SAGE (Gifted Program) for Primary K-2
PRIMARY SAGE (GIFTED EDUCATION) - Grades K-2
Locations: Bell Prairie, Briarcliff & Gracemor
The typical day in a Primary Center (K-2) will vary throughout the year. Each week, the students rotate through their individualized work stations in mathematics problem solving, critical thinking lessons and exploratory centers, in addition to the other skills that are taught and practiced. There will be slight variances between the centers to account for the unique needs of the students.
At an exploratory center, students have an opportunity to choose and individually investigate such topics as: mapping, pentominos, animals, magnets, famous individuals, literature, insects, food chains, forests, human body, and ancient civilizations. While at the exploratory center, students self discover by reading informational materials, viewing educational videos, and exploring topics on the computer. They are asked to demonstrate what they have learned by writing a paragraph or by completing a worksheet. Students are then free to choose a variety of higher-level thinking activities within this topic. Examples of projects might include posters that teach others, three-dimensional models and descriptions, original narrative stories or expository books, real world problem solving, and comparison graphs and charts.
Students spend some time each class day on computers learning basic applications of Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher and Power Point. Students may also learn Kidspiration/Inspiration which teaches students to create and use graphic organizers to show and explore ideas and relationships. Students will learn how to do advanced Internet searches and to use the district’s on-line resources. In the spring, student computer time will be more focused on a guided research topic.
Students have early conversations on learning styles, goal setting, strengths and weaknesses, different types of “giftedness” and why students need and are identified for participation in gifted programs. Affective discussions with students focus on: the students’ questions about being gifted, working with others, learning to celebrate their successes without making someone else’s celebrations feel less, interacting with adults, and communicating ideas and opinions respectfully with adults and peers.
For more information on Gifted Education in North Kansas City Schools, please contact Advanced Education Programs Coordinator Julia Alsobrook at (816) 413-5073.
