Gifted classroom ideas

Learn how teachers can best meet the needs of their highly gifted students from a highly gifted student herself!

Today I'm sharing one of my favourite tasks for building community in the classroom. Students are able to share an important aspect of themselves (the story of their name) with the class and with me, their teacher. Through this task we are also working on important skills, like reading comprehension, writing, and reflection. Day 1 To begin, I asked my students to write any name they wish they had on a sticky note. They then placed it in a mason jar. I read my class the story "The Name Jar"…

Anyone who knows me, reads this blog, or uses my resources knows that I am passionate about differentiation. I think that is because I grew ...

It’s so helpful to see ideas from real, live teachers. I’m so excited to share these ideas with you for differentiating for the unique nature & needs of gifted students. The teacher I’m highlighting is Susan Day, a teacher at Fairview Middle School in Bremerton, Washington. I think we can all get ideas from what ... Read more

Are you looking for ways to challenge gifted students in your classroom? Do you want to foster their intellectual and creative development? If so, you’re in the right place. In this article, you’ll find tried-and-true strategies and activities to engage and challenge gifted students in the regular classroom. Keep reading to find out how to create enriching learning activities for your gifted students and help them grow to their full potential.

Got gifted students, high-achievers or early finishers? Here's your solution for engaging and enriching differentiation. I've put together a wide assortment of tried and true classroom workshops that have been used for a school GATE Program. These activities were created to be enriching and unlike standard curriculum found in a regular classroom. Check them out if you're looking for support materials to meet the needs of these students in grades 4-6! Click on the picture to follow the link.

Vision boards are a great tool to keep students motivated and determined to meet their goals. They are also great for promoting growth mindset.

Because learning is best when it's hands-on.

Learn all about differentiating the products that your students complete as part of their learning journey. I'll define it for you, give you some important tips, show you an example of how I did this in my gifted classroom, and I'll even give you a list of ideas you can use in your own classroom.

One of my goals as a teacher is to bring out the creativity and joy of learning out in students. I like to pose questions, get them to think, and have them create. I mean, that's what all of us want to do, right? But, honestly, it seems as though somewhere along the lines, the inquiry and ingenuity that kids should intrinsically show has disappeared. They simply want to be TOLD what to do at all times. I understand why. In an age of testing and dog and pony shows and the need to "get stuff…

Hi friends! I have been working hard all day on this blog post and I hope it helps you in your support of GT kiddos in your classroom! As the GT teacher for my grade level, I'm expected to take 18 hours of training on supporting GT kiddos, and I just finished last weekend. It

Plan these simple and fun Paper bag STEM challenges for kids! Easy STEM activities that use what's around to encourage invention and design.

About a year ago, I presented a workshop to my fellow teacher candidates on supporting gifted learners. I brought a bit of a unique perspective - I was a gifted learner, moved to a congregated class at the beginning of grade three. The congregated program had a massive impact on me. I went from crying about having to go to school to embracing the new challenges presented to me as my needs were properly accommodated. Here's what I've learned about supporting gifted students.

Tug-of-War is a thinking routine that helps students examine the factors that “tug” on both sides of a dilemma and provide support for their reasoning.

If you're a teacher, you've probably seen a chart that looks a lot like the one pictured below (link to a copy here) that lists traits of the gifted child compared with the traits of a non-gifted "bright" child. This was a chart (since updated) that was created in the 80's by someone named Janice Szabos for Challenge Magazine. For some of you, this may have been one of the only things you learned in your teacher education studies about gifted children, period. (Insert frowny face for the…

Most people have something they say they’d run back into a burning house for. For some, it’s photos or mementos. For others, it’s something of great monetary value.

Read about the dos and don’ts of gifted education so you can best serve your gifted learners and TAG students. Gifted education is full of exploration and intellect but can be overwhelming to new…

Fostering Growth Mindset in the Classroom with "The Magical Yet" One of the most valuable lessons we can impart to our students is the concept of a growth mindset. This powerful idea emphasizes the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, perseverance, and

In my travels speaking with parents, facilitating with teachers, and working with gifted kids, I hear and see a lot of things. Some are truly great. I can’t believe the dedication I find, the heartwarming stories that are shared, and how much investment there is in our children. It’s awesome. At the same time, I ... Read more

The simple formula that will turn your child into a lifelong learner.