Books · 09-30-2013
Museum Monday Since many museums are closed on Mondays, I'll bring a museum to you. This week it's in the form of a clever book, Unlikely Pairs, by Bob Raczka. If you need a creative way to introduce famous works of art to children, try sharing this book with them. What Bob Raczha does is encourage children (or adults) to make imaginative connections by grouping 28 famous works of art into 14 "unlikely pairs." While the pairs are unlikely to be seen next to each other in a museum exhibit, they...
Resources · 09-27-2013
What qualities define an exemplary teacher? Three researchers who study exemplary teachers "in the eyes of their students" offer valuable insight. The research included students’ ratings of teachers followed by interviews with the teachers identified as exemplary. The following four themes emerged: Exemplary Teachers: 1. “know and take a personal interest in their students.” 2. “set high expectations for themselves and for their students.” 3. “make content and learning meaningful...
Activities · 09-25-2013
The mental math problems below are both fun and challenging. Children must listen, combine the information, remember the information, and perform the operation. It is a playful way to reinforce facts and offers an alternative to rote memorization. This set is appropriate for children in grades 3-4, depending on their math levels, but you can alter the operations or content to differentiate for individual needs. After you complete these problems, have the children create their own. Encourage...
Museums · 09-23-2013
"The definition of a museum has evolved, in line with developments in society." Museum professionals have struggled over the definition, which often centers on things. Do the objects have to be real? What about living things: animals, plants, fish? Do museums have to display objects? What about a place that stores memories or a living history center? The following group definitions are from college undergraduates in response to the question, "What is a museum?" The definitions were created...
Activities · 09-21-2013
National Punctuation Day Celebrate proper punctuation on Tuesday, September 24, 2013. Use the resources below to plan your own punctuation party. The three hilarious punctuation books written by Lynne Truss and illustrated by Bonnie Timmons are fun for ages 6 and up: Eats, Shoots & Leaves: Why, Commas Really Do Make a Difference! (adapted from the #1 best seller) Girl's Like Spaghetti: Why, You Can't Manage Without Apostrophes! Twenty-Odd Ducks: Why, Every Punctuation Mark Counts!
Books · 09-18-2013
Help the American Library Association (ALA) defend the freedom to read by celebrating Banned Books Week, September 22-28, 2013. Books on the ALA's "challenged or banned" lists have been targeted for removal or restriction in libraries and schools, including The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. This wonderful award-winning book for young adults tells the story of a gifted boy growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Art by Ellen Forney highlights the...
Books · 09-16-2013
This week brings a celebration of books and reading. On Saturday and Sunday, September 21-22, The National Book Festival will take place on the National Mall. Sponsored by the Library of Congress, this fun event gives attendees the opportunity to visit with authors, illustrators and poets. Even if you live thousands of miles from Washington D.C., you can still join other book lovers at the Book Festival's Kids and Teachers website. My favorite section of the website is 52 Great Reads, where you...
Creativity · 09-14-2013
"That's been done before." "It will never work." "No one else is doing it." "What will people think?" "Sounds like a waste of time to me." "You're doing what?"
Resources · 09-11-2013
A new school year brings many changes. There are new routines and expectations and new hopes for a successful year. For parents of gifted and talented (GT) children, one important consideration is how the new curriculum will meet the needs of their children. While school-wide open house nights are not the time to ask questions about individual children, many GT specialists hold separate open houses and are also willing to meet individually with parents to discuss curriculum. In her article,...
Museums · 09-09-2013
Museum Monday Since many museums are closed on Mondays, I'll bring a few museums to you. The following 3 museums offer excellent educational explorations for both families and educators. They also provide support for the interests and learning needs of creative children.