Gifted Education
Vikki Glover |
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Lisa Batiste |
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Shakeerah Brodie |
What do students learn in Gifted courses?
Gifted courses are tailored to meet the unique academic needs of students who demonstrate exceptional talent or aptitude in one or more areas. Skills include:
Higher-Order Thinking Skills: Critical thinking including: analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information; problem-solving including applying knowledge and skills to address complex real-world challenges; and logical reasoning including drawing conclusions from given facts or premises.
Depth and Complexity: Delving deeper into standard curriculum topics, exploring them in greater detail and from multiple perspectives.
Research Skills: Conduct independent research projects; learn about the research process, including formulating hypotheses, data collection, and analysis; and present findings both in written format and oral presentations.
Advanced Content: Accelerated learning in core subjects like mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies. This could involve studying subjects typically reserved for older grade levels or exploring standard subjects in more depth.
Creativity: Divergent thinking (thinking "outside the box"); creative expression through various media like art, music, writing, etc.; and innovation and design challenges.
Social and Emotional Development: Addressing the unique social and emotional needs of gifted students, including: perfectionism, sensitivity, and peer relations, including feelings of isolation or being "different."
Leadership and Communication Skills: Opportunities to lead projects, participate in group discussions, and practice public speaking.
Interdisciplinary Study: Combining different subjects and themes to create holistic learning experiences.
Real-World Applications: Applying learned concepts to real-world situations, often through field trips, guest speakers, or community projects.
Mentorships and Specialized Opportunities: Connecting students with experts in fields of interest for more profound learning experiences. This could also include advanced workshops or competitions.
Cultural and Global Awareness: Exploring diverse cultures, histories, and global challenges to cultivate a broader understanding of the world.
Technology and Digital Literacy: Using advanced technological tools and platforms for research, projects, and communication.
What can a parent or guardian do at home to support their child's learning in Gifted courses?
Supporting a gifted or advanced learner at home requires a combination of academic encouragement, fostering emotional well-being, and providing opportunities for growth and exploration. Here are some recommendations for parents and guardians:
- Provide Challenging Materials: Supplement schoolwork with advanced books, educational games, and resources that cater to your child's interests.
- Encourage Exploration: Allow your child to explore various subjects and hobbies. This can include kits for science experiments, musical instruments, art supplies, or resources for coding and technology.
- Promote Critical Thinking: Engage in discussions that promote analytical thinking. Ask open-ended questions and encourage your child to see issues from different perspectives.
- Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Teach your child that intelligence and talent can be developed. Praise effort and persistence rather than innate ability. Help them see failures as opportunities for growth.
- Provide Emotional Support: Understand that gifted students can sometimes face emotional challenges like perfectionism, sensitivity, or feelings of isolation. Be there to listen, validate their feelings, and offer guidance.
- Set Up Playdates with Like-Minded Peers: Building relationships with peers who have similar interests and cognitive abilities can help reduce feelings of isolation and offer collaborative learning opportunities.
- Limit Screen Time: While technology can be educational, it's also essential to balance screen time with physical activity and other forms of learning.
- Establish a Routine: Consistency can provide a sense of security and structure and ensure flexible, spontaneous learning opportunities.
- Visit Educational Places: Take trips to museums, historical sites, science centers, or nature reserves to provide hands-on learning experiences.
- Engage in Real-world Problem Solving: Include your child in age-appropriate household decisions or projects to promote practical application of their skills.
- Advocate for Your Child: Stay in touch with teachers and school staff to ensure your child's needs are met. If you feel they need to be sufficiently challenged, discuss possible solutions.
- Provide Opportunities for Independent Study: If your child shows an interest in a particular topic, help them find resources to delve deeper on their own.
- Teach Time Management and Organizational Skills: As they'll often work on more complex tasks, these skills become crucial.
- Enroll in Extracurricular Activities: Look for clubs, competitions, or workshops that align with your child's interests and abilities.
- Stay Informed: Read up on gifted education, attend parent workshops, or join parent associations focused on gifted and talented education.
- Encourage Reflection: Set aside time for your child to reflect on what they've learned, how they feel, and what they'd like to explore next.
- Seek Counseling if Necessary: Some gifted children benefit from counseling to address social, emotional, or academic challenges.
Supporting a gifted or advanced learner is a dynamic process, and what works for one child might not work for another. Regularly communicate with your child to understand their needs and be prepared to adjust strategies as they grow and evolve.
What is available to enrich student learning in Gifted courses?
All identified students are encouraged to participate in local, state, and national academic competitions involving problem-solving, writing, speaking, debate, art, and media. Examples of such competitions include:
What other departments or programs support student learning in Gifted courses?