful and useful quilts.

Unlike poor Rudolph, all G/T students were invited to join in our Reindeer Games. Students enjoyed paying quick and simple classic board games including: Shoots and Ladders, Candyland, Connect Four, Jenga, I Spy, and Memory. The focus of this activity was not just winning but, how to pay the games using good manners, encouragement, and a sense of humor. Student collaboration and cooperation will play a big role in our upcoming activities and research projects in the New Year!

What a busy and exciting year we have had! I have enjoyed working with each and everyone of my students and feel so blessed! Thank You to all families for supporting our students' education and the JISD G/T program. I look forward to what the New Year holds and all we can accomplish, together!

Rhonda Parker