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his strategy requires very little preparation. Students are seated in groups of three to five {ideally.} Each student receives a blank piece of paper and an additional sheet of blank paper is placed in the middle of the group. The sheets of paper are folded into fourths. An idea/focus/subject is presented to the students and that is written in the middle of each sheet of paper, including the one in the middle. (Cinderella, for instance.) Then, sub-topics are given and written in each of the four quadrants. (For example, the four sub-topics could be: strengths, weaknesses, problems, solutions.) Students are given a set amount of time to individually generate ideas and write them down. Each student writes one idea in only one quadrant, then immediately switches his paper for the paper in the middle. The student then reads what is already written on that paper and adds one more idea. This continues until the time is up (watch for the exchange of papers to slow.) Instead of traditional turntaking, this creates a more dynamic exchange of ideas based on students' independent timing. Students can then discuss their group's ideas and a short class sharing/discussion could wrap it up. This can be a done at the beginning, middle, or end of instruction on a topic. This is a strategy created by Bertie Kingore (you should probably look her up!)

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Create a new document and edit with others at the same time -- from your computer, phone or tablet. Get stuff done with or without an internet connection. Use Docs to edit Word files. Free from Google.

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This is another Bertie Kingore strategy. Again, one with very little preparation required. A poster or wall area is prepared with a square available for each student. At the top are the words "Question That" along with a line/area to display today's answer. The ANSWER is written at the top of the poster or displayed at the top of the wall area. For example, you may start out with the answer 36. Students generate questions that would have that answer. Encourage students to be creative. This works for any content area. It also works well as a check in process doubled as a formative assessment. A variation on this is to provide each student with an individual sheet of squares and give them a few minutes to generate as many questions to the answer as possible. At the end of the time, have the students select their favorite question and add it to the display board. Lots of variations and uses, very little prep, and good information about your learners. Win-win-win!

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"A choice board is a graphic organizer that allows students to choose how they will learn a concept. Choice boards are divided into squares. Inside each square is an activity. Students can choose one or several activities to complete. Choice boards can be organized so students need to finish one square before moving to the next, they can be random, or can be organized in a specific way. The level of difficulty of the activities can vary or stay consistent."  There are books focused on one subject and grade band that are available to borrow from the HAL department: Differentiating with Menus by Stephanie Westphal.

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"A choice board is a graphic organizer that allows students to choose how they will learn a concept. The choice board below has nine squares. (There is no minimum or maximum, however nine seems to be a good number.) Inside each square is an activity. Students can choose one or several activities to complete. Choice boards can be organized so students need to finish one square before moving to the next, they can be random, or can be organized in a specific way. The level of difficulty of the activities can vary or stay consistent."

Tic-Tac-Toe Boards and Menus are two different types of choice boards.

"A menu offers students a way to make decisions about what they will do in order to meet class requirements. A menu could be for a single lesson, a week-long lesson, or even a month-long period of study. Once the teacher has decided on what the essential understandings and/or skills are, she/he can begin to create a menu."

"Tic-Tac-Toe choice boards give students the opportunity to participate in multiple tasks that allow them to practice skills they've learned in class or to demonstrate and extend their understanding of concepts. From the board, students either choose or are assigned three adjacent or diagonal tasks to complete.

Choice boards address student readiness, interest, or learning preferences. They are easily adapted to a subject area."

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Choice Boards, Menus, & Tic-Tac-Toe by Sarah Dillard

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"Students work on a project over an extended period of time – from a week up to a semester – that engages them in solving a real-world problem or answering a complex question. They demonstrate their knowledge and skills by developing a public product or presentation for a real audience. As a result, students develop deep content knowledge as well as critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills in the context of doing an authentic, meaningful project. Project Based Learning unleashes a contagious, creative energy among students and teachers." Teachers in our district have successfully used projects for students that are "fast finishers." Students can work independently or in small groups. An accountability contract is advised! If you or your team would like support in developing, organizing, and delivering PBL, please contact me! shauna.williams@washk12.org

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Why PBL?

Because Project Based Learning works. It engages students in learning that is deep and long-lasting. PBL can be transformative for students - especially those furthest from educational opportunity.

See the evidence and impact of PBL below...

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Because Project Based Learning works. It engages students in learning that is deep and long-lasting. PBL can be transformative for students - especially those furthest from educational opportunity. See the evidence and impact of PBL below...

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"I AM is a scaffold for organizing students' feelings and connecting information. The simple sentence stems prompt analytical responses about self and other topics." Model the learning experience in a "to-with-by" approach. "As students understand the process and gain confidence in their applications, progress from more concrete personal applications and wrting about about a researched historical or current figure, to more abstract analysis of a character in a story, and ultimately, to a personification of a topic, such as : I am multiplication." For more ideas and variations on the use of the I AM strategy, borrow a copy of Bertie Kingore's book, Teaching Without Nonsense.

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Math ideas--Mostly fractions and percents

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Math ideas--Mostly fractions and percents

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This collection of differentiation strategies should give you plenty of ideas for extending and enriching any math topic!

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Get access to files anywhere through secure cloud storage and file backup for your photos, videos, files and more with Google Drive.

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Here are some foundational ideas for making the most out of language arts time for your high abilty students.

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Meeting Advanced Learners' Needs in Language Arts

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Here's the simplest way to start differentiating for your advanced students in any field within language arts: Students Need Interesting Examples! This is the biggest win. Get rid of dull, "grade level" samples and find authentically fascinating examples of the English language. Remember, my goal is always interesting, not merely challenging.

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Utah Association for Gifted Children advocates for the diverse population of gifted children in the State of Utah. We advance the understanding of the academic and social/emotional needs of gifted children among community leaders, policy makers, educators and parents. We promote the development of quality services to provide educational opportunities for gifted students.

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The Gifted Child Society (TGCS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing unique enrichment programs and services to gifted children in preschool, elementary school, middle school, and beyond. Since its inception in 1957, TGCS has served nearly 70,000 gifted children in New Jersey and its surrounding areas.

The United States Department of Education has named TGCS a national demonstration model.

Extraordinary Opportunities Await Your Gifted Child

Special programming and services tailored for gifted learners is offered year-round at TGCS. We invite your gifted children to explore the exciting opportunities that await them...

The Saturday Workshop Winter/Spring 2019 Session, March 2nd to May 11th, 2019:
Available to gifted students in Pre-K through 8 th grades, with special introductory courses for intellectually curious three year olds. Unique courses designed by TGCS are focused on STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math - for all levels of students, taught by specialists in STEAM disciplines trained to nurture gifted thinkers. TGCS eligibility required for students four years old through middle school.
Registration opens in January, 2019.
Click Here for More Details.

TGCS 2019 Middle School Pre-Grad Program, February to December, 2019:
Extraordinary two-tiered program for TGCS students in 7 th and 8 th grades, designed to help gifted students prepare for high school, college, and beyond. Monthly workshops provide timely and relevant information and support to help students develop "toolkits" and skills needed for future success. Program focuses on self and leadership development to build solid foundations for future success. TGCS eligibility required.
Registration is Now Open!
Click Here for More Details.

Planning Early? Summer Super Stars Camp STEAM 2019, July 1st to August 9th:
TGCS Campers experience a camp unlike any other for gifted children in New Jersey. Camp STEAM offers up to 6 weeks of extraordinary STEAM courses and fun recreational afternoons of swimming, clubs, Afternoon Academy, and much more, with like-minded friends and TGCS-trained staff. Gifted campers have fun in the sun while continuing to learn, all summer long! Full days for grades pre-K through 8th, with a half-day option for preschool children. Early Bird and other discounts available. TGCS eligibility required.

Camp STEAMlet is offered to intellectually curious three year olds as a first-camp, condensed-day experience. TGCS eligibility not required.

Registration opens in early 2019.
Click Here for More Details.

TGCS Ambassador Program for Teens, January to December:
A full-year leadership development program for high school and college students in which work and leadership opportunities are offered to develop key skills and abilities needed for future success. Our Ambassadors are role models for TGCS students, trained by TGCS to support and nurture our gifted learners as an integral part of TGCS programming.
We are currently accepting TGCS Ambassador Employment Applications.
Click Here for More Details.

Giftedness Screening / IQ Assessment Services, January to December Cognitive assessment services are offered year-round to determine giftedness diagnoses for children in grades Pre-K through 8th. Assessments are administered by licensed or certified psychologists at our Allendale office, for a fee.
Click Here for More Details and to Schedule an IQ Test for Your Child.

Our Mission: To Inspire!

The mission of The Gifted Child Society is to encourage and further the overall well-being of gifted children, through each stage of their development, and to provide them with the inspiration and means by which they will achieve their full potential.

Referred to by our students as "the gifted child's Hogwarts", TGCS offers a world of extraordinary learning that balances intellectual exploration with social and emotional development. TGCS designs its curricula based on the unique needs of gifted learners, for whom we are deeply committed. TGCS students learn with like-minded peers, participating in TGCS-signature programs with which gifted children are given the opportunity to delve into endless intellectual pursuits and activities, to discover for the first time or to master for a lifetime.

Our students grow up with TGCS, beginning as early as three and four years of age. TGCS students make lifelong friends and participate in programs together, year after year. Our teen graduates often take their first job with TGCS, as a TGCS Ambassador. TGCS offers specialized learning opportunities for every stage of a gifted child's development. TGCS eligibility is required.

We are very proud of our accomplished and dedicated staff. TGCS designs and delivers courses for all grade levels using true STEAM disciplines with unique courses such as Virtual Reality, 3-D Modeling & Printing, Fencing, Coding, Astronomy, Equestrian Science, Applied Art, Imaginative Literature, Robotics - and many, many more! - delivered by our nurturing, TGCS-trained instructors.

Exceptional Facilities For Advanced Learning

TGCS runs programs in state-of-the-art high school facilities, with advanced technology and specialty classrooms including labs, culinary kitchens, and even an onsite, full-scale planetarium. With private access to a nearby park and a scenic lake, TGCS campers in our Summer Super Stars Camp STEAM program take daily walks to the lake for fun afternoons of swimming and recreation, after spending academic mornings in our air-conditioned classrooms.

How to Get Started

We invite you and your gifted child to learn more about TGCS and the full scope of our programs and services highlighted on our website.

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to welcoming your gifted child to TGCS!
"One never knows what will inspire." - Mrs. Cynthia Peters, Early Childhood Educator
© 2016, The Gifted Child Society. All rights reserved.

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The Gifted Child Society (TGCS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing unique enrichment programs and services to gifted children in preschool, elementary school, middle school, and beyond. Since its inception in 1957, TGCS has served nearly 70,000 gifted children in New Jersey and its surrounding areas.

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The Governor's Program for Gifted Children

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Home - The Governor's Program for Gifted Children - GPGC 2018 | JUNE 3 - JULY 21

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The Governor's Program for Gifted Children is seven weeks of academic enrichment, artistic opportunity, and friendship.

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Social & Emotional Needs for Gifted

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SENG is a nonprofit organization that empowers families and communities to guide gifted and talented individuals to reach their goals:

intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

Following the suicide of a gifted student in Michigan, the late Dr. James T. Webb founded SENG in 1981 to offer the gifted community support and guidance through education, research, and connection. With the right intellectual and emotional support, gifted, talented, and twice-exceptional people can accept themselves and fulfill the potential of their incredible capabilities. Perhaps more importantly, they can learn to work with their high sensitivities to feel balanced, happy and at peace.​

Learn more about SENG and its programs in the recorded video of our January 8, 2019 Open House!

SENG provides support through a variety of programs, all aimed to be inclusive and accessible. We offer online support groups for gifted, talented and twice-exceptional individuals and their parents/guardians, online with leading experts, in-person regional SENGinars mini-conferences and an annual conference , SENG Model Parent Groups (SMPG) and Facilitator Training , SENG Library , SENGVine e-newsletter, Continuing Education courses for professionals, workshops, and more! SENG is a national organization with occasional events and programs in Canada, plus an affiliate organization in Europe.

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SENG is a nonprofit organization that empowers families and communities to guide gifted and talented individuals to reach their goals: intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Following the suicide of a gifted student in Michigan, the late Dr. James T. Webb founded SENG in 1981 to offer the gifted community support and guidance through education, research, and connection.

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Lesson Plans, Ideas, Monthly Themes

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Sponsored by the Mensa Foundation, Mensa for Kids provides free resources for teachers and parents of gifted youth.

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Had I known just how far ahead I was and how much better things would be, I wouldn't have been nearly so nervous. Sure it was awkward because classmates were perplexed why I left that class after Christmas. But it has been good... maybe not fifth grade, but this year it has been awesome."

"I almost bought the myth of acceleration being harmful to social growth. As it turns out, it was a most positive surge developmentally."

"Acceleration has gone off without a hitch and is probably the best thing we ever did for him."

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Had I known just how far ahead I was and how much better things would be, I wouldn't have been nearly so nervous. Sure it was awkward because classmates were perplexed why I left that class after Christmas. But it has been good... maybe not fifth grade, but this year it has been awesome."

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WASHINGTON COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR GIFTED CHILDREN

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WASHINGTON COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR GIFTED CHILDREN

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The purpose of WCAGC is to advocate for the needs of gifted children in the Washington County area. Families of gifted children please use this website to help with receiving the...

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Exquisite Minds: Creative and Gifted Children

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Exquisite Minds: Creative and Gifted Children

Exquisite Minds believes in the importance of cultivating creativity in bright and gifted children. We believe creativity can solve almost any problem; rather than why something can't be done, it's how it can be done. Exquisite Minds offers support to parents and educators who want to challenge children to find new and constructive ways to look at the world.

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Exquisite Minds: Creative and Gifted Children

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Exquisite Minds believes in the importance of cultivating creativity in bright and gifted children. We believe creativity can solve almost any problem; rather than why something can't be done, it's how it can be done. Exquisite Minds offers support to parents and educators who want to challenge children to find new and constructive ways to look at the world.