Quest

Kindergarten Gifted & Talented – Year at a Glance (YAG)

Focus: Primary Education Thinking Skills & Push-In Classes

Big Idea:
Higher-level thinking skills promote application and evaluation.

Conceptual Learning:

• Divergent thinking

• Convergent thinking

• Evaluative thinking

• Visual-spatial perception

Planned Experiences (KOI-Based):
During the fall semester, GT Specialists provide Kingore Observation Inventory (KOI) planned experiences for all kindergarten students. These lessons are designed to observe gifted behaviors such as fluency, originality, elaboration, and abstract thinking. The evidence collected contributes to each student’s portfolio of work, which supports the holistic identification process.

Standards Alignment (TEKS/NAGC):

• TEKS: ELAR K.9–K.12, Math K.5–K.7, Science K.1–K.4, Social Studies K.12–K.14

• NAGC Standards: 1 (Learning and Development), 2 (Assessment), 3 (Curriculum Planning & Instruction), 4 (Learning Environments), 5 (Programming)

Family Support Ideas:
Play board games, read together, and encourage your child to ask questions, make predictions, and explore new ideas.

Spring Focus: What It Means to Be Gifted, Pursuit of Passion, Genius Hour

Big Idea:
People use self-knowledge, interests, and strengths to relate to the world around them.

Conceptual Learning:

• Responsibility

• Reflection

• Discovery

• Acceptance

Instructional Focus:
Once identified, kindergarten GT students participate in pull-out GT services that encourage conceptual understanding and creative problem-solving. Lessons emphasize applying self-awareness, curiosity, and persistence to independent and collaborative projects.

Standards Alignment (TEKS/NAGC):

• TEKS: ELAR K.9–K.12, Math K.5–K.7, Science K.1–K.4, Social Studies K.12–K.14

• NAGC Standards: 1, 3, 4, 5

Family Support Ideas:
Encourage creativity through storytelling, design challenges, or logic puzzles. Help your child connect personal interests to real-world applications.

Resources

(Content Type: Link Block)

• Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP)

• National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

Beginning of the Year: What It Means to Be Gifted

Big Idea:
People use self-knowledge, interests, and strengths to relate to the world around them.

Conceptual Learning:

• Responsibility

• Reflection

• Discovery

• Acceptance

Instructional Focus:
Students begin the year by learning about giftedness, personal strengths, and how individual interests shape their learning. Through creative activities and group discussions, they explore curiosity, problem-solving, and reflection while building self-awareness as gifted learners.

Standards Alignment (TEKS/NAGC):

• TEKS: ELAR 1.1–1.9, Math 1.1–1.7, Science 1.1–1.3, Social Studies 1.10–1.14, Technology 1.1–1.6

• NAGC Standards: 1 (Learning & Development), 2 (Assessment), 3 (Curriculum Planning & Instruction), 4 (Learning Environments)

Family Support Ideas:
Encourage reflection and discussion about what makes learning exciting or challenging. Read books that feature creative problem-solvers or curious characters.

Main Unit (Fall–Spring): Enhanced Texas Performance Standards Project – Animal Nation, Amazing Adaptations, Do Your Part for Art, Getting the Dirt on Soil

Big Idea:
Over time, living things adapt in order to survive. Art and innovation influence how humans respond to the natural world.

Conceptual Learning:

• Change

• Connection

• Perspective

• Reflection

• Adaptation

• Evolution

Instructional Focus:
Students explore animal adaptations, environmental systems, and creative expression through an enhanced Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP).
They research the relationships between living and nonliving things, analyze habitats, and use creative thinking to model adaptation and innovation.
Lessons integrate science, art, and social studies, emphasizing curiosity, communication, and design.

Standards Alignment (TEKS/NAGC):

• TEKS: ELAR 1.1–1.9, Math 1.1–1.7, Science 1.1–1.3, Social Studies 1.10–1.14, Technology 1.1–1.6

• NAGC Standards: 1 (Learning & Development), 3 (Curriculum Planning & Instruction), 4 (Learning Environments), 5 (Programming)

Family Support Ideas:
Visit the zoo, aquarium, or local nature center. Discuss how living things adapt to their environment or how humans innovate to meet needs.

End of Year: Pursuit of Passion / Genius Hour Projects

Big Idea:
Curiosity and creativity lead to discovery and innovation.

Conceptual Learning:

• Reflection

• Responsibility

• Creativity

• Connection

Instructional Focus:
In this short culminating unit, students engage in Genius Hour or Pursuit of Passion projects. They research a self-selected topic, design a creative product or presentation, and share their discoveries with peers to demonstrate independent inquiry and problem-solving.

Standards Alignment (TEKS/NAGC):

• TEKS: ELAR 1.1–1.9, Research Skills 1.25–1.28, Technology 1.1–1.6

• NAGC Standards: 1, 3, 4, 5

Family Support Ideas:
Encourage your child to explore questions about their world. Provide books, videos, or experiences that support their chosen area of interest.

Resources

• Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP)

• National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

Beginning of the Year: What It Means to Be Gifted

Big Idea:
People use self-knowledge, interest, and strengths to relate to the world around them.

Conceptual Learning:

• Responsibility

• Reflection

• Discovery

• Acceptance

Instructional Focus:
During the first 1–2 weeks, students learn about characteristics of giftedness, explore creative and critical thinking, and reflect on their personal learning styles and strengths.
This unit lays the foundation for self-awareness, goal setting, and collaboration throughout the year.

Standards Alignment (TEKS/NAGC):

• TEKS: ELAR 2.1–2.10, Math 2.1–2.9, Science 2.1–2.4, Social Studies 2.11–2.15, Technology 2.1–2.6

• NAGC Standards: 1 (Learning & Development), 2 (Assessment), 3 (Curriculum Planning & Instruction), 4 (Learning Environments)

Family Support Ideas:
Encourage creativity and self-expression through puzzles, art, or logic games. Discuss what makes learning exciting or challenging for your child.

Unit (Fall–Spring): Enhanced Texas Performance Standards Project – Mathematics in Nature / How Does Your Garden Grow / Ripple Effect / Hey, Little Ant

Big Idea:
The world is a system of mathematical patterns found in nature. Understanding relationships in our environment helps promote care, conservation, and problem-solving.

Conceptual Learning:

• Form

• Function

• Connection

• Perspective

• Patterns

Instructional Focus:
Students engage in an enhanced Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP) that integrates math, science, and social studies through real-world applications.
They investigate natural and human-made patterns, examine environmental systems, and create solutions that demonstrate understanding of structure, balance, and relationships.
Projects are designed to extend beyond grade-level TEKS through research, inquiry, and design-based learning.

Standards Alignment (TEKS/NAGC):

• TEKS: ELAR 2.1–2.10, Math 2.1–2.9, Science 2.1–2.4, Social Studies 2.11–2.15, Technology 2.1–2.6

• NAGC Standards: 1 (Learning & Development), 3 (Curriculum Planning & Instruction), 4 (Learning Environments), 5 (Programming)

Family Support Ideas:
Explore nature together and look for patterns in plants, art, and architecture. Visit a botanical garden or museum and discuss how systems are connected.

End of Year: Pursuit of Passion / Genius Hour Projects

Big Idea:
Curiosity and creativity inspire innovation and understanding of the world.

Conceptual Learning:

• Reflection

• Responsibility

• Invention

• Connection

Instructional Focus:
In this culminating mini-unit, students pursue independent inquiry projects through Genius Hour or Pursuit of Passion.
They research self-selected topics, design creative presentations, and apply skills from their TPSP experience to demonstrate depth of understanding and personal growth.

Standards Alignment (TEKS/NAGC):

• TEKS: ELAR 2.1–2.10, Research Skills 2.25–2.28, Technology 2.1–2.6

• NAGC Standards: 1, 3, 4, 5

Family Support Ideas:
Encourage exploration of personal interests through books, online resources, and hands-on experiences. Support your child’s curiosity by helping them ask and investigate meaningful questions.

Resources

• Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP)

• National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

Beginning of the Year: What It Means to Be Gifted

Big Idea:
People use self-knowledge, interest, and strengths to relate to the world around them.

Conceptual Learning:

• Responsibility

• Reflection

• Discovery

• Acceptance

Instructional Focus:
During the first 1–2 weeks, students reflect on what it means to be gifted and how their strengths, creativity, and curiosity impact learning. Activities emphasize metacognition, collaboration, and goal setting to prepare students for their yearlong Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP).

Standards Alignment (TEKS/NAGC):

• TEKS: ELAR 3.1–3.11, Math 3.1–3.10, Science 3.1–3.5, Social Studies 3.10–3.15, Technology 3.1–3.6

• NAGC Standards: 1 (Learning & Development), 2 (Assessment), 3 (Curriculum Planning & Instruction), 4 (Learning Environments)

Family Support Ideas:
Encourage reflection by asking your child about their learning goals. Engage in logic puzzles or creative thinking games that promote flexible thinking.

Main Unit (Fall–Spring): Enhanced Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP)

Project Options:

• Building a Business – Games and Toys

• How to Feed a Community

• Math Around Town

Big Idea:
Entrepreneurship and problem-solving help communities function efficiently. Systems and cycles exist within every environment.

Conceptual Learning:

• Function

• Connection

• Inventing

• Interdependence

Instructional Focus:
Students engage in an enhanced TPSP designed to extend beyond the standard state project expectations.
Through inquiry, collaboration, and creative design, students apply concepts of economics, mathematics, and science to solve community-based problems.
The project integrates research, presentation, and technology skills while encouraging innovative thinking.

Standards Alignment (TEKS/NAGC):

• TEKS: ELAR 3.1–3.11, Math 3.1–3.10, Science 3.1–3.5, Social Studies 3.10–3.15, Technology 3.1–3.6

• NAGC Standards: 1 (Learning & Development), 3 (Curriculum Planning & Instruction), 4 (Learning Environments), 5 (Programming)

Family Support Ideas:
Discuss real-world examples of businesses, community services, and economic systems. Encourage your child to observe patterns in how communities solve problems.

End of Year: Pursuit of Passion / Genius Hour Projects

Big Idea:
Personal interests and curiosity drive innovation and lifelong learning.

Conceptual Learning:

• Responsibility

• Reflection

• Creativity

• Connection

Instructional Focus:
In this short culminating unit, students conduct independent Genius Hour projects that build on their TPSP experience. They research and present a topic of personal interest, applying critical thinking, communication, and design skills developed throughout the year.

Standards Alignment (TEKS/NAGC):

• TEKS: ELAR 3.1–3.11, Research Skills 3.25–3.28, Technology 3.1–3.6

• NAGC Standards: 1, 3, 4, 5

Family Support Ideas:
Encourage your child to explore an interest in depth. Provide resources, connections, or mentorship opportunities related to their chosen topic.

Resources

• Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP)

• National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)

Beginning of the Year: What It Means to Be Gifted

Big Idea:
People use self-knowledge, interests, and strengths to relate to the world around them.

Conceptual Learning:

• Responsibility

• Reflection

• Discovery

• Acceptance

Instructional Focus:
During the first 1–2 weeks of the year, students explore the characteristics of gifted learners and develop awareness of their personal learning styles, interests, and strengths. Activities focus on metacognition, creativity, and collaboration to set the foundation for yearlong project-based learning.

Standards Alignment (TEKS/NAGC):

• TEKS: ELAR 4.1–4.10, Math 4.1–4.9, Science 4.1–4.4, Social Studies 4.9–4.23, Technology 4.1–4.6

• NAGC Standards: 1 (Learning & Development), 2 (Assessment), 3 (Curriculum Planning & Instruction), 4 (Learning Environments)

Family Support Ideas:
Engage in discussions about strengths and interests. Encourage creative problem-solving through strategy games or design challenges.

Main Units (Fall–Spring): Mission to Mars Challenge – A Space Exploration and Robotics Unit / Bridges / Texas Performance Standards Projects

Big Idea:
Technology can solve space exploration challenges. Our society relies heavily on efficient transportation and innovation.

Conceptual Learning:

• Function

• Causation

• Invention

• Systems

Instructional Focus:
Throughout the year, students engage in an enhanced Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP) titled Mission to Mars Challenge.
This interdisciplinary project combines science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with design thinking and problem-solving. Students explore robotics, engineering principles, transportation systems, and technological innovation to design and communicate solutions for real-world challenges.

Standards Alignment (TEKS/NAGC):

• TEKS: ELAR 4.1–4.10, Math 4.1–4.9, Science 4.1–4.4, Social Studies 4.9–4.23, Technology 4.1–4.6

• NAGC Standards: 1 (Learning & Development), 3 (Curriculum Planning & Instruction), 4 (Learning Environments), 5 (Programming)

Family Support Ideas:
Discuss how technology is used both at home and in careers. Visit science museums or robotics exhibits, and encourage your child to identify examples of technology solving problems.

End of Year: Pursuit of Passion / Genius Hour Projects

Big Idea:
Curiosity and self-directed learning lead to meaningful innovation and personal growth.

Conceptual Learning:

• Reflection

• Connection

• Creativity

• Application

Instructional Focus:
In this short culminating unit, students select a topic of personal interest to research and present. Using the inquiry and problem-solving skills developed throughout the year, they design a Genius Hour project or product that demonstrates independence, creativity, and deep learning.

Standards Alignment (TEKS/NAGC):

• TEKS: ELAR 4.1–4.10, Research Skills 4.27–4.29, Technology 4.1–4.6

• NAGC Standards: 1, 3, 4, 5

Family Support Ideas:
Support your child’s research by helping locate materials, conduct interviews, or attend community events related to their project.

Resources

• Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP)

• National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)