AES Challenge Program
1st/2nd Grade Challenge Supply List 3rd/4th/5th Challenge Supply List
Goal
The
ultimate goal for Challenge students is that they will become self-directed,
creative producers who will be able to develop a professional quality product
during their high school years.
At the elementary level, we
are laying the foundation that will enable students to accomplish this goal by
instructing, guiding, and monitoring students’ development of time management,
research and study skills, higher order thinking skills, technology skills, and
communication skills. Students participate in problem solving, independent
study research projects, creative activities, and interest-based units that are
done in class under the supervision of the Challenge teacher. One at home independent study
project is assigned to grades 3-5 each year.
During the kindergarten
through second grade talent pool years, the focus is on activities that enhance
cognitive development, problem solving strategies, and creativity.
During the third through
fifth grade years, the focus shifts to application of cognitive skills, problem
solving strategies, creativity, and the use of thematic enrichment units to
teach and develop independent research skills, technology skills, and writing
and speaking skills.
The enrichment units for third through fifth grade are on a three-year revolving content scope and sequence.
Year I Understanding Our Environment
Space and Astronomy
Earth and Its Environment
Heritage
First
Americans
The
Year III Understanding the Ages and
Stages of Man
Middle Ages
The three major,
broad-based, multidisciplinary enrichment units introduced each year are then
broken into specific research topics that reflect students’ interests.
Additional mini-units are interspersed among the three major units. These mini-units or activities are based on timely events that occur during that year. The Challenge teacher tries to seize every teachable moment.
*Students may be recommended for the AES Challenge
Program by teachers, or parents, during their first through fifth grade years
at
We trust that anyone who recommends a student for the Challenge Program has sound understanding of the characteristics of a gifted child.
The testing process is lengthy and the emotional strain on students who are not true candidates for the program can be overwhelming.
2004-2005
Spring Challenge Calendar
April/May
Kindergarten Both of the kindergarten talent pool
classes will continue to
work on their
thinking skills curriculum.
First Grade Both
first grade talent pool classes will continue to work on problem solving and
creativity.
Second Grade The Second Grade Challenge Talent Pool is
dissolved.
Third Grade Third
Grade Classes will continue to work on
their
Incas research and gameboard activity.
Fourth Grade Fourth
Grade Classes will continue to work on
their
Aztec research and gameboard activity.
Fifth Grade Fifth
Grade Classes will continue to work on
their Maya research
and gameboard activity.
Old News – A BIG THANKS to
all parents, family, friends, and faculty who came to the April PTO meeting to
view the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders’
independent study projects. They had a
great time sharing their work with everyone. The students and I really
appreciate your interest and support.
New News – Challenge
students in grades 3-5 will be entering their independent study projects in the