Maths and Gifted Education - get children talking

These are two topics that I am very passionate about. What I love about this article is it confirms the approach being used by Australasian schools. I have had the benefit of many hours of maths learning this year and key to this learning is teaching children about mathematical concepts through inquiry and talk.

Children who 'get maths' need to be challenged to think mathematically and rich mathematical tasks that are open ended and lead to a discussion of pure mathematics do this. We need to get our bright children talking and discovering mathematical ideas rather than keeping them busy with pages of problems or websites and games.

Sources for these activities include:
nzmaths.co.nz/problem-solving
blackdouglas.com.au
Otago Maths Problem Solving Resources
Think Boards
Andrew Jeffrey Resources www.andrewjeffrey.co.uk
Number Sense
Open Ended Maths Activities, SullivanP., & Lilburn, P. (2004)
Figure it Out Resources

Dysgraphia

I love information presented in a clear concise way. This graphic appeals not only for the key information it gives parents and teachers about dysgraphia but also the solutions. This is a condition sometimes effecting gifted children that leads to being identified as'twice exceptional.' Of course it is a learning condition that can affect all learners and impact their progress.

12 Lessons about Gifted Kids from Matilda

This is a simple outline of some characteristics of gifted children evidenced in Roald Dahl's Matilda. 

Well worth a look, thanks Judy for sharing.

Pay it Forward

I love this movie as it is a fabulous example of a simple movie with a powerful message, more than that I love the message about humanity that it conveys. The fact that it is in Thai is irrelevant to the message. It is actually an advert for a Thai communication company, not that we know that at all.
It would be great to share with your class as part of the power of doing good or paying it forward.

Animated Thinking

Six Famous Thought Experiments,  a fascinating and delightfully animated series exploring six famous thought experiments. These animated videos – and their touches of humour would be great discussion starters. Fascinating!

Create Quotes for the Classroom

If you know me you will know that I am the quote queen. This is a fantastic site that help you create words of wisdom into cool posters for the classroom.

The site is called recitethis.com

Maths Talk Time

We recently held a Parent Talk Time on maths. This was talking about how number is taught in schools today. Here is a copy of the power point that was shared.

Parent Talk Time - Maths by cmrhowison