VAGTC conference 2015

In May the Victorian Association for Gifted and Talented Children will host a conference. I'll be presenting a session on 'The A-Z of developing an Academic Extension program' on Thursday 21st May, 11.00am-12.00pm. This session aims to provide new teachers and established teachers wishing to build there own GnT program with cost effective, efficient and future-focused activities and resources. Session participants will be offered links to sites and blogs that can keep them informed about trends in Gifted education and provide confidence to develop their own programs.

Primary Shakespearean literature Study

Primary Shakespearean literature Study

For ambitious readers the stories of William Shakespeare are at a pinnacle. Focusing story arc design, incorporation of dialogue, action, play, tragedy and comedy his works can be made accessible to younger readers.

Here is an open-ended slideshow for students to present information reports on selected Shakespearean work. Within the investigation are links to full, condensed and briefer versions of many drama, comedies and tragedies.
http://1drv.ms/1HSXJLK

These links come from;
http://simplifiedshakespeare.com/ 

http://abbreviatedshakespeare.com/ 

http://minimizedshakespeare.com/

http://www.condensedshakespeare.com/

Working with division and averaging with games

This week I've concentrated on developing Year 6 boys' division operations skills. After some basic tables' tasks this investigation is sent through to a double class of Year 6 boys. It combines elements that are very attractive to students, colours, competitions and gaming.

• two lessons to complete the booklet
• please check with your IT administrator that the links are accessible by your network
• no calculators are require
  
  http://1drv.ms/1E4faVT

Take a Look into Australia's Future

The 2015 Intergenerational Report

This week on Australian television came an advertisement for the 2015 Inter-generational Report, a snapshot of Australia's potential development over the next 40 years to 2055. A fascinating document of 24 pages -in summary form- this report is a terrific prompt for Language, Mathematics, Civics and Future Problem Solving (Global Issues) development. This is the fourth inter-generational report- 2002, 2007 and 2010 were the previous issues for comparison- analysing "economic growth –
population, participation and productivity".

This report offers a marvelous stimulus for class conversations and investigations, when looking at the ramifications to age, gender, migration and employment patterns. For an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme perspective this report is a valuable resource for the How We Organise Ourselves, Who We Are and Where We Are in Place and Time units of inquiry.

http://www.challengeofchange.gov.au/

Mathematics Investigation- Widen our understanding of Mean, Median, Mode and Range

Using Averaging Tools

In primary Mathematics teaching, the number strand is the most important, without doubt. There are though, only so many times you can repeat counting, expanded notation and patterns. Using these terms are collectively known as measures of central tendency. Doesn't really roll of the tongue, does it? Here, I'll call them averaging tools. These investigations uses an everyday phone bill to explore averaging tools with time, money and longer phone number amounts.

Three cards can become a single lesson Mathematics activity

Operations and number focus, tens of millions

Terrific for Years 4- 6 [easy]

http://1drv.ms/1HWTjUd

Mathematics Investigation- Using percentages to investigate Taxation

Taxes is one of those problems adults always have. Always. Ever wondered how the taxation dollars is spent though? This investigation looks into a recent taxation statement that illustrates where a taxation payment goes to. Look at using division, longer multiplication and addition. How about making decisions as to where future taxation dollars are spent? What would happen if YOU decided where you tax dollars went? Here's an investigation pushing students to explore their understanding of percentages and logical mathematical reasoning past primary years into secondary school curriculum understanding.

Two cards can become a single lesson Mathematics activity

Operations and number focus

Terrific for Years 5-8

http://1drv.ms/1BV0ZWh

Mathematics Investigation- Complementary and Supplementary Angles

Ever wondered to what lengths gymnasts and ballet performers can produce angles with their body? What if you were investigating the irregular angles produced by the human body? Here's an investigation pushing students to explore their understanding of angles past primary years into secondary school curriculum understanding.

Each card can become a single lesson writing activity

Measurement of angles focus

Terrific for Years 4-8

http://1drv.ms/1EDZc8G

Creative Writing prompt- The Inventors

• What if you wanted children to become Inventors? Here's a booklet of activities where educators can challenge writers to reason why an invention was needed and how the prototype was designed.
• Each card can become a single lesson writing activity
• Explanation, recount and narrative genre writing prompt
• Terrific for Years 3-8

http://1drv.ms/1x2yOio

Lift off.

Welcome to The Pegasonian.

Pegasus was the mythical winged horse that conveyed adventurers to their exploits. This blog hopes to provide inspiration to educators and exceptional learners to reach for their personal academic limits with snippets of latest Gifted and Talented Learning news and trends and the option to download or share digital investigations.

About Gavin.

Working across multiple educational settings for 26 years Gavin Smith-Pill continues to enjoy the fruits of teaching primary-aged children with a thirst for investigation and active learning. As a full-time GnT educator at two independent schools in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, he uses digital learning, positive reinforcement and small group teaching skills to develop confident learners willing to enjoy their learning and fellow learners. For more information about Gavin, please check LinkedIn.