K-5 Gifted Education/Talent Development Teacher, Runner, and Nap Enthusiast
Aurora, IL
Joined July 2014
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3PA used tangram puzzles as an analogy to help them understand the concept of synthesizing. They then applied this strategy as they were gradually provided with bits of information from our focus text. I LOVED seeing how their thinking evolved. @GombertGators
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I’m predicting that there will be some future engineers or architects within this crew of students. They did an impressive job of being patient and exhibiting perseverance!! @GombertGators
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PA classes celebrated World Kindness Day by writing kind notes to their classmates. We also discussed the importance of spreading kindness wherever we go! @GombertGators
3PA brainstormed ideas related to change, identified patterns, and generated their own categories based on their observations. They were then introduced to the generalizations of change and completed a whole class sort. I was extremely impressed! @GombertGators
1TD has been learning about productive struggle. We ended our learning with a STEM task that required students to use popsicle sticks (no hands) to build a pyramid using cups. They’re learning that failure does help them to be successful learners! @GombertGators
5PA tried out a new Kagan structure called Centerpiece. This was a great way to review the elements of plot development. We amped it up by using the notes to synthesize and create a paragraph. It was great to observe their engagement and synergy! @GombertGators
The students in 4PA were extremely skilled at making brain hats today. They were excellent at following directions and helping out their peers! @GombertGators
Today, KTD just had to do the real thing. So, we swapped out the paper for some kinetic sand and OH BOY, it definitely did not disappoint. They made some awesome sandcastles, and I hope some wonderful memories of our time together. @GombertGators
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KTD read How to Code a Sandcastle and did an engaging activity where they worked with a partner and practiced giving one another specific directions (.i.e.,code) to build a castle. They did a great job & had lots of fun! @GombertGators
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The year is quickly coming to an end, and we’re trying to fit in as much as possible. Today, in an effort to share all of our Ghost Cat theory presentations, 5PA had a viewing session. All students were engaged as they listened to their classmates’ perspectives. @GombertGators
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Loving how engaging Canva is for students. They really enjoyed creating their videos. @GombertGators
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Today was my first attempt at using AI in the classroom. I used Text Rewriter to create a summary of a chapter from Secret Garden (poetic form). Students had to analyze and interpret the poem as well as identify an excerpt and explain how it connected to the text. @GombertGators
Another amazing Open House in the books! It was great to see the huge turnout! @GombertGators
We had a little fun in 3PA on April Fools’ Day. We celebrated National Foot Check Day. We did all the prep only to realize there is no such thing!! We also enjoyed some tasty brownies.🤪😜@GombertGators
Introduced a puzzle table today in our PA classroom. Students were immediately drawn to it. We discussed the skill set connected to putting puzzles together (not created by me). I’m looking forward to observing these skills as they work to complete the puzzle. @GombertGators
Last week, 4PA participated in a culturally responsive lesson in connection with The Secret Garden. I was very proud of their thinking and their courageous conversations. @GombertGators
3PA had some impressive conversations as they rotated through their Conver-STATIONS! They took think time to prepare and shared some very insightful ideas about the current story we’re reading entitled “The Green Man”.@GombertGators
5PA worked on retrieval of ideas in connection with our novel Toothpaste Millionaire. Movement was a major focus as we did a revised version of musical chairs…no one got out. They were all WINNERS! Perfect for a rainy Friday!! @GombertGators
4PA participated in a silent written conversation. Their goal was to analyze “A Dream Deferred” and show their thinking through annotations. During our check-in, it was evident that they had uncovered some implicit meanings, but there’s still more work to do!! @GombertGators
Today was a great day!! 5PA participated in a Lunar New Year breakout. They learned about the celebrations and traditions connected to the this holiday. I’m in awe of the communication, collaboration, and perseverance exhibited by these kiddos! @GombertGators
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