Bonner Talent Development

Talent Development classes are available for students in first and second grade. Students are invited to participate in a TD class if they have scored exceptionally well on the reading portion of the district's FAST test and on the CogAT Screening Form (Cognitive Abilities Test). Input from classroom teachers is also obtained for consideration.

These high-ability students may participate in the Verbal (focusing on reading and language arts) class, which meets daily or in the Non-Verbal (focusing on mathematics) classes which meet daily too.

These classes are held during the school day, and are taught by Mrs. Aimee Johnson.

TD Reading Class

Much of our curriculum focuses on novel studies, with themes established by the Center of Gifted Education at the College of William & Mary. Novel studies encourage advanced readers to develop their skills at analyzing and interpreting literature through structured questions and activities that highlight themes and concepts, literary elements, and real-world connections contained within the books. The goal is to develop analytical and interpretive skills in literature, and to develop an understanding of selected literary themes in high-ability students.

The TD Reading Class meets every day for 30 minutes.

Grade 1 TD Reading Curriculum:

Freckle Juice novel study

The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo novel study

The Littles study

Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle study

26 Fairmont Lane biography study

"Passport Around the World" culture study

Grade 2 TD Reading Curriculum:

* Frindle novel study

* The Cricket in Times Square novel study

* Mr. Popper's Penguins novel study

* The Chocolate Touch novel study

TD Math Classes

Math TD classes meet for approximately 30 minutes a day in 2nd grade and the Project M3: Mentoring Mathematical Minds curriculum is used. This curriculum is designed to motivate and challenge mathematically talented students at the elementary level. Students explore a simulated or real-life problem and are encouraged to think, write, and act like mathematicians to solve the problem.

Report Cards

Students will receive a Talent Development grade at the end of second, third and fourth quarters. These TD grades are part of the regular electronic report card.

Expectations for Students

Students are expected to come to class sessions prepared to be a positive and productive member of the group. Students should be respectful of all participants at all times, and should take responsibility to learn and apply the materials presented/covered. Finally, students must complete all assignments both in and out of class. If concerns arise, both the student and parents will be contacted.

Students will be tested in the spring or fall of each year to determine eligibility for future TD class participation. Previous participation in a Talent Development class does not guarantee future/continued participation.