Kenning Riddles for Little Scholars ~ Fun with S.C.A.M.P.E.R.

If you’ve never heard of KENNINGS, let me introduce you! A kenning is a literary device in which TWO WORDS are used to describe or name something. A compound word or pair of words is used as a poetic substitution for a noun. Here are some examples of KENNINGS: There is an interesting history behind … Read more

Begin with the End in Mind – Engage Students through May!

For even more inspiration and encouragement, read “this related post, Teachers With a Design Mindset, and join the SHARE and TELL conversations in our Facebook group! Thank you for all you do for students! January is an ideal time to get your kids excited about a meaningful project that contributes to the school or community, something they … Read more

Creative Mini-Projects for an Authentic Audience: Contest Entries and More

Have you ever considered creating a choice board of contest entries and creative submissions? Recently, I was updating and revising this list of Contests and Competitions, and it brought back memories of years when my students went crazy submitting things to kids’ magazines and contests. They worked on these mini-projects during Genius Hour or as … Read more

Hit the Ground Learning! Easy-Prep “First Class” Activities with Purpose

A few years back, around this time of year, I saw the tweet below. I felt so validated because Lisa Van Gemert is an icon in gifted education, and I couldn’t agree more with her on this! “I’m concerned by the tweets and posts I’m seeing about how teachers are spending a couple of weeks … Read more

Fasten Your Seat Belt! Time to Fly Around the World to “Visit” Famous Structures

Tiffany O’Connell teaches elementary GT students in Hutto, Texas. She and I have corresponded for years, and last December, I finally met Tiffany and her wonderful team at the TAGT Conference. I’ve been so impressed by her dedication to students and with the questions and feedback she sends my way. In her last email to … Read more

Applying Problem-Solving Skills to the Students’ “Real World”

In her years as a teacher in Houston, Texas, Joellle Trayers has made valuable contributions to gifted education, most notably in her work with younger scholars (K-1). A few years ago, her blog, Not Just Child’s Play, caught the attention of Ian Byrd and Lisa Van Gemert, authors of The Gifted Guild’s Guide to Depth … Read more

More Crazy Daisy: Reimagined to Extend Thinking

When I shared the CRAZY DAISY word game back in October, many students and teachers wanted more! The same thing has happened with other resources I’ve shared: Gus and Gabby, Triple-A Analogies, and Split-Pairs puzzles. What to do? My response has always been: “Have the kids create their own.” So, now I’m providing a little … Read more

A Creative Twist to Building Vocabulary Through Greek and Latin Roots

Becky Williams coordinates the GT elementary program at her school in the North East Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas. When I reached out to her, I didn’t know that she works literally down the road in my old school district! Becky shared this in one of our Share-and-Tell conversations in our Facebook group, … Read more

Summer 2025: Refresh and Reboot

YOU MADE IT! It’s summer break in the U.S., and I know many are dealing with big changes next year. Whatever your circumstance, we know that what you need most right now is REST and RESTORATION. (I wrote about that HERE and reread it myself every May!) When you’re ready to refresh, reboot, and get … Read more

Palindrome Sudoku! Video Tutorial and More for Your Puzzle-Loving Students

I cannot wait to introduce this to you! If this combo puzzle is new to you, get ready! It is possibly my favorite variation of Sudoku, and I know kids will love it. Don’t let the look fool you. You and your students can totally solve these, and I can’t think of a better time … Read more