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
Friday, November 13, 2015
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.
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