Logic Workbooks-
Logic workbooks are great for strengthening critical thinking skills. They can be found at Schoolbox. Schoolbox carries many types of critical thinking workbooks- the employees can direct you to the specific area where they are located.
Write/Design a cartoon or comic strip-
Be creative, humorous, witty, and original. Cartoons should convey a message and comic strips should be in correct sequence and tell a story.
Write a story, poem, song, or script for a play/skit
Poems should have poetic structure and rich vocabulary. Scripts should have clear dialog and stage directions. Songs should have words and music that go together with a rhythm.
READ, READ, READ on higher levels
Read from different genres. Try biographies and non-fiction.
http://www.hoagiesgifted.com gives reading lists for gifted/ high level students.
High level thinking key words
Build, compile, create, invent, plan, solve, theorize, compose, design, predict, elaborate, construct, develop, imagine, propose, change, and formulate.
Research
Have your child choose a topic of personal interest or broaden a topic learned at school. “Surfing” the internet for specific information is great practice for research skills. Using books, encyclopedias, and other types of media is also helpful. Read through information and take notes on the topic. Be sure to paraphrase or write in your own words. Do not copy the exact words. Use a dictionary for any new vocabulary.
Then decide the best way to present the information (they could share finished products with their class at school).
Product ideas: (with criteria)
Graphs- (great website is http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/default.aspx)
Power Point – (visually appealing and incorporates technological options)
Oral Report- (voice projection, clarity, eye contact, and expression)
Radio Report- (descriptive, clear, and uses sound effects)
Mosaic- (picture is clear, uses small bits of paper, tile, or other materials)
Game- (clear rules, well constructed, visually appealing, relates to a topic of study)
Mobile- (items are balanced and hang from a central point, creative)
Flowchart or diagram- (sequential order, relationship shown between items by arrows, labels)
Poster- (attractive visuals, clear and original)
Diorama- (realistic scene, 3-dimensional figures/objects, durable)
Crossword puzzle- (accurate definitions, words intersect)
Brochure- (highlights important points, folds with information on each panel)
Models- (accurate representation, creative use of materials)
Video- (clear, organized flow of events, sound effects)
Time Line- (titled, chronological order)
Websites
All areas:
www.funbrain.com/kidcenter.html
www.eduplace.com/kids/index.html
Research:
www.kyv/.org/htm/kids/homebase.html
Math/ Logic:
www.suzyred.com/logicindex.html
Web Quests (to find specific webquests):
US mint (if interested in US money):
Country (to research specific countries):
SET (online game of SET):
Games/ Brainteasers:
www.brainconnection.com/teasers/
www.protozonenet/ajinteractives/.html
Geography games:
www.mapmsg.com/games/statetris/usa/