Pruett's AIG Blog for IBJ

Is intelligence permanent? Are those aptitude or IQ tests we've all taken at some point a constant in our lives? Or can we change them? These are questions that have come up a lot lately. In response, the AIG team read Carol Dweck's excellent Mindset  as a book study awhile back. Dweck holds forth that intelligence is actually fluid - and can change significantly over time. Long story short, Dweck's theory is supported by recent brain research and the ramifications for parents, students, and teachers are huge. If these kind of things interest you, you should consider the online Mindset Kit from researchers at Stanford. Here is a link for "Growth Mindset for Parents." https://www.mindsetkit.org/growth-mindset-parents I am sure you'll find a wealth of information. Should you check it out, please share your impressions with me via email. Enjoy, john.pruett@acsgmail.net

Jones had an awesome assembly today featuring steel drums. Student videos introduced proper CUBS behaviors before the music. And dancing!

Our fourth grade ASG reading groups have read "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes. This story is from our Junior Great Books material. Here is a participation map of the seminar. If you've read the story, our question was:  "Why does Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones give Roger the money for shoes?"

You may recall our rewritten IBJ rules acronyms . . .

Here are some students who solved math stumpers and were able to tell HOW! Way to process your learning!! Five fifth grade sentences were involved. 

Helpful! Stylish! Smarter than double-dog dares!

Here is a copy of an  overview of AIG services that I'll have at this evening's Open House. I'm happy to chat during the course of events. Enjoy your time at Ira B. Jones! Our classrooms have great successes to share with you! ACADEMICALLY-INTELLECTUALLY GIFTED Third Grade: Asheville City Schools formally qualifies students for AIG services in third grade. All ACS students are screened with input from their second grade teachers and an aptitude (or reasoning ability) measure given in November. Many students also take an achievement test to identify strengths in reading and/or math. The IBJ AIG Services Committee writes plans for students based on this data. Fourth/Fifth: Continued services including Advanced Subject Grouping in Reading and Math Thinking Groups based on Aptitude Enrichment Study Groups John M. Pruett: john.pruett@acsgmail.net   /    828.350.7623  /    http://pruettaigibj.b

Here's a shot of our bulletin board as it fills with new acronyms for Jones behavioral rules. 

I like the sentiment! Handwriting experts are analyzing to identify the writer!

Here's another couple of Safety Patrol stalwarts!

Here are fifth grade mathematicians working together to solve challenging problems.  Students also set behavioral goals for themselves. Our math groups are integrating writing to reflect on their work.

Here are but a few of our dedicated Safety Patrol!  Early riser! Too serious! Action shot! Do the safety dance?

AIG groups in fourth and fifth grades began the year with a paideia seminar about CUBS rules. Students then wrote their own acronyms for school rules. These, when completed, will reside on our classroom bulletin board, but I'll share these snaps and others.

Here are some student-generated lists about what collaboration should mean and look like in our groups. Working with each other is definitely an important goal for the year!

Here are some snaps of fourth grade mathematicians at work in our advanced subject grouping for math. They've been working in small groups to find mystery numbers and then write about the process.

Reading groups are up and running for fourth grade. Our work with Junior Great Books continues! Here's a snap of some students reading the introduction to our work. Ask them about our time together!