Gifted & Talented

Often when I talk about G/T activities, I will say that it needs to "deepen or extent." I want to provide some clarity on what that actually means.

Deepen: Depth of Knowledge

To deepen the understanding, you must take a look at the verbs in your standard and understand its DOK level. This snapshot is based upon Webb's Depth of Knowledge by Edmentum.

1: Find the verb in your TEKS standard.

2: Choose the level that best fits your verb. Note: All levels are appropriate at different times for different age groups.

3. Design an activity that uses the same skill/knowledge one level higher than the TEKS standard.

Note: If your verb is already a Level 4, then you need to Extend the activity.

Often educators are more familiar with Bloom's Taxonomy. That works, too! As long as you are taking their application up a level, you are providing an opportunity to deepen the learning.

Bloom's Taxonomy

  • Knowledge

  • Comprehension

  • Application

  • Analysis

  • Synthesis

  • Evaluation

Sentence Stems for DOK by Dr. Norman Webb

DOK 1

  • Can you recall ____?

  • When did _____ happen?

  • Who was _____?

  • How can you recognize _____?

  • What is _____?

  • What does _____ mean?

  • Can you select _____?

  • How would you write _____?

  • Can you list ______?

  • Who discovered _____?

  • What is the formula for _____?

  • Can you identify _____?

  • How would you describe _____?

DOK 2

  • Can you explain how _____ affected _____?

  • How would you compare _____?

  • How would you contrast _____?

  • How would you classify _____?

  • How would you summarize _____?

  • What steps are needed to _____?

  • How would you estimate _____?

  • How could you organize _____?

  • What do you notice about _____?

DOK 3

  • How is _____ related to _____?

  • What conclusions can you draw ____?

  • How would you adapt _____ to create a different ______?

  • How would you test _____?

  • Can you predict the outcome if _____

  • What is the best answer? Why?

  • What is your interpretation of this text? Support your rationale.

  • What facts would you select to support _____?

  • Can you elaborate on the reason ___?

  • What would happen if _____?

DOK 4

  • Write a thesis, drawing conclusions from multiple sources.

  • Design and conduct an experiment. Gather information to develop alternative explanations for the results of an experiment.

  • Write a research paper on a topic.

  • Apply information from one text to another text to develop a persuasive argument.

  • What information can you gather to support your idea about _____?

Note: DOK 4 requires time for extended thinking.

Extend: Apply New Skill to another Area

You can extend learning in many different ways. It doesn't need to be complex and often can be done through collaboration with another classroom.

Portfolios and Journals

When students document and reflect on their learning not only does it deepen their learning, but it improves their ability to express themselves. Try not to script the writings for them, but allow them to be creative.

Cross-Curricular

Can your Math be applied to Science or Construction? Can you Read and Write about History? Can you design Art based upon Geometry?

Consider the application of your skill/content in another classroom. Collaborate on a project with another classroom for an amazing extension of your class.

Service Learning

Could the skills from your classroom have a positive impact on your community? Could your students write to senior citizens? Could your students tutor others with their new skills? Could your classroom use their newly acquired measurement skills to construct a bench for the playground? Could your students use their skills to write a school newspaper?

Passion Projects

Step back and let your student become the expert. Allow the student propose a project related to a skill/knowledge from your course and let them pursue it. Not only does this lead to learning at the highest or deeper levels, but also relates to the skills our students are going to need to be successful in their future.

Career Literacy/Development

What careers most closely align with your curriculum? Can you provide similar experiences for your students? With younger students, this could be inviting a professional into your room to explain their career. This could be providing a field trip to professional location where they can have a "hands on" experience. With older students, this could be an opportunity to volunteer or intern with local professional /business.

Challenges and Contests

There are many competitions available to student to extend their learning. Consider these resources to find some that may provide an amazing extension to your classroom.

Consider local organizations that may host poster, Robotics, or writing competitions. Host a Science fair or STEM challenge. If you can't find the right event for you, create one.