This document summarizes the key points from a GT parent meeting at Northern Hills Elementary School. It discusses characteristics of gifted children, such as advanced vocabulary, intense curiosity about problems in the world, and the ability to think abstractly. It outlines the GT program, which focuses on higher-order thinking skills like critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. The GT schedule and assessment process are also summarized. Finally, tips are provided for parents on supporting gifted children, such as encouraging creativity, responding to questions, and helping children find balance and mentors.

1. GT Parent Meeting
Northern Hills Elementary School
GT Teacher
Mrs. Katri Delac
2013-2014

2. Some Characteristics of Gifted
Children……
Gets excitement from intellectual challenge
Have an intense awareness of the world’s
problems
Have an advanced vocabulary (may be an avid
reader)
Has difficulty focusing on or finishing
assignments; may seem disorganized
Is sensitive, empathetic, and emotional
Gets bored and frustrated, wants to move on
quickly to more interesting work
Shows outstanding responsibility and
independence

3. Shows superior reasoning powers and can see
subtle relationships, abstract thinker
Shows persistent intellectual curiosity
Develops one or more interests to considerable
depth
Observes keenly; is responsive to new ideas
Learns quickly and easily and retains what is
learned
Shows creative ability or imaginative expression
Is self-critical, a perfectionist
Communicates easily with adults (not always
peers)
What do you notice?
Does anything surprise you?

4. Depth & Complexity Icons
Based upon the work of Sandra Kaplan, USC

5. We promote higher order thinking skills through…
• Critical thinking practice
• Creative thinking practice
• Problem solving
• Research/inquiry
• Use of technology
• Affective thinking activities
• Decision-making
• Taking on leadership roles

6. Our goal is to develop each child’s
cognitive ability through activities based
on four types of thinking:
•Convergent
(looking for the interrelationships between
clues and recognizing flaws in reasoning)
•Divergent
(listing many responses and looking for ideas
that are original and off-beat)
•Visual/Spatial
(focusing on memory and mental
manipulation of images)
•Evaluative
(looking for more than one viewpoint,
understanding criteria, and offering a solution based on valid
considerations)

7. K-2 Themes:
 K—Exploring Thinking
 1st –Exploring Differences
 Discoveries: Me, World
 2nd—Exploring Connections
 Natural Structures (Biomimicry)/Manmade
Structures (Walls)
Students that qualify for GT K-2 will remain
in GT each year until the end of 2nd grade.

8. GT Class Schedule
1st Grade: Monday mornings
2nd Grade: Monday afternoons
5th Grade: Tuesday
4th Grade: Wednesday
3rd Grade: Thursday
Kindergarten: Friday morning
All grades have their normal
specials time.

9. Students that qualify for the GT (K-2) program
remain in the program until the end of second
grade.
Students must be re-assessed at the beginning of third
grade for the GT (3-5) program.
Classroom performance, test scores, and reading averages
are used to screen for testing.

10. •Communication,
Discovery, and Structures
Notebooks
•Depth and Complexity
Reflection sheets
•Student Report Cards
January
(2nd Grade only)
May (1st and 2nd)

12.  Feed that hungry mind. (Museums, Libraries)
 Be a learner yourself.
 Keep track of your child’s school performance and progress.
 Encourage and support your child’s creativity.
 Respond to your child’s questions.
 Create a safe environment for failure. Give them permission to
make some mistakes and learn from them.
 Praise your child for taking risks, even when things don’t turn out
the way he/she planned. Look for science, art, or music classes in
the community.
 Help your child find a mentor—a caring adult or teenager who
will guide and encourage him.
 Tell them specific things you like and admire about him/her. Go
beyond school performance.
 Treat your GT child with respect by listening to them.
 Pay attention to your child’s passions. Support and encourage.
 Help your child find balance in life