“True teachers use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own.”       ~Nikos Kazantzakis I love this quote.  Each year, I like to capture students’ attention and guide our instruction and time together for pull-out by … Continue reading Welcome Back Friends! →

This week students were introduced to the 7 Steps of Investigative Research and we began Step #1, Topic Selection.  Once again, students will have the opportunity to take some ownership in their learning and select an area of interest/strength to research.  This hard work of researching and finding new information and making it your own … Continue reading Gifted Expo is Coming — May 16, 2017!! →

Many of the books on our “Excellence in Reading” list are now considered public domain.  Public domain refers to intellectual property or works (pieces of literature, music, art, text) whose copyright rights have expired — making it now available to the public as a whole.  Project Gutenberg is a free, online e-book resource that provides … Continue reading Project Gutenberg →

from Pixabay The New Year is always a great time for a fresh start… and often a time for new beginnings.  Why not challenge yourself in the New Year with a goal to read some classic literature?  The Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading program does just that.  Students may choose books for their reading … Continue reading Excellence in Reading →

3rd & 4th graders recently made great little online characters of themselves.  These characters are called vokis.  As we examined the lives of successful people who journey, we also discovered traits that we possess that will also help us on our learning journeys.  Check us out below! Blue Ball Students: Summer’s Voki Luke’s Voki Kate’s … Continue reading 3rd & 4th Grade Vokis →

On our first day of gifted support time this year, we will talk about different kinds of journeys, what characteristics/qualities one needs to go on a journey, and where your journey has taken you so far.  I also want to know what you did over your summer journey!  Take a quick look at my summer … Continue reading My Summer Journey →

On March 9, 2016, four of our elementary gifted students represented ELANCO at the 2nd annual IU13 STEM Bowl Competition. Lilly Burger (grade 4) and Danya Rose (grade 5) from New Holland and Sarah Davis (grade 4) and Tanner Laukhuff (grade 5) from Blue Ball competed as a team in a series of six Quiz … Continue reading Elementary STEM Bowl Competition 2016 →

Our second annual ELANCO Elementary Gifted Expo will be held Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at Brecknock Elementary.  We will gather from 6:30pm – 8:30pm.  Students will share their projects/findings from the independent research.  Don’t miss it!

My students have phenomenal ideas!  During our first classes in the past two weeks, they’ve shared what they would like to learn about this year.  Here is a list of some of their learning topics: Stonehenge Machu Picchu Altitude Sickness/Reactions Albert Einstein The making of Robots The Ancient Pyramids Famous Chefs Human Growth Germany’s involvement … Continue reading Phenomenal Learning →