Engaging Environment
Christine Nguyen
canguyen@losal.org
Universal Theme
-The differentiated curriculum
facilitates development of ethical
standards, positive self-concepts,
sensitivity and responsibility to
others, and contributions to society.
-The differentiated curriculum
includes learning theories that
reinforce the needs, interest and
abilities of gifted students including
abstract thinking and big ideas of
the content area.
Universal Theme
1st and 2nd Grade
Relationships, Patterns, Order
3rd and 4th Grade
Adaptation, Change, Structure
5th and 6th Grade
Power, Conflict, Systems
How do I introduce
the universal theme?
Concept Attainment
Using examples and non-examples
Defining the Definition
What we think it is & what experts say
Concentric Circle
Self, School, World
Concept Attainment Example
Let’s
try to figure out what the concept is…
Concept Attainment
• Ground Rules:
–Scholars will think like a detective.
–Don’t share your conclusion until the end.
–Gather clues to formulate an idea.
Example
Non-Example
Example
Non-Example
Non-Example
Example
Example
Non-Example
Example
Non-Example
Non-Example
Example
Non-Example
Example
Example
Example
Non-Example
Non-Example
Example
Non-Example
What is today’s concept?
Defining the Definition
Courtesy of GGUSD teachers
Using
Thinking
Maps
Using Concentric Circles
Primary
Courtesy of GGUSD teachers
Upper
Begin with Clear Understanding
PRIOR KNOWLEDGE CHECK
Courtesy of GGUSD teachers
START WITH
COMPREHENSIBLE EVIDENCE
Courtesy of GGUSD teachers
Ongoing Research
INDEPENDENT STUDY
CAN BE ONGOING IN
CENTER “MAY DO” AREA
34
Courtesy of GGUSD teachers
Pictures
Frame it
Courtesy of GGUSD teachers
Courtesy of GGUSD teachers
Using different
perspectives to look at
the theme
Pictures
Courtesy of GGUSD teachers
KEEP EVIDENCE OR GENERALIZATIONS
AS STUDENT CREATE AND GENERATE
KEEP EVIDENCE OR
GENERALIZATIONS AS STUDENT
CREATE AND GENERATE
Courtesy of GGUSD teachers
REFRESH YOUR UNIVERSAL THEME
KNOWLEDGE THROUGHOUT YEAR
Courtesy of GGUSD teachers
COLLECT EVIDENCE ACROSS DISCIPLINE
Courtesy of GGUSD teachers