AIG
Parents and Guardians,
Last week I wrote an introductory note and this week I would like to share more about our Challenge Class content.
What will we do in Challenge?
During our weekly 2 hours together, we will cover a variety of areas that will exercise your students critical thinking and problem solving skills. In addition we will engage in activities that build their vocabulary and develop effective communication and collaboration skills. Below is a basic template that I will use to give you an idea of what we will cover during class.
Warm up
Logic/Reasoning
Vocabulary/Analogies
Problem Solving/Math
(10 min Break)
Main Focus (7 Habits, Code Blue, MathQuest, Poetry)
Exit Ticket/Learning Review Question
I am a big fan of making learning as interactive and fun as possible so I will incorporate a smorgasbord of technology, games and activities that will help achieve these goals. In addition, the “Code Blue” and “MathQuest” Simulations have ample hands-on components that will engage students as they learn new content.
As we get into our "main focus" topics, I will share more details on each one. For now, I have included a quick look and a link for 3 of the main focus units we will cover along with some of the other books I use for vocabulary growth.
We will begin with "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" as it allows for great conversations to get to know each other and teaches valuable skills for success both in school and in life.
Here is a brief look:
Based on Sean Covey’s best-selling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens.
“Utilizing relevant interactive exercises,, students will laugh while they learn how to gain greater control of their lives and build relationships high in trust. The 7 Habits for Teens training is a means for educators, administrators, and parents to build students’ self-confidence and interpersonal skills, elevate student achievement, and reduce school-wide discipline problems.” (FranklinCovey.com).Website to learn more about 7 Habits
Just a parting thought.
Oftentimes the gifted student errs on the side of perfectionism and is devastated when they sense they have failed. In my class they are going to hear me say a thousand different ways that failure is not the enemy but a necessary component of learning. Failure is not a person but a stepping stone.
You've probably heard Thomas Edison's words when he tested the first successful light bulb, "I have not failed 1,000 times. I have successfully discovered 1,000 ways to NOT make a light bulb." That is the attitude I hope to foster in our time together. I aim for our classroom to be a safe place to stretch boundaries and try difficult things - some will be successful, others may flop. In both, learning and growth will take place.
Always feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
For the students!
Trudy Pierron
Middle School AIG Teacher