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

Virtual Book Club for Kids 2016-2017

Monthly featured picture book and activities. http://www.virtualbookclubforkids.com/

United States Senate Youth Program - Due 10/15/2016

Texas will select two student leaders as delegates (and two alternates) who will join others from across the nation in Washington, D.C. for an intensive week-long educational program. Delegates will be immersed in leadership activities and interact with high-level officials, hearing major policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials of the Departments of State and Defense, as well as other federal agencies. The program is sponsored by the Hearst Foundations, who fund all delegate expenses for Washington Week (transportation, hotel, meals). Each delegate is also awarded a $5,000 undergraduate college scholarship, with encouragement to pursue careers in public service.

Please see the Texas Education Agency (TEA) USSYP webpage for more information: www.tea.texas.gov/USSYP/

Application due date: October 15, 2016

Contact

For more information about this program, please contact Kelly Ocasio by email at kelly.ocasio@tea.texas.gov or by phone at 512-936-6060.

NaNo Prep for NaNoWriMo: Plan for It!

NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) nears! Check out your imagination and write a novel in November. NaNo Prep for it in the months of September and October. On November 1, participants begin working towards the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 PM on November 30. nanowrimo.org

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Free Gaming Workshop - 9/17/2016

Free Gaming Workshop by Beta

Presented by Black Women in Computing

September 17, 2016

Free. Application to participate required.

https://www.sites.google.com/site/bwicgamingworkshop/austin-2016 

Hacks for Study Skills

Check out these Austin ISD Advanced Academics' Smores promoting positive study skills! Make some goals to start the year out right! Study Habits
Note-Taking
Memory and Learning Strategy

Austin ISD Back to School Bash - 8/06/2016

Austin ISD Back to School Bash

August 6, 2016
9 a.m.–Noon
Palmer Events Center

Free shuttles at locations throughout the city.

• Presentations on safety and education, nurses from Dell Children’s/AISD Health Services will provide free vaccinations (families must present student shot records), and Kids Vision for Life Central Texas may be providing free vision exams and eyeglasses.
• Free backpacks! Austin ISD students must be present to receive a free backpack filled with school supplies, while supplies last.

For more information, please contact Elsa Perez at elsa.perez@austinisd.org

or 512-414-1771.