In an effort to get a better idea of the strengths of the current second grade, students will be engaging in several activities geared toward the Kingore Observation Inventory (KOI). According to the KOI 2nd edition by Bertie Kingore, the KOI is "and instrument to assist educators in identifying and serving students with gifted potentials." There are seven areas that are focused on: advanced language, analytical thinking, meaning motivation, perspective, sense of humor, sensitivity, and accelerated learning.
Throughout the semester, we will be doing several activities that hit upon these seven areas, and this week we have been looking at advanced language...and "fancy words!"
Using the book, Fancy Nancy's Favorite Fancy Words, students engaged in a discussion about what fancy meant. Answers ranged from a pretty bride to a disco ball. At first, the boys were a little concerned that we were talking about "girly stuff", but soon realized sparkles and lace weren't the focus at all! We were talking about special words that are not used as often as their plain counterparts.
Excursion = trip
Understated = plain
Wardrobe = your collection of clothes
After much discussion, students went to work on their own trying to come up with fancy vs. plain words. This activity not only challenges the students to think hard about their vocabulary, it also give me a way to better assess their strengths and plan future lessons.
Kia ora! (That is my fancy way of saying goodbye in Maori!)
