1ST GRADE LEADers - CONTRIBUTION

KAPLAN'S DEPTH & COMPLEXITY ICONS -- All grade levels are using the icons below to add deeper thinking and new discoveries.

2ND GRADE LEADERS - SYSTEMS

Second Graders have been working on estimation (Esti-Mysteries), which is a game with clues to make an educated guess (estimate )to find out the number of items in a jar. They are learning to eliminate numbers baseD on whether they are odd/even numbers, rereading clues, and using math vocabulary.

They also have brainstormed the word, Systems, and have gone on a Systems Hunt in our school. Then, each child created a Piccollage, which contained 4 pictures that apply to the 4 generalizations about Systems.

PAIR SHARING PICCOLLAGES

3RD GRADE - POWER

Third Grade LEADers brainstormed POWER. Currently they are studying the POWER of Flight. They have been introduced to words of the discipline, like Lift, Gravity, Drag, Thrust, and Air Pressure. They have also begun to look at the changes of flight over time. They will continue to study flight for a few more weeks. Below is an exercise in nonverbal communication, while solving an atypical puzzle.

4TH GRADE - EXPLORATIONS

Fourth Grade LEADers started the year off brainstorming the word EXPLORE. As they are diving into Texas History with the idea of people coming to Texas to explore new frontier and claim land, we are studying the multiple definitions of explore. The first way is to EXPLORE one's own IDENTITY. We have studied symbolism by looking at The Statue of Liberty, and analyzing the ideals the symbols represent. Then, students compared the Lincoln Memorial, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial to determine common traits or symbols. After that, students began to brainstorm their own strengths/traits that make them who they are. They did this through a Creative Problem Solving activity that requires multiple steps of reflection, brainstorming, evaluating criteria in order to make a monument of themselves. Students then sketched their monuments, and this week, they will start building them. Below, students are sharing their top 5-7 traits that will be reflected on their monuments.

5TH GRADE - CHANGE

Fifth Grade LEADers have started the year brainstorming their theme, CHANGE. They also solved a leadership puzzle in groups using nonverbal communication skills and teamwork. They are now working on THE POWER OF YET. They have studied some examples of people overcoming challenges and meeting their goals due to grit and perseverance. Students expressed their input on a PADLET after watching videos and reading articles. We then looked at a rubric for public speaking, and each student chose a speaking goal on which to work, such as content, layout of product, eye contact, voice (volume/articulation), body language, and confidence/enthusiasm. Lastly, they got into their goal groups and brainstormed steps to reach their goals. Below you see pics from their mini-presentations. Students will continue this Power of YET thinking, as they begin to mind-map themselves through elementary, middle school, high school, and beyond.