Reading Enrichment for grades 1 - 4 utilizes Junior Great Books (JGB) is a proven, nationally acclaimed, discussion-based reading program that improves students' achievement in reading, thinking, and communicating. The JGB program consists of a series of anthologies of "great" stories and poetry. Each story has been preselected for the interest level of that age group but the reading level may be much more advanced. Skills targeted in JGB are:
*Reading texts closely,
*Promoting reflective thinking through discussion,
*Reinforcing note-taking skills,
*Using facts from the story to back up ideas,
*Moving beyond the literal,
*Noting significant passages, and
*Improving vocabulary.
Students must read each story twice - once for general plot understanding and the second time for greater in-depth interpretation. During the reflective discussion, we form a "circle" group and focus on one open-ended question. Mrs. Sommers facilitates and records the discussion as it progresses and provides a summary at the end. She is not allowed to take part in the discussion except to keep it going, point out differences of opinion, and ask students to wait until their ideas have been recorded. Skills students learn through this process include:
*A greater interpretive understanding of the story and the author's meaning,
*Verbal expression of ideas,
*Backing up/defending ideas,
*Appreciation of others' ideas, and
*Patience and listening skills.
This program is currently available to 1st - 4th grade students needing additional reading challenges as determined by classroom teachers. Selected students generally read and comprehend literature at two or more grade levels above their current grade. Sessions are held once per week with Mrs. Sommers.
Math Enrichment:
Math Enrichment for 1st - 3rd grade students utilizes Math Superstars, a program designed to expose students to progressively difficult, brain-stretching problems. Students attend weekly, hands-on workshops with Mrs. Sommers to develop problem-solving strategies and build confidence in solving challenging math problems. The goals of this program include:
- Building mathematical knowledge through problem-solving.
- Applying and adapting a variety of appropriate strategies to solve problems.
- Experiencing problems that interest, challenge and engage students in thinking about mathematics.
The Math Enrichment program for grade 4 consists of Project M3: Mentoring Mathematical Minds, a series of curriculum units developed to motivate and challenge mathematically talented students. It introduces advanced math content focused on critical and creative problem solving and reasoning. Students are exposed to standards-based concepts through a variety of engaging investigations, projects, and simulations. The Project M3 curriculum is organized to give students the opportunity to work and act like real mathematicians. Students explore a simulated real-life problem and use their Mathematician's Journals to think, write, and act like mathematicians to solve the problem. Verbal and written math communication is a key component in Project M3.
Project M3 units were designed to be one or two grade levels above the regular curriculum. For students who have mastered grade-level content, the units are an opportunity to explore new mathematics at a higher level commensurate with their abilities.
Math Enrichment is currently available to 1st - 4th grade students needing additional math challenges as determined by classroom teachers. Sessions are held once per week with Mrs. Sommers.
Independent Study:
Beginning Fall 2009, advanced learners in the 4th grade can participate in Envision, a dynamic, real-world-based, multidisciplinary program that progresses through four challenging and fun independent projects that are based on established theories of high-level thinking and student interest. The projects result in comprehensive student portfolios, exhibits, and presentations. The program is fully aligned with the NAGC Gifted Education Exemplary Programming Criterion for curriculum and instruction, program design, and other best practices.
Fourth grade students who will participate in the program are those identified as advanced learners by the classroom teacher and Extended Learning Coordinator. Sessions are held a minimum of once per week, 45 minutes per session, with Mrs. Sommers.
Grade 4 Projects:
Backyard Getaway- students design a complete, personalized dream backyard using one acre of land.
Environmental Declaration-students aquire a deep awareness of an environmental issue and have a voice in the matter.
Civic Mission-students interact and learn within the community while performing a service.
Fitness Pursuit- students develop an in-depth plan of healthy habits by which to live.
Envision differentiates by:
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Content- students use a variety of different sources for information.
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Process- students are given the end product that is required, but choose their own process to achieve that end result.
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Product- Although students are given the end product objectives, their end products' characteristics are open-ended adn choice-based.
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Ability Level- Because the objectives are open-ended, students can take learning to their own level of challenge and ability.
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Interest- Only the general topic or challenge is provided to students. From there, students make numerous choices based on their ownpersonal interests to guide their project outcome.
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Learning Style- Because the projects are independent, students are free to learn and process the project information in whatever learning style best suits them.