The following prompt options encourage children to apply their knowledge of a book character. Children select one of the following choices to answer (and support with elaboration). This activity can be used for class discussions, writing activities, student-generated questionnaires, games, question cubes, or any format that promotes creativity. Better yet, have children add their own options to the list.
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Carroll County Public Library – Two images of a four-sided display
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Some creative people learn to work anywhere – alone in a room facing blank walls or seated in a cubicle with lots of interruptions. Artist Howard Solomon works and lives in a castle he built in a central Florida swamp (in the middle of nowhere). Made from discarded aluminum printing plates, the castle is filled with Solomon’s “junk art” metal sculptures, stained glass windows and wood carvings. Each piece makes a comic statement -– often sarcastic.
Like Howard himself, the castle is filled with imagination, humor, and creativity. It may not be your ideal place to work, but it's a great place to visit for some quirky fun.
In
Ungifted Intelligence Redefined
, Scott Barry Kaufman shares detailed research on the nature and development of intelligence, creativity, and talent. He combines his research with a personal narrative that allows readers to see the world through his eyes: “This includes the early pain and confusion I felt at being labeled ungifted as well as the tremendous sense of victory and success I felt later when I defied everyone’s expectations of what was possible. Through engaging in fascinating research on the subject of human intelligence, I was able to overcome my own obstacles and began to question the system that told me I shouldn’t have succeeded.” His childhood experiences are what led him to become interested in intelligence research.
In chapter five, he reviews how the 50 states differ in defining giftedness. Intelligence and high achievement are two of the common defining characteristics. However, motivation and the performing arts are widely ignored.
“Morality, intensity, sensitivity, compassion, creativity, and leadership are almost completely absent from both the stated definitions of giftedness and the actual identification procedures. And perhaps the most striking absence from any state definition of giftedness is motivation and engagement. They aren’t even on the radar.”
Ungifted is a must read for educators, parents, psychologists, and anyone interested in how we define intelligence. Read More...
In chapter five, he reviews how the 50 states differ in defining giftedness. Intelligence and high achievement are two of the common defining characteristics. However, motivation and the performing arts are widely ignored.
“Morality, intensity, sensitivity, compassion, creativity, and leadership are almost completely absent from both the stated definitions of giftedness and the actual identification procedures. And perhaps the most striking absence from any state definition of giftedness is motivation and engagement. They aren’t even on the radar.”
Ungifted is a must read for educators, parents, psychologists, and anyone interested in how we define intelligence. Read More...
Spending time outdoors is good for children (and parents). According to the Nature Conservancy, there are many benefits: “Kids need nature. Studies repeatedly show that time spent outside in nature leads to better health and improvement in the classroom.” I agree, when I’m cooped up indoors for too long, I get lethargic. I can still hear my mother’s voice, “Get outside and out of the house!” I grew up in Maine, and this time of year, we bundled up in our chunky Carter wool overalls to play in the snow (and to beat the winter blues).
America’s National Parks offer many options for nature seekers. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 19, 2015) and Presidents Day weekend (February 14-16, 2015), the Park Service offers free entrance. That's right, free! These photographs of America’s prettiest national parks in winter are spectacular! While visiting the parks in winter is not feasible for many of us, it’s never too early to start planning for this summer. Until then, become a backyard naturalist, take a walk around the block, or try one of these winter outdoor activities.
Public Service Announcements (PSAs) created by students are a great way to promote reading and creative expression. Students advocate for their favorite books and/or authors and highlight the many benefits of reading for pleasure.
Better yet, students can create PSAs to bring awareness to social issues found within books. For example, the book Wonder served as the inspiration for an anti bullying campaign.
First, share a few PSA examples to emphasize the impact they can have on changing people’s behavior (persuasion). Next, share child friendly news sites such as Here There Everywhere or Time for Kids to explore current issues and to brainstorm topics.
Finally, have students work in groups to select a book that contains a behavior, issue, or message they want to use as a PSA. Using storyboard presentations, each group pitches their idea to the class for feedback, and then begins the collaborative process of creating a 30 - 60 second PSA.
Share the PSAs via the school’s closed circuit video system. Also, consider an ongoing slide show within the media center to create enthusiasm about the finished projects and to encourage others to read the books. Evaluate the project by calculating the circulation numbers of the presented books. Additionally, a child centered Likert survey could assess the effectiveness of the PSAs. Read More...
Better yet, students can create PSAs to bring awareness to social issues found within books. For example, the book Wonder served as the inspiration for an anti bullying campaign.
First, share a few PSA examples to emphasize the impact they can have on changing people’s behavior (persuasion). Next, share child friendly news sites such as Here There Everywhere or Time for Kids to explore current issues and to brainstorm topics.
Finally, have students work in groups to select a book that contains a behavior, issue, or message they want to use as a PSA. Using storyboard presentations, each group pitches their idea to the class for feedback, and then begins the collaborative process of creating a 30 - 60 second PSA.
Share the PSAs via the school’s closed circuit video system. Also, consider an ongoing slide show within the media center to create enthusiasm about the finished projects and to encourage others to read the books. Evaluate the project by calculating the circulation numbers of the presented books. Additionally, a child centered Likert survey could assess the effectiveness of the PSAs. Read More...
Exposing your children to a variety of activities helps them discover their passions and talents, and I'm sure your child likes to try new things. Perhaps s/he would like to learn a foreign language. If you are fluent in a foreign language, you probably already speak it at home. If not, try the popular website and free mobile app,
Duolingo.
While there are many features that make Duolingo easy to use, I like how children can start speaking the language immediately, using food and animal names and basic phrases such as hello and thank you. Your children will love saying these new words and phrases! The interactive game-like format appeals to kids of all ages. For those who already know the basics of a language, there is a placement test to skip ahead.
Try Duolingo for yourself. (On ne vit qu’une fois.) There are many advantages of being bilingual. According to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), learning a second language at an early age . . .
Try Duolingo for yourself. (On ne vit qu’une fois.) There are many advantages of being bilingual. According to the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), learning a second language at an early age . . .
- Has a positive effect on intellectual growth.
- Enriches and enhances a child's mental development.
- Leaves students with more flexibility in thinking, greater sensitivity to language, and a better ear for listening.
- Improves a child's understanding of his/her native language.
- Opens the door to other cultures and helps a child understand and appreciate people from other countries.
- Gives a student a head start in language requirements for college.
- Increases job opportunities in many careers where knowing another language is a real asset.
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