Awesome online field trip!

For any kids interested in history, archaeology, and geography, this should prove exciting. I'm hooked!

https://www.google.com/maps/about/behind-the-scenes/streetview/treks/petra/#streetview

Great Role Model!

http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2015/09/03/432599376/this-teacher-wants-to-excite-your-inner-scientist

Some Inspiration from Skunk Bear.

Here's a fun video about megafauna. Maybe some inspiration for a research product?

 

And check out the Skunk Bear Tumblr, from NPR

Grade Level Pages Are Updated

Welcome back! Please note that the grade level pages have been updated for the 2015-2016 school year. These units are subject to change, particularly if students show an interest in a certain area of study. Independent study and exploration may replace any of the units outlined, particularly in grades five and up.

In addition to the units, students at all grade levels will participate in independent reading projects, chess instruction, and other critical thinking skills exercises.

What a great year!

I think we all learned so much this year, and I can't wait to start back up in August with my students again. I am particularly looking forward to some of the writing I know they plan on doing.

To those who aren't returning, I will definitely miss you! Each student had an important role in our classes, and it will be difficult to find the new rhythm next school year.

To one and all, have a great summer!

Exciting News

Our class pet, Kevin the hermit crab, moved on up to a bigger shell over spring break.

Middle School Announcement

Looking for seven weeks of peace this summer? Maybe the Governor's Program for Gifted Children is just right for your middle schooler. It's a fully-inclusive, seven-week program of academic and fine arts enrichment on the campus of McNeese State University. The dates are June 7 to July 25. Check out the site. If you'd like an application, just let me know. It's an amazing opportunity.

www.gpgc.org

Third Grade Announcement

The third graders have decided to challenge the fourth graders to see who are the better builders, so they will be working on wacky contraptions too! Look down to the blog post for fourth grade for a list of supplies we will need.

Upcoming Program in Lafayette

If you have children who have not started school and show signs of giftedness -- and you're going to be in Lafayette in March -- you may find this program from the Center of Gifted Education interesting:

http://curriculum.louisiana.edu/sites/curriculum/files/CGE%20Pre-K%20Parent%20Night%20flyer%20and%20registration%20form%202015.pdf

Materials Needed for Fourth Grade

We are going to be building Rube Goldberg-style devices in fourth grade. We could use any materials you may have to donate, such as:

• Tinker toys and Legos
• tubing or hose
• marbles
• unused spring-style mouse and rat traps
• toys made up of simple machines that could be disassembled
• sets of dominoes with missing pieces
• scraps of clean wood
• toy cars
• doweling
• carpenter's glue
• finishing nails and assorted screws
• unwanted kitchen utensils
• old mechanical kitchen timers
• scraps of wire
• any hand tools that are no longer needed around the house.
• twine
• bungee chords
• old mechanical clocks that can be dismantled

We really want just bits and pieces: clean out the junk drawer, that catch-all in the garage, the glove compartment of the car. Any place where useful odds and ends could accumulate.

We will be starting on these projects in early April.

Thanks!

Unit Overviews Updated

Each grade level page should now have the final unit overviews posted for the year.

Interesting Infographic

Maybe we could learn something from a few of  them?

https://podio.com/site/creative-routines

Who shows the best balance? Who maybe had his or her priorities a little out of whack?