Setting the Stage: First Gifted Class of the Year

First Days of Gifted Class

The first day of a gifted pull-out class is a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation for both students and teachers. For educators, the challenge lies in setting the tone for a supportive and stimulating environment lets learners know their unique abilities and strengths will be respected and nurtured. 

One way to set this tone is to introduce students to the concept of giftedness.  I like to use frameworks like Gagné’s Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent or Renzulli’s Three-Ring Conception of Giftedness to spark discussion. We discuss how no one model is the be-all-end-all, and how we can each relate to parts of each model.  We also discuss the state's definition of Intellectually Gifted and how it drives Gifted Ed in our state.

This year, I also introduced Galbraith's "8 Gifted Gripes" from 1985.  We discussed which gripes still resonate today, and why students feel so little has changed.  My goal is to validate their feelings and to help students understand how they fit into the broader educational landscape.  

Another benefit of beginning the year this way is how these topics open the door for future discussions and lessons that focus on Social and Emotional Learning. Incorporating insights from Andi McNair’s gifted onboarding strategies and Stephanie Higg's SEL ideas, I ease students into our program, ensuring they feel understood & supported from day one. 

Another benefit of making Giftedness visible, is helping students realize the power of their voice and the ability to self-advocate. By having a better understanding of giftedness, students understand their right to also work within an appropriate zpd and how to combat the many misconceptions others (including teachers) have about gifted class or giftedness.

Here a few ideas I've found successful for my first gifted pull out class:

• Activity: Use activities like Hexagonal Connections or Freyer-a-Friend to allow students to connect with each other.

• Activity: Start with an open discussion where students share their thoughts on what being gifted means. Follow this with expert definitions from Gagné, Renzulli, and the state of Tennessee to provide a broader perspective.

• Discuss: Explain the different frameworks for understanding giftedness, such as Gagné’s Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent and Renzulli’s Three-Ring Conception of Giftedness.

• Engage: Use a simple chart or visual aid to compare these frameworks, encouraging students to identify which aspects resonate with them. 

Galbraith's 8 Gifted Gripes: 

• Activity: Present Galbraith’s "8 Gifted Gripes" from 1985, and ask students to reflect on which ones they identify with.

• Discussion: Facilitate a conversation on why these issues might still be relevant today and how they impact their educational experience.

Share the Roadmap: 

• Clearly outline what students can expect from the gifted program and the support services available, such as counseling and academic advising.

• Inform students that future sessions will focus on addressing the 8 gifted gripes. Encourage them to brainstorm actionable steps they can take to initiate change.

• Discuss the importance of addressing social and emotional needs, using McNair & Dr. Matt Zakreski's strategies to help students cope with challenges like perfectionism and feeling different from peers.

• Share how this class will address academic needs, but also social and development issues gifted students often face.

• Explain how students will receive feedback and be evaluated, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset.

These activities & strategies have been successful for me over the years. Setting the tone in this way creates an environment in which students feel safe, understood, and respected.  It helps create the strong sense of community our gifted students crave.  Overall, we as educators can create this supportive and engaging environment from the very first day, setting the stage for a successful and enriching gifted education experience.

• Dr. Matt Zakreski's Website (I can't recommend his workshops, presentations, & work enough)

• Andi McNair, A Meaningful Mess - Genius Hour & Onboarding Guru!!

• Stephanie Higgs, Little Miss Gifted - From teaching outfits to activity recommendations, her IG account is fun & helpful.