Monday, May 2, 2016
May 2, 2016
Well it's finally here......the last few week's of school. A great time to reflect back on all of our accomplishments:
*my young precious young students have blossomed into critical thinking, decision making students. They can brainstorm, make decisions using criteria that THEY came up and then run with their great ideas.
*they learned what characteristics make a great leader, how to be a great leader and how to work collaboratively with others in a leadership role. They learned the difference between being a dictator and poor leader, to that of being a successful collaborator/leader and being a great role model to others, by talking the talk and walking the walk!
* they can elaborate their writings with great ease and 'nudging'......they know when they are complete, it must have elaboration and depth. They learned how to quote from the text, delve into the meat of articles and then extract they important and relevant information.
*they can 'talk' about important issues in our world. They know how to make informed decisions and take a stand on an issue.
*they know how important is to be a good citizen!
* they all have learned to appreciate ALL that is around them and that is offered to them.
*some of my 5th graders are truly a young Bill Gates, or Steve Jobs. They have the knowledge and thirst for being a financial success as well as being a kind, fair person.
*most importantly, they believe in themselves and everything they have to offer the world and vice versa. They are all hardworking, individuals with many a great talent/s, and the world is just waiting for them to conquer it! They will do it!!!!
As I retire from Spalding, I want everyone to know that it truly has been a joy for me to teach TAG for the last 20 years, and be a part of 'your child's life here. The joys, memories and relationships that have been formed I will carry in my heart forever! Thank you for the privilege of serving your children.
With much love and appreciation,
Amanda Shams
Monday, April 18, 2016
April 15, 2016
Whew, back from spring break and we are in the mist of testing!
Our TAG classes are going well. First and second grade are diving deep into the deep oceans and discovering all about what goes on down there.
Third grade has created a new society, with great classroom leaders. (Btw, they rotate every week) The decided the type of government they wanted as well as what type of society they would be. Look for THE GOLDEN STAR on your child. Every week 3 children earn this coveted award - nominated by their peers!
As part of our society, we will be creating a KID NATION CAFE. We have decided to sell breakfast items to all adults who visit our café. (our 3rd grade parents are helping with the food) All monies raised will be donated to the Make a Wish Foundation. Please plan to stop by and pick up a treat Friday, May 6, 2016 between the hours of 8:30 - 11:15am.
Forth continues to roam around various National Parks. They will begin to create their very own national park soon.
Our seniors are becoming very familiar with various types of artwork, national art museums as they research how history impacted art and vice versa - so interesting!
It is time for our annual TAG conferences. As I mentioned in the children's TAG TALLY, please let me know a time that works for you after school.
Please make sure that you check your child's TAG TALLY weekly, as there is important information in it:)
Thanks for all our care and support,
Amanda Shams
Friday, March 18, 2016
March 18, 2015
Dear Parents,
All grades have started their final unit in TAG - I can't believe that it's our FINAL unit! So exciting!
My first and second crew mates are off on the TAG Cruise Ship. We are taking guided tours of the oceans of the world. As we will delve into the various ocean zones, kelp forests, and coral reefs, we will be looking critically at all the oceans' inhabitants and conducting many science experiments! We will also look at the problems facing the ocean biome and brainstorm possible solutions.
Carrying our own passports, hopefully no one will get lost. Hopefully, we will not have a man-overboard! (we will of course have a drill to make sure that does not happen).
Third graders are examining the various types of governments around the world and will determine how they world like to set up their 'new country'. Welcome to KID NATION - a place where kids rule! As they determine the type of government their new country will have, they will have to ensure that all citizens are safe, what roles they will play in their new country and what their responsibilities are required of the citizens. They will discuss the 4 types of productive resources. (Do you remember a bunch of years ago, the TV show called - KID NATION......well it's alive and in our new country, I mean classroom).
We have packed our duffel bags as the fourth grade is taking a tour of many of our National Parks. While visiting each park, they will study human and physical systems, westward expansion, physical and manmade features and Native Americans. They will also study the changes in various ecosystems, animal adaptations and food chains. We are also going to Skype with a Park Ranger in the Badlands! Finally, they will create their very own National Park - stay tuned for more info!
Bonjour! Fifth grade is on a discovery of the arts. We will study many artistic movements in American History and align the art movements to American historical events. The students will have many opportunities to express their ideas in an artistic way throughout the course of this unit. Each day we will begin using the strategy of See, Think, Wonder, to explore a timeline of art history. We will be investigating art movement from Medieval Art through Pop Art by:
*analyzing pieces of art
*analyzing descriptions of art movements
*deciding on criteria that defines an artistic movement
*sorting art into movements based on our criteria and reasoning
*after the investigation, the students will choose the most polar artistic movements (in their opinions) and begin creating landscapes of the same image in the two movement styles.
*in the decision making lesson, the students will be challenged to answer the question: What is art?"
I am excited to share all of these exciting units with the students. They will be given the opportunity to express themselves and build upon their own ideas. I am looking forward to working with each of the children and watching what they produce!
I look forward to working with each of your children as we head into the last of school!
Amanda Shams Ed.S
Dear Parents,
All grades have started their final unit in TAG - I can't believe that it's our FINAL unit! So exciting!
My first and second crew mates are off on the TAG Cruise Ship. We are taking guided tours of the oceans of the world. As we will delve into the various ocean zones, kelp forests, and coral reefs, we will be looking critically at all the oceans' inhabitants and conducting many science experiments! We will also look at the problems facing the ocean biome and brainstorm possible solutions.
Carrying our own passports, hopefully no one will get lost. Hopefully, we will not have a man-overboard! (we will of course have a drill to make sure that does not happen).
Third graders are examining the various types of governments around the world and will determine how they world like to set up their 'new country'. Welcome to KID NATION - a place where kids rule! As they determine the type of government their new country will have, they will have to ensure that all citizens are safe, what roles they will play in their new country and what their responsibilities are required of the citizens. They will discuss the 4 types of productive resources. (Do you remember a bunch of years ago, the TV show called - KID NATION......well it's alive and in our new country, I mean classroom).
We have packed our duffel bags as the fourth grade is taking a tour of many of our National Parks. While visiting each park, they will study human and physical systems, westward expansion, physical and manmade features and Native Americans. They will also study the changes in various ecosystems, animal adaptations and food chains. We are also going to Skype with a Park Ranger in the Badlands! Finally, they will create their very own National Park - stay tuned for more info!
Bonjour! Fifth grade is on a discovery of the arts. We will study many artistic movements in American History and align the art movements to American historical events. The students will have many opportunities to express their ideas in an artistic way throughout the course of this unit. Each day we will begin using the strategy of See, Think, Wonder, to explore a timeline of art history. We will be investigating art movement from Medieval Art through Pop Art by:
*analyzing pieces of art
*analyzing descriptions of art movements
*deciding on criteria that defines an artistic movement
*sorting art into movements based on our criteria and reasoning
*after the investigation, the students will choose the most polar artistic movements (in their opinions) and begin creating landscapes of the same image in the two movement styles.
*in the decision making lesson, the students will be challenged to answer the question: What is art?"
I am excited to share all of these exciting units with the students. They will be given the opportunity to express themselves and build upon their own ideas. I am looking forward to working with each of the children and watching what they produce!
I look forward to working with each of your children as we head into the last of school!
Amanda Shams Ed.S
Monday, March 7, 2016
March 5, 2105
Dear Parents,
So much is happening in TAG just wanted to let you all know we are winding up our 2nd units and getting ready to roll out our last units (I can't believe where this year has flown) shortly. More information will follow on the next blog.
Our yearly trip to TYBEE with my 5th graders was a tremendous success! Even though is was a bit cold, we had a great time learning about Fort Pulsaki and Georgia's Golden Coast. A huge shout out to everyone for all their support, from helping pay for the trip to supporting our annual sidewalk sale in 2015 and to our PTA..
We are so lucky that TAG is fully funded. I just want you to be aware of the Jacob Javits Gifted Education Program. This article was written by the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGA) Please see below
Jacob Javits is the Only Federal Program Focused on Gifted Education
February 9, 2016
WASHINGTON – The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), the nation’s leading advocate for high-achieving and high-potential students, commends the Obama Administration for including $12 million for the Jacob Javits Gifted Education program in its Fiscal Year 2017 budget, released earlier today.
The Javits program, the nation’s only federal program focused on gifted education, funds applied or classroom-based research to help develop effective strategies for identifying and serving high-potential students from populations that have historically been underrepresented in gifted education.
“NAGC applauds the Obama Administration for recognizing that the Jacob Javits program works and that it has helped produce the tools and interventions to identify countless students as gifted, students who would have otherwise languished unidentified and unserved,” said M. RENÉ ISLAS, NAGC Executive Director. “By including the Javits program in its budget, the Administration sends a clear message that supporting the needs of gifted children is integral to our nation’s future.
Established in 1988 and reauthorized in the recently enacted Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the Javits-funded research has yielded valid and reliable ways to identify gifted students from underserved populations, fair and equitable observation tools for identifying gifted and talented English Language Learners and strategies to help teachers improve the academic performances of high-potential black and Hispanic students as well as those with disabilities and from low-income families.
“NAGC is fortunate for our many champions and supporters in Congress who have been instrumental in reviving and subsequently growing the Javits program in recent years, and we look forward to working with Congress to ensure that at least $12 million is included for the program within the FY 17 spending package,” said Islas
The Javits program, the nation’s only federal program focused on gifted education, funds applied or classroom-based research to help develop effective strategies for identifying and serving high-potential students from populations that have historically been underrepresented in gifted education.
“NAGC applauds the Obama Administration for recognizing that the Jacob Javits program works and that it has helped produce the tools and interventions to identify countless students as gifted, students who would have otherwise languished unidentified and unserved,” said M. RENÉ ISLAS, NAGC Executive Director. “By including the Javits program in its budget, the Administration sends a clear message that supporting the needs of gifted children is integral to our nation’s future.
Established in 1988 and reauthorized in the recently enacted Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the Javits-funded research has yielded valid and reliable ways to identify gifted students from underserved populations, fair and equitable observation tools for identifying gifted and talented English Language Learners and strategies to help teachers improve the academic performances of high-potential black and Hispanic students as well as those with disabilities and from low-income families.
“NAGC is fortunate for our many champions and supporters in Congress who have been instrumental in reviving and subsequently growing the Javits program in recent years, and we look forward to working with Congress to ensure that at least $12 million is included for the program within the FY 17 spending package,” said Islas
###
The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) is a membership organization whose leaders support and develop policies and practices that encourage and respond to the diverse expressions of gifts and talents in children and youth from all cultures, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and socioeconomic groups. NAGC invests its resources to train teachers, encourage parents, and educate administrators and policy makers on how to develop and support gifted children. NAGC’s State of the Nation in Gifted Education provides a biennial analysis of state laws and policies to support high-ability and high-potential students.
CONTACT: Cathleen Healy, chealy@nagc.org/202-365-4636
Friday, February 19, 2016
February 19, 2015
A huge thank you to all the grandparents for taking their time and coming to work with our students!!!!!
Fifth grade TAG is (hopefully) packing this weekend for our yearly trip to TYBEE, next Wednesday through Friday. Please remember to check the weather and pack appropriately. (remember to pack a few garbage bags) The bus will be here at Spalding at 5:15AM! Yep, be prepared to board as we are leaving by 5:35am for our trek to Georgia's Golden Coast for our culminating activity on this unit!
Fourth and third grade are completing their research projects for the end of each of their units.....research is a hard concept...."what do you mean, I have to rewrite again"?!?!?!?! The students are learning to brainstorm, then taking that to creating a rough draft, then edit and finally, ta da, the final copy. A great way to help your student. is to have them read aloud their rough draft.....they will see where some of their errors are and fix them immediately!
First and second grade had a great visit to the Circus Institute. Awesome performances by our students. I even walked the tightrope!
Just want to let everyone know that I will begin to test for possible new students for the TAG program February 29, 2016. That week there will be no TAG for your student.
If you have any questions, please let me know
Again, thanks for all your support,
Amanda Shams
A huge thank you to all the grandparents for taking their time and coming to work with our students!!!!!
Fifth grade TAG is (hopefully) packing this weekend for our yearly trip to TYBEE, next Wednesday through Friday. Please remember to check the weather and pack appropriately. (remember to pack a few garbage bags) The bus will be here at Spalding at 5:15AM! Yep, be prepared to board as we are leaving by 5:35am for our trek to Georgia's Golden Coast for our culminating activity on this unit!
Fourth and third grade are completing their research projects for the end of each of their units.....research is a hard concept...."what do you mean, I have to rewrite again"?!?!?!?! The students are learning to brainstorm, then taking that to creating a rough draft, then edit and finally, ta da, the final copy. A great way to help your student. is to have them read aloud their rough draft.....they will see where some of their errors are and fix them immediately!
First and second grade had a great visit to the Circus Institute. Awesome performances by our students. I even walked the tightrope!
Just want to let everyone know that I will begin to test for possible new students for the TAG program February 29, 2016. That week there will be no TAG for your student.
If you have any questions, please let me know
Again, thanks for all your support,
Amanda Shams
Friday, February 5, 2016
February 5, 2016
Whew, we've been very busy here in the TAG classroom!
First and second grade is off tomorrow (Saturday), to learn how to do acrobats in the air!!!! This is a culminating activity for our CIIRCUS unit - I wrote a grant for us to be able to go to this program. We are all so excited to do this, and YES, even I will try it out!!!!!!!
Third grade has been chosen to create a HERO HALL of FAME (wink, wink). They have been researching an inventor/hero and will present and persuade the Hero Hall of Fame Committee to choose their hero for a new addition to their exhibit! Will keep you posted!
Fourth grade has marched into the American Revolution! They are gearing up to create an IMOVIE in chronological order, to be presented to their parents. Can you tell us what the Beatles and the American Revolution have in common?!?!??!? My kids can - just ask them!
Fifth grade - wow, we are still awaiting results from the interactive Stock Market Game played by students in TAG 5th grade , middle and high schoolers throughout our state. Thank you to all who helped make our TAG SIDEWALK SALE so successful! The money we raised is helping fund out trip to TYBEE.
We are gearing up of our annual trip to TYBEE Georgia, February 24 - 26, 2106! Can you say BURRRRR!!!!!!!!
We have learned all our coastal region in Georgia and are debating as to whether we need to slow down growth or keep up the growth - what impact does it have on the region - plants, animals, environment, and people. A very hot topic in class!
If you have anytime, allow your kids to play on CODE.ORG. I was at a conference, and theya re predicting that by the year 202, there will be a million jobs in computer programming and not enough folks to fulfill the vacancies! Can you say chiching!!!!$$$$$!!!!!
Whew, we've been very busy here in the TAG classroom!
First and second grade is off tomorrow (Saturday), to learn how to do acrobats in the air!!!! This is a culminating activity for our CIIRCUS unit - I wrote a grant for us to be able to go to this program. We are all so excited to do this, and YES, even I will try it out!!!!!!!
Third grade has been chosen to create a HERO HALL of FAME (wink, wink). They have been researching an inventor/hero and will present and persuade the Hero Hall of Fame Committee to choose their hero for a new addition to their exhibit! Will keep you posted!
Fourth grade has marched into the American Revolution! They are gearing up to create an IMOVIE in chronological order, to be presented to their parents. Can you tell us what the Beatles and the American Revolution have in common?!?!??!? My kids can - just ask them!
Fifth grade - wow, we are still awaiting results from the interactive Stock Market Game played by students in TAG 5th grade , middle and high schoolers throughout our state. Thank you to all who helped make our TAG SIDEWALK SALE so successful! The money we raised is helping fund out trip to TYBEE.
We are gearing up of our annual trip to TYBEE Georgia, February 24 - 26, 2106! Can you say BURRRRR!!!!!!!!
We have learned all our coastal region in Georgia and are debating as to whether we need to slow down growth or keep up the growth - what impact does it have on the region - plants, animals, environment, and people. A very hot topic in class!
If you have anytime, allow your kids to play on CODE.ORG. I was at a conference, and theya re predicting that by the year 202, there will be a million jobs in computer programming and not enough folks to fulfill the vacancies! Can you say chiching!!!!$$$$$!!!!!
Monday, January 4, 2016
January 4, 2016
WOW! I can't believe we are halfway through school - time flies when you are having fun!
I wanted to let you know that there are some fun things happening in Atlanta that your child might enjoy. Know that there is a fee for everything listed, just check as I am not sure on all the prices.
*The Greatest Machines and Art Exhibition - it is at Perimeter Pointe (there may be a Groupon for it)
It is from Florence, Italy.
What it does: makes jaws drop, thanks to the legendary machines of Leonard DaVinci
How many it has: over 60, each one handcrafted using DaVinci’s 500-year-old designs
Some of the coolest gizmos: the “spring-powered car,” a hang-glider, a bicycle, the “air-screw” (a precursor to the helicopter), as well as two very important robots—a life-sized robotic drummer and the inventor’s remarkable robotic lion
What you can touch: numerous interactive machines
Sounds like a lot of fun - the only issue, it end mid January.
For grades 3 -5 the Sunshine STEM Academy Private School offers a Saturday STEM Workshop for students who are in grades 3-6. Workshop will be held on Saturday on January 16 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Students will be able to learn about;
• Building a mini-computer (Raspberry Pi)
• Working with computer peripherals
• Learning block-programming language (SCRATCH) on the mini-computers which they will build.
• Students will take Raspberry Pi computers home at the end of workshop. Students can continue to improve their skills after our workshop.
You may see details about the workshop in this email below .
Please visit http://stemworkshop.sunshinestem.org
They also offer Saturday classes.
As always, thanks so much for all your care and support and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let me know, (let me know if you attend any of the above and hoe it was...)
Amanda Shams Ed.S
WOW! I can't believe we are halfway through school - time flies when you are having fun!
I wanted to let you know that there are some fun things happening in Atlanta that your child might enjoy. Know that there is a fee for everything listed, just check as I am not sure on all the prices.
*The Greatest Machines and Art Exhibition - it is at Perimeter Pointe (there may be a Groupon for it)
It is from Florence, Italy.
Sounds like a lot of fun - the only issue, it end mid January.
For grades 3 -5 the Sunshine STEM Academy Private School offers a Saturday STEM Workshop for students who are in grades 3-6. Workshop will be held on Saturday on January 16 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Students will be able to learn about;
• Building a mini-computer (Raspberry Pi)
• Working with computer peripherals
• Learning block-programming language (SCRATCH) on the mini-computers which they will build.
• Students will take Raspberry Pi computers home at the end of workshop. Students can continue to improve their skills after our workshop.
You may see details about the workshop in this email below .
Please visit http://stemworkshop.sunshinestem.org
They also offer Saturday classes.
As always, thanks so much for all your care and support and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let me know, (let me know if you attend any of the above and hoe it was...)
Amanda Shams Ed.S
Friday, December 4, 2015
December 4, 2015
Dear Parents,
I know this is short notice but if your child LOVES to DOODLE, please consider having your child enter this contest!
For 5th grade parents, please come to my TYBEE meeting Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at 7:10am sharp! Lots of information will be included.
Again, thanks for all your care and support,
Amanda Shams
Dear Parents,
I know this is short notice but if your child LOVES to DOODLE, please consider having your child enter this contest!
For 5th grade parents, please come to my TYBEE meeting Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at 7:10am sharp! Lots of information will be included.
Again, thanks for all your care and support,
Amanda Shams
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Friday, November 13, 2015
November 13, 2015
As we go 'Exploring Changes of Georgia's Golden Coast', we will learn all about:
* the changes that occur in the formation of the Barrier Islands
* provide evidences of the changes in Georgia's Marsh Ecology (is it good/bad)
* debate the positive and negative impact of the growth of Beach Ecology
* Animals and Plants of the Barrier Islands
* Who General Pulaski was and the impact he made on our history
*How the history of the horses of CUMBERLAND ISLAND came to these islands and the impact they have made
Of course we will be culminating this unit with our annual trip to TYBEE ISLAND Georgia. More info on that will follow through your child's TAGTALLY.
Thank you,
Amanda Shams
As we go 'Exploring Changes of Georgia's Golden Coast', we will learn all about:
* the changes that occur in the formation of the Barrier Islands
* provide evidences of the changes in Georgia's Marsh Ecology (is it good/bad)
* debate the positive and negative impact of the growth of Beach Ecology
* Animals and Plants of the Barrier Islands
* Who General Pulaski was and the impact he made on our history
*How the history of the horses of CUMBERLAND ISLAND came to these islands and the impact they have made
Of course we will be culminating this unit with our annual trip to TYBEE ISLAND Georgia. More info on that will follow through your child's TAGTALLY.
Thank you,
Amanda Shams
November 13, 2015
Inventor: 'an inventor is someone who uses his/her imagination to create something no one else has ever made or thought of before'.......
Third grade is studying a unit called INVENTIONS and Famous Americans. We investigate all the folks who have contributed to making our life work easier. We will delve into our history of inventions.......do you know who invented the life saver, jeans, or even the glass milk bottle?
We will be creating our own inventions along the way. In this research based unit, we will research in depth the history of one or more inventors.
Our class will kick off this unit with the invention of a ....BUBBLE CREATING MACHINE! The bubbles will go off December 19th, 2015 at 8:35am.
Amanda Shams
Inventor: 'an inventor is someone who uses his/her imagination to create something no one else has ever made or thought of before'.......
Third grade is studying a unit called INVENTIONS and Famous Americans. We investigate all the folks who have contributed to making our life work easier. We will delve into our history of inventions.......do you know who invented the life saver, jeans, or even the glass milk bottle?
We will be creating our own inventions along the way. In this research based unit, we will research in depth the history of one or more inventors.
Our class will kick off this unit with the invention of a ....BUBBLE CREATING MACHINE! The bubbles will go off December 19th, 2015 at 8:35am.
Amanda Shams
November 13, 2015
Marching into the American Revolution!
This Independence Unit will focus on the TAG strand of High Order and Critical Thinking. In will embrace the American Revolution - colonial life, sources of dissatisfaction that led to the war, loyalists versus patriots, key people and events, the Declaration of Independence and much, much more!
If you have any expertise in this area, please let me know.
General Shams
Marching into the American Revolution!
This Independence Unit will focus on the TAG strand of High Order and Critical Thinking. In will embrace the American Revolution - colonial life, sources of dissatisfaction that led to the war, loyalists versus patriots, key people and events, the Declaration of Independence and much, much more!
If you have any expertise in this area, please let me know.
General Shams
November 13, 2015
Dear All,
Well today was the last day of the 5th grade TAG sidewalk sale. It was a huge success and I want to personally thank you for all your support. The money raised will go towards our annual 3 day trip to TYBEE ISLAND, GEORGIA that we will be taking in late February or early March.
We are ending all of our 1st units for this year. Check in the above tabs for your child's grade level information for the new units we are starting now.
Thanks again for all your support and care and as always, if you have any questions, please email me.
With much appreciation,
Amanda Shams
Dear All,
Well today was the last day of the 5th grade TAG sidewalk sale. It was a huge success and I want to personally thank you for all your support. The money raised will go towards our annual 3 day trip to TYBEE ISLAND, GEORGIA that we will be taking in late February or early March.
We are ending all of our 1st units for this year. Check in the above tabs for your child's grade level information for the new units we are starting now.
Thanks again for all your support and care and as always, if you have any questions, please email me.
With much appreciation,
Amanda Shams
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
October 27, 2015
Very soon we will be winding down with all our current units. we learned all about elephants.
Be on the lookout for your child's current completed unit to come home sometime in November. Also, along with it will be their journal. Please go over all the 'stuff' that they learned - it has all be so interesting.
Grades 1 and 2 will be performing in their own CIRCUS! It was great to do a virtual tour of the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee as we learned all about elephants. Ask them their opinion, as to 'if elephants should/not be in circus'.They have learned all about laws of motion and are applying what they learned to the 'tricks' they will perform. So exciting!
Grade 3 is completing a unit on NATIONAL TREASURES - they have become so in love with the various national parks. Come on a journey with they to visit all that they have learned as well as the 'new' national park that they created!
Grade 4 has learned all about Native Americans and the impact and importance they have made on our history. We are so thankful for all they have contributed to our society!
WOW, we have our 5th graders as investors in the stock market. They HAVE DONE SO WELL so far!!!!!!! WE are playing an interactive game competing against other 5th grade TAG students in Georgia along with middle school students and high school students. Today we are in 1st place in the elementary county division and 2nd place within our own county!!!!
Be on the lookout November 9th - 13th, 2015 as the 5th grade TAG students sell their products (that they created on their own) at the annual TAG Sidewalk Sale. Every item is $1.00. Please consider supporting us - it helps defray the cost of our annual trip to TYBEE Island Georgia!
Very soon we will be winding down with all our current units. we learned all about elephants.
Be on the lookout for your child's current completed unit to come home sometime in November. Also, along with it will be their journal. Please go over all the 'stuff' that they learned - it has all be so interesting.
Grades 1 and 2 will be performing in their own CIRCUS! It was great to do a virtual tour of the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee as we learned all about elephants. Ask them their opinion, as to 'if elephants should/not be in circus'.They have learned all about laws of motion and are applying what they learned to the 'tricks' they will perform. So exciting!
Grade 3 is completing a unit on NATIONAL TREASURES - they have become so in love with the various national parks. Come on a journey with they to visit all that they have learned as well as the 'new' national park that they created!
Grade 4 has learned all about Native Americans and the impact and importance they have made on our history. We are so thankful for all they have contributed to our society!
WOW, we have our 5th graders as investors in the stock market. They HAVE DONE SO WELL so far!!!!!!! WE are playing an interactive game competing against other 5th grade TAG students in Georgia along with middle school students and high school students. Today we are in 1st place in the elementary county division and 2nd place within our own county!!!!
Be on the lookout November 9th - 13th, 2015 as the 5th grade TAG students sell their products (that they created on their own) at the annual TAG Sidewalk Sale. Every item is $1.00. Please consider supporting us - it helps defray the cost of our annual trip to TYBEE Island Georgia!
Thursday, October 1, 2015
October 2, 2015
Hey everyone,
Just wanted to let you know that as of October 5, 2015, GoQuest, www.GoQuest.com
should be up and running. We had some 'technical' issues and I am hoping that all have been resolved.
It runs similarly, to RENZULLI. All students will have a user name and password. I am in the process of having them complete an inventory and getting their new passwords.
Each of the activities are design to meet the needs of YOUR child. It provides activities that match your child's strengths, interest and academic abilities. Please make sure that your child chooses the topic related to the unit that we are studying.
If you have an difficulty, please let me know.
On another note, please note that the annual TAG sidewalk sale will run from November 9 - 13, 2015. The monies raised will help defray our field trip to TYBEE Island this spring. Come on out and help support you TAG 5th graders - they are working so hard in production. Be on the lookout for fun pencils, stress balls, necklaces, bracelets magnets and many other fun products.
As always, thanks so much for all your support,
Amanda Shams
Hey everyone,
Just wanted to let you know that as of October 5, 2015, GoQuest, www.GoQuest.com
should be up and running. We had some 'technical' issues and I am hoping that all have been resolved.
It runs similarly, to RENZULLI. All students will have a user name and password. I am in the process of having them complete an inventory and getting their new passwords.
Each of the activities are design to meet the needs of YOUR child. It provides activities that match your child's strengths, interest and academic abilities. Please make sure that your child chooses the topic related to the unit that we are studying.
If you have an difficulty, please let me know.
On another note, please note that the annual TAG sidewalk sale will run from November 9 - 13, 2015. The monies raised will help defray our field trip to TYBEE Island this spring. Come on out and help support you TAG 5th graders - they are working so hard in production. Be on the lookout for fun pencils, stress balls, necklaces, bracelets magnets and many other fun products.
As always, thanks so much for all your support,
Amanda Shams
Thursday, September 17, 2015
9 Things I Wish People Knew About Highly-Gifted Children
This year I embarked on a new journey, a first of its kind in many ways- to teach a self-contained class of identified highly-gifted and talented first graders. They don't get pulled out by a gifted specialist 2 hours a week- they spend all of their school days, Monday-Friday, in a classroom together, homogeneously grouped and challenged with their highly-gifted peers. In this little class of 11 students, we learn, we challenge ourselves, and we grow. Here are a few things I have learned over the years of teaching pockets of gifted children, but things that I have more clearly defined opinions about since I started teaching this unique demographic this year.
1. They often feel misunderstood...and they often don't even understand themselves.
2. Their development is asynchronous- meaning that just because their cognitive and intellectual development is off the charts, that doesn't mean that other parts of their development (social, emotional) have caught up.
3. That being said, they are more emotional than most children their age- meaning, that they feel things, think things, and experience things much more deeply, differently, than a child their age should. They internalize everything, connect everything, and are quick to remember- slow to forget.
4. They have very specific areas of interest and passion, and love when others cultivate those things in them rather than try to drive or squish it out of them. And, if you can connect anything they do to their interests or passions, chances are, they will enjoy it more and be more willing to do it. (For example, my student doesn't want to write an Eric Carle pattern book? Well, what if it was about Minecraft? Sea animals? Argentina? Bingo- now they are writing, because you tapped into their interest.)
5. They don't need to be told, "You are so smart!" They need to be encouraged for the process they take to get somewhere, for their effort and perseverance through a task, for their ability to view mistakes as learning opportunities rather than extreme failure and loss. When they are told their whole lives how smart they are, the moment they struggle with something it is an identity crisis for them- they utterly break down and are so hard on themselves, because since they are smart, they should be able to do it, right? No...they struggle like anyone else, and they don't know everything- so the more we do to help them understand the value of effort, endurance, patience, and growth- the better.
6. When they say things kind of off-hand and bluntly, or interrupt you when you are telling them about something, or are honest to the point of brutal- they really aren't trying to be mean or disrespectful. They are just honest and extremely literal, can be quick-witted due to the constant connections they are making in their brains, and love sharing the world inside said brain with you. So the next time one catches you off-guard with a brunt of a comment or correction or observation, breathe, count to 3, and address them patiently. They really weren't trying to upset you or overstep your authority- they are just expressing their little creative, wheel-turning minds. This is something I've learned through experience this year with my students, that they aren't often trying to cross boundaries but rather are just wanting to share.
7. They have their own amazing ideas- and they would love the freedom to use, share, implement, and try them out. Sometimes these children can feel caged in by being told what they have to do to achieve a goal or show their learning, and often they have their own ideas of how they want to show you what they know! That's why student choice is so important. Sometimes I can barely let the learning standard or "I Can" statement leave my mouth before they have ideas flowing about how they want to work towards said standard. The thing is, highly-gifted children have their own ideas and innovative ways about how they want to explore and experience the world around them- and they need to be able to have the choice and voice to do so. Within boundaries of course, but these kids need the freedom to work towards a goal or a learning standard in a way that works best for them, or a path that they themselves pave.
For example: (first grade learning standards- origins of holidays and celebrations of Thanksgiving, reading fluency, listening/speaking skills)
Me: We are going to read a Reader's Theatre about the First Thanksgiving. I've already highlighted your parts for you to make it easier to see when it's your turn to read.
Students: *do a first read through of their parts*
Students: *glance around at one another quietly*
Student: "This...isn't a very long play. We don't have many lines."
Other students: "Yeah, we agree. Can we write two new scenes to the play and create props, costumes, and sets for it to perform for our parents?"
...and thus, a play was born. AND they were amazing.
Or, take this example:
Student: "Mrs. Rubinson, on Read-and-Roll I rolled a 6, and it says to write a review of the book or chapter after I'm done...can I create a catchy advertisement for the book on my iPad using PicCollage that reviews the book and tells others why they should read it?"
8. Just because they are highly-gifted doesn't necessarily mean they are high-achieving. It just means they think and see the world differently- mostly through making connections.
9. They still need their parents, teachers, coaches, friends...they may be capable of much, but they still need leaders in their life to facilitate, scaffold, love, and guide them. A more open-minded and creative approach ought to be used when dealing with highly-gifted children in order for their creativity and ideas and dreams to bloom and grow, and, like #1 up there says, they often feel misunderstood and don't often understand themselves- so they need the people in their lives to be their biggest fans.
I love that I get the opportunity to teach, love, shape, instruct, guide, mold, influence, and develop first grade highly-gifted children. I love what they have taught me so far about their little worlds and minds, and I love getting to share it with you.
1. They often feel misunderstood...and they often don't even understand themselves.
2. Their development is asynchronous- meaning that just because their cognitive and intellectual development is off the charts, that doesn't mean that other parts of their development (social, emotional) have caught up.
3. That being said, they are more emotional than most children their age- meaning, that they feel things, think things, and experience things much more deeply, differently, than a child their age should. They internalize everything, connect everything, and are quick to remember- slow to forget.
4. They have very specific areas of interest and passion, and love when others cultivate those things in them rather than try to drive or squish it out of them. And, if you can connect anything they do to their interests or passions, chances are, they will enjoy it more and be more willing to do it. (For example, my student doesn't want to write an Eric Carle pattern book? Well, what if it was about Minecraft? Sea animals? Argentina? Bingo- now they are writing, because you tapped into their interest.)
5. They don't need to be told, "You are so smart!" They need to be encouraged for the process they take to get somewhere, for their effort and perseverance through a task, for their ability to view mistakes as learning opportunities rather than extreme failure and loss. When they are told their whole lives how smart they are, the moment they struggle with something it is an identity crisis for them- they utterly break down and are so hard on themselves, because since they are smart, they should be able to do it, right? No...they struggle like anyone else, and they don't know everything- so the more we do to help them understand the value of effort, endurance, patience, and growth- the better.
6. When they say things kind of off-hand and bluntly, or interrupt you when you are telling them about something, or are honest to the point of brutal- they really aren't trying to be mean or disrespectful. They are just honest and extremely literal, can be quick-witted due to the constant connections they are making in their brains, and love sharing the world inside said brain with you. So the next time one catches you off-guard with a brunt of a comment or correction or observation, breathe, count to 3, and address them patiently. They really weren't trying to upset you or overstep your authority- they are just expressing their little creative, wheel-turning minds. This is something I've learned through experience this year with my students, that they aren't often trying to cross boundaries but rather are just wanting to share.
7. They have their own amazing ideas- and they would love the freedom to use, share, implement, and try them out. Sometimes these children can feel caged in by being told what they have to do to achieve a goal or show their learning, and often they have their own ideas of how they want to show you what they know! That's why student choice is so important. Sometimes I can barely let the learning standard or "I Can" statement leave my mouth before they have ideas flowing about how they want to work towards said standard. The thing is, highly-gifted children have their own ideas and innovative ways about how they want to explore and experience the world around them- and they need to be able to have the choice and voice to do so. Within boundaries of course, but these kids need the freedom to work towards a goal or a learning standard in a way that works best for them, or a path that they themselves pave.
For example: (first grade learning standards- origins of holidays and celebrations of Thanksgiving, reading fluency, listening/speaking skills)
Me: We are going to read a Reader's Theatre about the First Thanksgiving. I've already highlighted your parts for you to make it easier to see when it's your turn to read.
Students: *do a first read through of their parts*
Students: *glance around at one another quietly*
Student: "This...isn't a very long play. We don't have many lines."
Other students: "Yeah, we agree. Can we write two new scenes to the play and create props, costumes, and sets for it to perform for our parents?"
...and thus, a play was born. AND they were amazing.
Or, take this example:
Student: "Mrs. Rubinson, on Read-and-Roll I rolled a 6, and it says to write a review of the book or chapter after I'm done...can I create a catchy advertisement for the book on my iPad using PicCollage that reviews the book and tells others why they should read it?"
8. Just because they are highly-gifted doesn't necessarily mean they are high-achieving. It just means they think and see the world differently- mostly through making connections.
9. They still need their parents, teachers, coaches, friends...they may be capable of much, but they still need leaders in their life to facilitate, scaffold, love, and guide them. A more open-minded and creative approach ought to be used when dealing with highly-gifted children in order for their creativity and ideas and dreams to bloom and grow, and, like #1 up there says, they often feel misunderstood and don't often understand themselves- so they need the people in their lives to be their biggest fans.
I love that I get the opportunity to teach, love, shape, instruct, guide, mold, influence, and develop first grade highly-gifted children. I love what they have taught me so far about their little worlds and minds, and I love getting to share it with you.
Friday, August 21, 2015
Dear Parents,
IT’S GOING TO BE A GREAT YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so excited for this year – I have such exciting units lined up the kids!!!!!
I want to welcome everyone back to school. I hope everyone had a super summer and are ready to have a year filled with high energy, depth and complexity in problem solving of course we will delve into research!
My informational meeting for TAG is THURSDAY AUGUST 27, 2015 at 7:00am sharp in my classroom #26. It will be a very informative meeting and I look forward to seeing everyone then.
To ALL 5th grade parents, please plan to stay AFTER the meeting as we need to discuss TYBEE and the sidewalk sale.
This year we are not going to be using RENZULLI as the TAG department is now using GOQUEST. This is a tool to extend and enhance the curriculum in TAG. Whatever unit is being studied in class, you are able to visit this website, type in our unit of study topic and various activities design for YOUR child will pop up. Each child’s activities may be different as activities are based on a child’s academic strength, and interest. Every week on their TAG TALLY, each child will document the activities they complete for that week. They will also be responsible for presenting an oral presentation of 1 activity them completed. (more info to follow on August 27th meeting)
Supplies for this week are as follows:
Grade 1 & 2 – 2 blue 3 ring binders
Grade 3 – 2 purple 3 ring binders
Grade 4 – 2 red 3 ring binders
Grade 5 – 2 green 3 ring binders
I’m sure we will need other supplies as the year progresses, but for now we are ready to GO!
For those of you who don’t know, last spring we wrote a grant for our organic garden and through LOWE’S were awarded the grant! We have been able to enlarge the garden, we now have a good storage area for supplies, a sink, new fencing, an outdoor classroom, a greenhouse, and coming soon, a butterfly garden If you haven’t seen our ORGANIC GARDEN, it’s a MUST!!!! Our produce is awesome!!!! We have 1 pumpkin, tons of cucumbers and tomatoes, and eggplants. A HUGE SHOUT out to Ms. Duhig and Ms.Wright for working so hard in the garden to make it great for all kids at SDC.
But alas………we need more help. Sadly, Ms. Duhig, will be ‘graduating’ to middle school by the end of this school year and we need HELP now. Please contact me if you are able to help in our garden – we really need YOU!
Please remember that on your child’s TAG day they may ONLY bring in a fresh fruit or vegetable for snack!
Your child will be coming home with Student Information Sheet. Please fill it out neatly (especially the email addresses and phone numbers) as this is a great way for me to communicate with you.
Lastly, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me anytime shams@fultonschools.org
With much appreciation of all you do,
Amanda Shams Ed.S
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
GA STEM Day at the Museum of Aviation- this Saturday- 8/15
2nd - 5th Grade Students
August 15, 2015
2nd - 5th Grade Students
9 am - 2 pm
Lunch is provided
Over 100 students participate in the Annual GA Kids’ STEM Day each year. Over 30 volunteers have shown up in past years as career mentors to talk to students about their careers and how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) affects their daily lives at work. Students then begin a day having fun with science technology, engineering and math activities. Students rotate through four different STEM workshops, such as circuitry and rockets.
For questions, contact Valerie Myers at vgill@museumofaviation.org or 478-222-7580.
Registration is required and will begin on May 10, 2015.
Follow the link above for more information.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Four Strategies for Helping Gifted Kids Transition Back to School
http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=4451877758174399432
Four Strategies for Helping Gifted Kids Transition Back to School
By Paula J. Hillmann, PhD, LPC
If this is a topic you can relate to (whether you have a “gifted” kid or not!), read on……
For starters, many gifted kids have high energy and intense curiosity levels (think of the Energizer bunny). Sometimes this evolves into profound worry, too, if they can’t find healthy ways to cope with the upcoming changes. While the fictitious character, Sheldon, on the TV show The Big Bang Theory may seem manufactured to some, people who live and work with highly sensitive gifted kids know the Sheldon character is not so far from the truth sometimes!
Gifted children’s back-to-school excitement may be viewed by others as excessive, the behavior almost hyperactive. Their persistent questions may seem like nagging and their imagination of what will be, irrational. Their passion for learning may be disrupted and replaced by extreme fears and anxieties of going back to school. And so on, and so on… Back-to-school time may turn from one of happy excitement to one of worrisome distress and apprehension.
Yes- this is normal intensive reaction and behavior in many gifted kids. But parents ask me –Please, what can I do? How can I help my child cope?
In one of my earlier blogs Help! My Child is So Intense and Sensitive!, I referred to some tips on helping children cope with anxieties. Here are some more, this time focusing on transitioning back to school.
1. Forewarned is Forearmed
Begin having family conversations about back-to-school, using positive self-talk techniques. In doing so, you can gradually prepare your child for the upcoming school experiences (“gradually” is underlined on purpose here!). Pay attention to what your child or teenager is saying and help him/her replace negative thoughts with more positive ones. [Some common fears: I read somewhere long ago that one of the biggest fears of kindergartners was “What do I do if I have to go to the bathroom?” For beginning middle schoolers one was “What if I can’t get my locker open?” and for girls, “What if I get my period at school?” For incoming high schoolers, “What if I get lost in the school and can’t find my classroom?”] Bottom line: find out what questions or anxieties your child may have, then deal with them calmly, rationally, and one slow step at a time.
2. Modeling, Imagery, and Stories
Let your child or teen know how it was for you (even if you’re given the “oh brother” look). For one, they need to know that parents are not omniscient beings who live in a world where only success exists and life is without worry. Believe me – most kids DO think life for most everyone else is a cakewalk. Perhaps some role-modeling will help – you play the kid, and he or she takes on the parent advisor role. Or have them close their eyes and imagine what the worst thing is that could go wrong. Follow this with some creative problem solving conversations. Big brothers and sisters, or trusted friends can help guide your child, too.
3. Relaxation Techniques
Three techniques that seem to work well for most kids are:
- Deep Breathing. (Most people ‘forget to breathe’ when they are excited – they tend to take short, shallow breaths.) Practice deep breathing with your child. Pick a quiet, private place to start. It may help your child to have one hand on his or her tummy and the other over the heart – that way a child can understand and self- monitor the importance of breathing. As a parent you can provide feedback such as “Do not push your back out” or “Do not push out your stomach” or “I like the way you are focusing on your deep breathing.” Encourage the child to practice breathing skills every day – and perhaps you can do this as a family, too?
- Slow Breathing. Once deep breathing has been mastered, help the child or teen learn to slow down by counting and holding. For example, breath in slowly for a count of five, hold for a count of three, breath out slowly for a count of five. A variation for young children is to have the child practice blowing bubbles.
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation. When we are stressed or anxious our muscles tighten. This can lead to physical complaints such as headaches, backaches, stomachaches, etc. The first step in progressive muscle relaxation is sitting comfortably with feet flat on the floor or reclining slightly. Begin with deep and slow breathing and gradually call attention to parts of the body, encouraging relaxation (Example: “Can you feel your feet touching the floor, at-rest on the floor?). Move on to other parts of the body. Contact me if you need help finding other ways to relax or for relaxation scripts.
4. Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety can occur at any age, so don’t think this is something only for young children. Young children may engage in behaviors such as clinginess, crying, and throwing tantrums. A teenager’s behavior usually masks the separation anxiety and may look more sullen, uncommunicative, disengaged or disinterested. However, the fear can range from minor to extremely intense. Emotional meltdowns and/or emotionally charged refusals to go to school reflect the latter.
Tips to prevent separation anxiety include:
- Make sure YOU are comfortable with your child’s school and communicate your satisfaction both verbally and nonverbally.
- Have a routine or ritual planned out. Practice it and use it consistently. Example: “I will wave good-bye to you and the door, and will meet you at the door after school.” “I will text you at lunch time, and will respond for your text reply.” By the way, I am NOT a proponent of kids carrying around cell phones so that constant communication can be maintained at all times by parents and kids. More on that another time….
- Accompany your child to the school and stay a short period of time, indicating how short (such as “I will stay 2 minutes, wave good-bye, and leave.”) You MUST follow through on what you say!
- After school, have a plan to communicate about happened during the day. Make sure it is a quiet relaxed time. Some children and teens prefer a private time with a parent to do this, so setting up a time and a routine to do this with your child, or with each of your children is a good idea.
Tips to deal with separation anxiety include:
- Do not reinforce your child’s anxious behavior. This is extremely important. Do not allow your child to stay home from school unless she or he is truly sick. Do not give in to whining or crying.
- Give your child a “transitional object,” something that fits his or her age. A transitional object is an item given by a parent to remind the child of something loving and comfortable (examples: a small toy that fits in the backpack, a locket with a photo, a ‘lucky ring,’ or a note from a parent tucked indiscreetly into a lunch bag or pocket.
- Forewarn the teacher or counselor or homeroom teacher of extreme anxiety, if needed.
- If you think separation anxiety may be a challenge for your child, you may find gradual desensitization helpful. Gradually expose your child to the feared experience while engaging in an activity that he or she enjoys and does not associate with fear. Example: Going out for ice cream and driving past the school building, chatting about the upcoming year.
- Casual conversation (chatting) is encouraged. AVOID questioning, since asking questions tends to intensify fears and anxieties and makes things worse.
Let your child’s or teen’s behavior guide you in providing the support they need. Parent Watch: Are they sleeping or eating well (or not)? Are they happy about school and engaged in getting ready (or not)? Behavior is kids’ unspoken language.
If you can find a SENG parent group in your area, join other parents. In these parent groups you may find the support and guidance you are seeking. See www.sengifted.org for local and regional parent group offerings. I run small groups for gifted teens in my office; they find listening to each other’s stories comforting and affirming – look for something through your school counselor?
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