Problem Solving through Iconic Austin

Family Fun Event!

• Who: AISD GT students and their families
• What: Explore iconic Austin using riddles, logic and problem solving skills
• When: Any time between November 3, 2016 and December 9, 2016
• Where: Online and around Austin
• Why: To enjoy problem solving together as a family
• How: Send an email stating your family would like to participate to: aisdgtfun@gmail.com

An email will be sent to you with a link to the online list of activities and instructions. Complete at least two activities and email photos of your family in action completing the activities by December 9, 2016

Sponsored by: Austin ISD Advanced Academics Team

• Quién: Estudiantes de AISD GT y sus familias
• Qué: Explorar iconic Austin con acertijos, lógica y habilidades para resolver problemas
• Cuando: Cuando entre el 03 de noviembre de 2016 y el 09 de diciembre de 2016
• Dónde: En línea y alrededor de Austin
• Por qué: Para disfrutar juntos como una familia de problemas
• Cómo: Enviar un correo electrónico indicando su familia le gustaría participar en: aisdgtfun@gmail.com

Un e-mail será enviado a usted con un enlace a la lista en línea de las actividades y las instrucciones. Completar al menos dos actividades y fotos de su familia en acción completando las actividades de 09 de diciembre de 2016 por correo electrónico

Patrocinado por: Académicos Avanzados de AISD

Critical and Creative Thinking

Have you ever wondered, “How can I teach my children to think critically and creatively?” These important skills can be learned at a very young age and be enhanced throughout life. There are many methods of teaching critical thinking, and we encourage both parents and teachers alike to employ these strategies. Some helpful strategies are:

• Don’t immediately answer every question from your child. Sometimes it’s fun and builds thinking skills to answer a question with a question! Give your child the opportunities to problem solve their own answers to their questions. Ask your child open-ended questions, and think with them.
• Provide plenty of opportunities for your child to explore and discover new ideas and experiences. Pretend play and discovery often lead to creative and critical thinking.
• Encourage multiple answers to questions or unique and different avenues to find answers to questions.

As your child grows, learn to help them grow their thinking as individuals and include the family in thinking activities. For more information on this topic, check out the following articles and websites:
http://www.brighthorizons.com/family-resources/e-family-news/2014-developing-critical-thinking-skills-in-children
http://latitudes.org/improve-your-childs-critical-thinking-skills
http://www.rootsofaction.com/critical-thinking-ways-to-improve-your-childs-mind-this-summer

Have fun thinking with your child!


Cyd Rogers
Austin ISD Advanced Academics Team
State Director Texas Future Problem Solving Program