Donna Lasher S.C.A.M.P.E.R. is a thinking technique that can be applied to any creative endeavor. Using it as a lens through which to explore poetry is a novel approach and adds a fun dimension to a poetry mini-unit. in previous posts, I’ve shared about S.C.A.M.P.E.R. If it’s new to you, please read S.C.A.M.P.E.R. Across the Disciplines ~ … Read more
by Kaley Chick When I saw this creative project on Instagram, I reached out to the_gifted_chick, GT teacher Kaley Chick, and she graciously agreed to give us all the details in a guest blog post. Kaley is the PACE instructor for the gifted program with Minot Public Schools in Minot, ND, where she works with … Read more
UPDATED FOR 2025 Here’s a fun activity to welcome students back after the winter holiday break. I think our students can always use more geography, so like Oh the Places You May Go and The Grinch Who Stole the Christmas Star, this virtual scavenger hunt will take your students around the world via Google Earth … Read more
“‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house…” How much time do you have to dive deeply into this classic? “A Visit to St. Nicholas” is a work that can inspire lessons across disciplines for all ages. Rich in literary elements and vocabulary, it has an interesting history, it had great impact on … Read more
This is definitely a novel approach to literature and perhaps a bit controversial. Full disclosure: I’ve never tried it, but gifted ed colleagues of mine have shared positive experiences with this collaborative reading activity in which a book is cut apart and groups of students read assigned sections. The groups then report back to the … Read more
Falling between Halloween and Thanksgiving, Veterans Day doesn’t get as much attention. But if you can spare 15 minutes on November 11th, I think your students would benefit from this brief explanation of Veteran’s Day. It’s part of this lesson plan intended for secondary students, and I’ve included a logic puzzle to commemorate the day … Read more
Here is another math activity with constraints! Solving math riddles such as the one shown below requires some figuring, and creating this type of riddle can also be a sneaky way to reinforce number sense. If your students are not familiar with how to solve this type of riddle, you can find a good explanation … Read more
Like teachers, students love contributing to the world through what they are doing and creating. In my experience, when students contribute to the learning of others, they sense a greater purpose in what takes place in the classroom. No matter what is happening in your classroom, a connection can be made to the learning of … Read more
My journey with the tools of Depth and Complexity has been ongoing. At first, the elements greatly influenced my PLANNING of lessons and units and even the types of questions I would ask. When J.Taylor began offering resources and Ian Byrd and Lisa van Gemert began sharing their experiences using the tools, I joined others … Read more
by The GATEway Gals Emily Hollett and Anna Cassalia, aka The GATEway Gals, recently contacted me with exciting news! They have just completed work on a five-book series on thinking skills targeted toward gifted learners in grades 3-5 and published by Prufrock Press (Routledge /Taylor & Francis). If you are a fan of the P.E.T.S. … Read more
