Now that we’ve designed the learning environment for the language learner, let’s talk about the gifted learner. I don’t like this designation, because I believe that all children are gifted in their own unique way and the PYP allows it to shine. I know everyone who is listening totally agrees with my summation. We can picture specific learners in our class who are eager to learn everyday. They are always present at school and voracious to learn. They hunger to acquire knowledge and are naturally curious about the world. Doesn’t this sound like every student you have? Of course. The difference is gifted learners regularly go above and beyond what is “required” for themselves and they are usually seeking ways to improve. How are you arranging the environment to bring about the capabilities of your gifted learners, so they are not forgotten while you support other learners? RolesRoles have often been used to help learners to develop in a variety of ways while working in collaborative groups, accomplishing tasks, and assessing learning. By providing roles to your gifted learners, you are providing them specific targets that feed in their need to excel and become better. Let’s take a deeper look at what this might look like in your classroom. Jobs - I have merged jobs and classroom economy for most of my teaching career. It helps to build learner awareness of their role within a community and the positive and negative consequences of not fulfilling one’s roles.
Helpers - at times, you may have a gifted student who is a bit socially awkward. They relate well with individual peers or a small group, but have anxiety relating to a large group. This is natural in the development process, so how can we offset it? One thing I noticed, especially with gifted girls, is that they love to help. I would allow anyone to be a helper after-school one day a week and for some recesses and lunches. We have to get a break too!
Leadership - our gifted learners are born leaders. They love to organize and sustain group work. But, a big part of becoming a leader is not always being in charge of a group. A true leader…
VisualsAll learners need visuals to guide their understanding of big ideas. This is why we use anchor charts, unit walls, word walls, wonder walls, etc. At the same time, all of this space can be quite visually overwhelming for a gifted learner unless there is a specific purpose for each space. How do we create a connection for them?
OptionsAll learners deserve to have some options to choose from that will support their development and areas of interest. You will see in certain areas that some learners quickly finish their tasks regularly and having them take out a book everyday is not the answer. We have the privilege of challenging their young minds to explore beyond their present capability. What can this possibility look and feel like in our classrooms?
Is your brain bursting with new ideas? Take a peek at your learning environment and think about how your gifted learners are being supported everyday.
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