Xander is part of a gifted program for one day a week. In this program, they focus on going into 5 topics over the year really in-depth rather than re-doing what the “home” class does. In watching this and Xander’s reaction to it, I am finding this program to be an excellent addition to his normal classwork. It does make him work a bit harder (there is even a year long research project that goes a long with it) but a gifted child is one who generally wants to be pushed and excited. I think the ultimate measure is whether or not Xander is having fun learning and from what Kathy and I see, he is.
Now, his second unit this year is advertising. His team’s current project over the holiday break was to make a TV commercial for a car called the EV-5000. Go check out the EV 5000 Commercial.
I think that you will find that it is very creative. Keep in mind that we are talking 3rd and 4th graders but when you look at the commercial you can see the details that they thought of in every element – the script (including an intro with setup for a need and a sell for the great car), some graphic elements, a closing slogan (even the slogan is creative though I think Claire may have been nervous in front the camera – not like Xander in the other acting scenes!), a last text ad (even with a call to action – 10% off if you do it now!).
It’s amazing how well they understand commercials. I hope it gives them a tool in fighting the pull commercials have on them through their lives!