April 2021 Focus Newsletter
SCPS Middle Schools
March Thematic Unit - Communication and Discourse
April Thematic Unit - Structures and Patterns
May Thematic Unit - Change
April Question of the Month for ALL SCPS MIDDLE SCHOOLS
H. H. Poole Middle School Mustangs
Stafford Middle School Spartans
A. G. Wright Middle School Tigers
Gayle Middle School Panthers
Shirley Heim Middle School Timberwolves
Drew Middle School Rams
Rodney Thompson Middle School Jaguars
Dixon-Smith Middle School Bulldogs
Seven Wonders of the World (Structures) - Published by SevenWonders July 8, 2020
Article - Patterns of Behavior in Gifted Children
Frequently, people think that having a gifted child is easy because the gifted child learns easily and with little effort. However, the gifted child’s ability to learn quickly may also become the child’s biggest problem. When gifted children are not properly stimulated, it may result in boredom, apathy, underachievement, acting out, and more. The gifted child may understand a problem in a complex, abstract, and adult way, but may not be equipped to process the information because they are socially and emotionally young. For example, a child may suffer tremendous emotional stress in response to the nightly news because they are not emotionally equipped to handle the situation.
Asynchronicity is the cornerstone of giftedness. Children can perform at very high levels in one or more areas than their grade-level peers while simultaneously developing at a much slower rate than their grade-level peers in one or more different areas: Webb, Core, Amend, and Devries (2007) share, “There are many types of gifted children and several different levels of giftedness. Some gifted children are good in many areas; others are gifted in only one or two areas, such as math or science. Some gifted children are also learning disabled, dyslexic, or have ADHD (these children are called ‘twice-exceptional’).” For instance, a child may solve complex algebraic problems in 4th grade, but struggle with physical coordination and controlling emotions, which can lead to tantrums and meltdowns. Often, their inner world is so intense and private, that parents and teachers may be shocked when the child melts down over something that seems trivial.
The child’s internal perfectionism may be at play. Challenging or complex tasks, although interesting, can become daunting because the child has a clear mental image, and anything less than that would mean they are less than the ideal. Some gifted children approach a task and dedicate so much time and energy to it, the effort becomes destructive because the child becomes obsessed in an unhealthy way. Other children may avoid the task because they do not have confidence in their abilities to do it perfectly, so they think, why frustrate themselves by trying when they know it will not be perfect anyhow?
The book When Gifted Kids Don’t Have All the Answers: How to Meet Their Social and Emotional Needs by Delisle and Galbraith, 2002, lists several possible internal thoughts of perfectionists:“If I can’t do it perfectly, what’s the point?”, “I’m a wonderful person if I do well; I’m a lousy person if I do poorly.”, “There is only one right way to do things.” It’s challenging as a parent to see your child suffer from negative self talk. Strategies to assist your child in managing their emotions and adjusting their negative self-talk are: “Model healthy self-talk, Don’t ignore or deny problems, Listen, but give little advice at first, Avoid parental over-involvement by solving problems for them, and Practice making predictions” (Webb, Gore, Amend, DeVries, 2007).
Perfectionists might feel deeply embarrassed about mistakes, disgusted or angry with themselves when criticized, afraid of appearing stupid or incompetent, and guilty about letting others down. These thoughts and feelings are intense and can overwhelm the gifted child. . Strategies to change the child’s thinking include creating mantras or self-talk lines to change their thinking. For instance : It’s ok if I do not get a 100. It’s ok if I do not make the team. Another strategy is to ask your child: What’s the worst thing that could happen? What’s the best thing that could happen? What is most likely to happen? Gifted children like to reason. If parents and teachers can guide the student away from their emotions towards a solution by framing the conversation using reasoning, they can help them through difficult times.
These reactions may confuse others, especially adults. So what can parents do? The first step is to try to understand your child’s thinking and identify potential situations which may set the child off, and prepare for the situation ahead of time. To prepare, identify: Situations (places, social, academic, physical, artistic, etc.), Typical reactions to situations by your child and by you, and consider what are the intended outcomes? Research indicates that “mindfulness may be a particularly well-suited intervention for perfectionism due to the ability for mindfulness to reshape cognitions as well as to enable self-regulation by directing one’s attention to the present” (Weber, Hess, Ritchotte, 2020).
Parenting gifted children can be exciting and challenging. The Gifted Resource Teacher at your child’s school is available for additional support, information, and strategies.
Rebecca Musso and Rachael Matern, Gifted Education Teachers Drew MS and Gayle MS
References:
Delisle, P. J., & M.A., G. J. (2002). When Gifted Kids Don’t Have All the Answers: How to Meet Their Social and Emotional Needs (36692nd ed.). Free Spirit Publishing.
Olton-Weber, S., Hess, R., & Ritchotte, J. (2020). Reducing Levels of Perfectionism in Gifted and Talented Youth Through a Mindfulness Intervention. Gifted Child Quarterly, 64(4), 319–330. https://doi.org/10.1177/0016986220953392
Webb, J. T., Gore, J. L., Amend, E. R., & DeVries, A. R. (2007). A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children (Illustrated ed.). Great Potential Pr., Inc.
Computational Thinking is Critical Thinking and Belongs in Every Subject - Published by Edutopia July 26, 2019
Identifying patterns and groupings is a useful way of thinking not just for computer scientists but for students in all fields . . . click below to read more!
What is a Stereogram and How Does it Work? Talk about PATTERNS!!!
Stereograms are flat, two-dimensional images that create depth and an optical illusion. Stereograms can be traced all the way back to 1838 when Charles Wheatstone made the discovery. Their illusion is revealed when viewed with two eyes. When designed correctly, the patterns create a three-dimensional object through the use of patterns.
Now see if you can spot the 3-D image in the following pictures . . . CAN YOU SEE . . .
10 Patterns Found in Nature - posted by MPawar's Blog 2021
Getting Kids Outdoors with Technology - Published by Edutopia July 2018
Way to help children connect with nature and discover patterns and structures outdoors
Five online tools that encourage students to get hands-on experience with nature. Click here to read more. Click below for more information!
7 Tips for Moving Learning Outside - Published by Edutopia March 2021
Social Stratification (Patterns) - Published by Crash Course Aug 7, 2017
Book Review - Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga -- Reviewed by Mrs. Pruitt, Librarian DSMS
Capitalizing on Similarities and Differences Between Spanish and English - Published by Colorincolorado.org 2007
Identifying the similar structures between the two languages can help build phonemic and phonological foundations. Click below for more information!
How to Help Students Improve Executive Functioning During Hybrid Learning - Published by Edutopia March 24, 2021
Ways to Communicate with a Child Struggling with Online Learning -- Published by The Iris Center Vanderbilt University March 2021
Supporting Advanced Learners: New Roles for Parent Advocates during Times of Remote Learning - Published by NAGC May 11, 2020
The structure of instruction has changed and so have the patterns of learning.
"For advanced learners, remote learning provides a wealth of online and hands-on opportunities for interest-based projects, individualized instruction, and enrichment. Freedom from the school schedule also provides flexibility for children to work at their own pace and take time to explore topics of personal interest. However, remote learning also presents challenges, such as limiting a teacher's ability to interact in person, observe students, monitor each child's motivation level, and note student learning pace and work completion in "real-time."
To continue reading click here
Opportunities and Contests!
So many from which to choose!
Planning for Summer - NAGC article outlining considerations when thinking about camps and programs your child might attend. Further Reading
Summer Programs and Opportunities - Annual publication of the Virginia Association for the Gifted highlighting summer opportunities in a user-friendly table.
Scholarships360 - Numerous scholarship opportunities & contests for all ages.
Plant Observation & Tracking Contest - Scientific contest for 6th grade students - must use a non-scps email account to email submissions.
Poetry Contest - Contest facilitated by Creative Communication. Spring deadline is April 8, but there are opportunities for Summer, as well.
The Big List of Student Writing Contests - Many writing contests for everything from poetry to humor!
Writing Contests for Young Writers - Several contests and opportunities for students inclined to the arts and writing.
Johns Hopkins CTY Virtual Summer Programs - Scholarships Available
Poetic Power - Poetry Contest
CLAUDIA EMERSON TEEN POETRY CONTEST
Each year the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) celebrates National Poetry Month in April with the Claudia Emerson Teen Poetry Contest. 2021 marks the CRRL’s eighteenth year hosting this event, named in memory of Claudia Emerson, former judge, and advocate for our teen poets.
This year, the contest will be hosted online on the CRRL website!
Teens in grades 6-12 who live in the City of Fredericksburg, the counties of Spotsylvania, Stafford, or Westmoreland, or by any other teen who holds a library card from Central Rappahannock Regional Library are eligible to submit a maximum of two entries online between April 1 - 15, 2021. Winners will be selected from participants in two categories - grades 6-8 and grades 9-12.
Free Resource / Game Links
http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/ExpProbability/Probability Patterns - Simulations & games dealing with probability.
https://www.playfullearning.net/resource/patterns-in-nature-scavenger-hunt-printable/Patterns in Nature - Neat scavenger hunt to identify patterns in nature - would be a great activity to take with you on a family nature walk or hike.
https://www.playfullearning.net/free-field-guides/ Field Guides - Visit our / your local library to check out field guides to apply to patterns in organisms on your next forest walk!
Tetris - CLICK HERE https://tetris.com/games-content/sanrio01/index-mobile.php - One of the most famous competitive games involving structure and patterns EVER! Play against your family and friends!
Principia Perspectives Middle School Writing Contest
This Year’s Theme: Family
Middle School Contest
Deadline: April 30th, 2021 at 11:59 PM EST
Word Limit: 400-600 words
First Prize: $200
Runner Up: $50
Honorable Mentions: Book choice (see below)