Thursday, October 8, 2015

Steel, Snap Circuits, Da Vincian Principles in Practice, and Cheese Grater. 

2nd graders 


It all began with a question.........  Last week a student asked the class if anyone knew how much steel was used to build our school.  Fortunately , I happen to have a  family friend, whose company was in charge of constructing  Wilderness Oak over ten years ago. The students decided to send Mr. Moeller a video asking him the question about steel and they inquired about the amount of wood that was in the school as well. When the students arrived the following week, I had the answers/numbers they wanted, but it didn't stop there. A great opportunity for a math lesson evolved and ,as you can see from the pictures, it was pretty challenging. The students converted tons to pounds, learned the word flammable, concrete, rebar, and so much more. They were so excited with their findings we went to Mrs. FitzSimon and Mrs. Robertson to share our results. 


Sephora smiling after solving one of the steps to our problem. 

Making use of our new iPads.


Finding words that "POP OUT" in out heads when we see the word "MAP". 

Dane and Eugene solving the game Lazer Maze.

*********************************************************************************3rd Graders
  The students did get an opportunity to play with all the neat activities that are new to our classroom, thanks to our generous family and friends who helped sponsor our Donorschoose.org. fundraiser. 


"In this GT class (during the morning) we learned some more algebra in our composition books and we learned and explained what factors and products were.  After that we went to the fifth grade computer lab to get onto Google Classroom.  We worked on our Google Classroom assignment and Mrs. Horan gave us homework to do for next Tuesday. She taught us all the ways to make a presentable slide show and how to insert pictures.   After that we went back to the classroom to learn some more about factors and products.  In the afternoon, we learned what squared means, we read the Phantom Tollbooth and lastly we wrote down the definitions of three words quagmire, flabbergast and upholstery. We had some free time to explore all the new games and fun toys that Mrs. Horan just got through donations. "  By Mariana 









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4th graders

We did a lot of stuff today. First we heard a story about one of Mrs. Horan's former students who changed his mindset and went on to become a football star.  I thought it was a wonderful story and I think other people will like it like me. Then, we talked about stations that are activities for the Principel's of Leonardo Da Vinci.( curiosita,dimostrazione,sfumato,sensazione,arte/scieza,corporalita, and connesione). I thought that it was great. We started off the day by doing  Yoga. It felt good to get all of my stress and worries out of me. It was great stretching all of my muscles in my body. Then we did the stations for Da Vinci. We tried to balance 7 nails( Budda's Temple), design a Wordle,assembly a double ring to make a rectangle "frame". We researched the artist Henri Rousseau, designed a nutrition plan, using our non-dominant hand, write a continuous story on 1 sentence strip, and much more!  It was a little challenging but fun! A little later, we ate lunch while presenting our G.T. homework. I thought everybody tried hard. After that, we read Chasing Vermeer. I love pentominoes. I think they are cool looking and are a fun way to learn. A bit later, We played with the stuff that Mrs. Horan got us. I mostly played Snap circuits. It was REALLY fun!!!! Then towards the end of the day, we did AMAZING math such as Prime and Composite. The first 5 Prime numbers are 1,2,3,5, and 7. The first 5 Composite numbers are 4.6,8,9, and 10 . After that, we gathered all of our stuff and headed back to are regular class.

This is the end of my blog. BY ALEXANDER YIANNOS









                                          Trying to solve Budda's  Temple. 
Ryan presenting his homework using Google classroom.
Snap Circuits are so COOL!!! 

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5th graders

This week in G.T. we accomplished a lot. To start off our great day we had to answer the question:What takes up more space-a frown or -a smile? Then we went to the computer lab ,- and worked on a new programming site called codecombat, it  was really fun! After that we talked about philosophy,and we listed the multiple uses of a cheese grater we had to get really creative.Next we worked on our inventions, and Mrs.Horan showed us a very inspirational Shark Tank video.Later we did a bit of algebra.We ended our day by playing some games that challenged our thinking. We were all sad that our lovely day  had come to an end,but we always have next week!!!!

Gloria :)














5th graders 

Monday, September 28, 2015

PARENT ORIENTATION

            Welcome to a new school year!  I am excited to get together with you and talk about your child's year in G/T.  I will be holding my parent information meeting on Tuesday, October 27th. Grades 2 to 4 will begin at 5:30PM and 5th grade will follow at  6:15. We will  meet  in room 200 located on the 2nd floor. Each session should only take about 30 minutes. I hope to see you!



Thursday, September 24, 2015

Hello Parents and Friends,
   Exciting news from my GT classroom… we’re ready to start our Maker Space!  This school year (and for years to come), I want to ensure that my students have what they need to succeed, so I've created a request on charity website called donorschoose.org.

I'm writing to ask for any donations possible for my students - no matter the size (seriously, every little bit counts). This week only, any donation you make to my project will be doubled!
If you can't donate anything at this time, no worries... just share this information with anyone who you know is passionate about education. Your donation will have a direct impact on at least 70 students this year and you'll hear back from our class about your impact! My goal is to start this project with the GT students and eventually have enough materials for the whole school to share.

     To have your donation matched dollar for dollar, enter the promo code
SPARK on the payment screen. IMPORTANT: The promo code  SPARK will only double your donation until September 30, 2015.
Please feel free to send me any questions you may have, and know that my students and I greatly appreciate your support.
Thank you so very much !
Suzanne Horan
Suzanne Horan
Gifted and Talented Teacher
Wilderness Oak

“Wisdom begins with wonder” Socrates



Friday, September 4, 2015



WELCOME BACK TO THE 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR!

We will start our first GT classes the week of September 21st.

2nd graders will come on Mondays from 7:50-10:00 & 2:00-2:30
Kinder and 1st grades schedule will be posted after testing is completed.



        3rd- All day Tuesday
    4th- All day  Wednesday
    5th- All day Thursday

All day= 7:50 to 2:30

We will eat lunch together in the classroom and you will attend your SPECIALS and recess at your regular time.   

All students are asked to bring on the first day of class , a new composition book, 5 pencils, and their assigned homework ,which will be given to them the week before classes are to begin.

Testing for 1st graders will begin the week of October 13th,2015
Testing for kindergarten will begin the week of January 11,2016.

I look forward to an exciting year full of fun and exciting new challenges!










Sunday, July 12, 2015


Cool Stuff!


Ignite the spark of science and creativity in your child with a subscription to the Spangler Science Club. Join today and you’ll receive Steve Spangler’s most amazing hands-on science experiments delivered to your door each month.
http://www.stevespanglerscience.com




Discover and learn about science, engineering, and technology through seriously fun hands-on activities.
http://tinker.kiwicrate.com/inside-a-crate/


Doodle Crate inspires young makers to learn new skills and gain creative confidence. Every month, a new super-fun DIY project that kids will love to design and create.
http://doodle.kiwicrate.com/inside-a-crate/


Wednesday, June 3, 2015



Below are  are some online courses and summer camps  suggestions  for the students over the summer. Have a safe and happy summer!

CAMPS:The document says "2014", but the sites are up to date.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hCMnWe75HRF9ggt1WiPkwnOIAex43hbI_dAgUN0I1y4/edit



ONLINE COURSES:
http://camp.wonderopolis.org/uploads/docs/camp-2015-faq.pdf

http://makercamp.com/

https://diy.org/camps