This lesson, aligned with our GT Competency, introduces students to Hispanic traditions through a focus on point of view. René Has Two Last Names highlights the significance of names in shaping a person’s identity and cultural heritage. You may want to talk with your child about specific traditions that come from your cultural background. It would be a great dinner conversation!

This month, perseverance takes center stage in our lesson It’s Ok Not to Be Perfect. Students will examine how their mindset can influence the outcomes of events. By reflecting on “the best mistake they ever made,” exploring the link between failure and success, connecting perseverance to their daily lives, and engaging with the book The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes, students will deepen their understanding of perseverance and strengthen their connection to their grade-level competency. It is so important for children to know that everyone makes mistakes and learns from those. Maybe share a mistake you have made and how you learned from that experience, and encourage your child to share their experiences with you.

What is a valuable lifelong skill that benefits everyone? Note-taking

Students will discover how effective note-taking supports success not only in 4th grade but throughout their academic journey and beyond. While solving math problems involving interpreting remainders, they will practice note-taking strategies and explore how self-management enhances their learning and comprehension. Have your child share examples of note-taking and how they can use this in other areas of their lives. Have them share how note-taking and/or writing down their process in math problem-solving is important in learning math and showing proficiency.

Most of us are familiar with the famous quote, "Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get." How fitting, then, that February brings a focus on Valentine’s Day and the history behind this beloved holiday. Students will explore how St. Valentine stood up for his belief in love, leading to the creation of the celebrated holiday we know today. So many holidays and celebrations have interesting histories. You could research other holiday origins together with your child to encourage curiosity in history.

Attention, Harry Potter fans! Remember the iconic Invisibility Cloak from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone? Watch the video below to discover how scientists and engineers are making strides toward creating a real-life version of this magical cloak! Creative thinking can lead to great discoveries and technology. Was this technological breakthrough first spurred by Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone? Imagine if J.K. Rowling had not thought of this concept in her book?

Here is an introduction from Corinne herself:

I have recently moved back to Knoxville and am thrilled to be working again for Knox County Schools GT department. I have worked in Knox County as both a kindergarten teacher and a gifted instructional coach in the past, as well as in several other districts around the country, teaching kindergarten and first grade. I live in Knoxville with my husband and Portuguese water dog and have one married son, daughter-in-law and brand new granddaughter in Spokane, WA and another married son and daughter-in-law in Washington D.C. When not working, I enjoy running, biking, hiking, doing yoga and reading.

There’s nothing more frustrating than watching your bright, talented son or daughter struggle with everyday tasks like finishing homework, putting away toys, or following instructions at school. Your “smart but scattered” child might also have trouble coping with disappointment or managing anger. Drs. Peg Dawson and Richard Guare have great news: there’s a lot you can do to help. Small changes can add up to big improvements–this empowering book shows how.

Click below to view the KCS Gifted and Talented website.