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General: Recommendations from Hoagies Gifted includes many links, and many can be purchased on Amazon. (Check with your EF to be sure materials are secular.)
iLEAD vendors offering gifted classes and materials include:
Multi-Subject
Byrdseed.tv (video-based single lessons, not a curriculum)
Outschool (funds can only be used for self-paced classes)
PBS Learning Media (free with sign-up)
Royal Fireworks Press (curriculum only, no online classes)
ELA
Math
Beast Academy online or books: Very popular with gifted learners. Move to Art of Problem Solving when ready through online or in person classes.
IMACS (math enrichment)
Synthesis Tutor (part of Subscriptions)
Social Studies
Beautiful Feet books (secular books only)
Core Knowledge (free)
See multi-subject vendors, above
Science
Kiwi Co (individual crates only, no subscriptions)
Gifted-friendly in-person learning centers
Arbor Learning Community in Fullerton encourages learners to join in-person classes at whatever level works for them
Terra Arts in Westminster offers in-person project-based learning
Huckleberry Center for Creative Learning (located in Valencia, also offers some live online classes)
ELA & Social Studies: Go broad and deep, choosing books from different time periods, different cultures, different genres rather than continually going to higher level books. Art of Problem solving offers online or in-person classes. Try middle school writing classes when ready, and use iLEAD's writing resources. Enrich with non-fiction and historical fiction books, Horrible Histories book series, and graphic novels. Often it is difficult to find appropriate books at higher reading levels – here is a list of booklists for gifted readers.
Math: When learners are ready, Art of Problem Solving courses are recommended after Beast Academy; enrich with Murderous Maths book series.
Science: Lots of hands-on activities, kits, field trips, and nature studies. Enrich with Horrible Science book series and graphic novels.
Critical Thinking: Class Dojo Conundrums videos, Critical Thinking Company materials (iLEAD vendor)
Electives/Enrichment: Learners scan go broad and deep on any and all of their interests with PBL and interest-led work. Allow for “Genius Hour” or “Passion Projects” where learners can take a special interest and study that interest in depth. (There are some TPT resources for these as a starting point). ByrdseedTV (iLEAD vendor) has wonderful, thought-provoking and challenging video lessons, some available for free.
Strategies and Tools: Utilize Depth and Complexity (scroll down to Depth and Complexity: The Basics); Explore Curiosities & Puzzlements; Check out The Gifted Guru for helpful information for teachers, parents, and learners; Use Gifted and Talented Choice Board; Have learners complete a Digital Learning Style Inventory
Depth and Complexity: You can add extras into what they are already learning about in their curriculum:
Use the Depth and Complexity icons
Read books on related topics (both fiction and non-fiction). Your local public library probably has a reading app.
Watch videos and documentaries. TedEd and Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell on YouTube are great places to start (always screen for appropriate content).
Look at primary sources (museums and museum websites are great for this).
Research topics of interest in science, history, art and culture, etc.
Readworks is a free resource (with sign-up) with articles you can search by topic and reading level.
Listen to podcasts like Story Seeds (and then write their own stories), Smologies, Brains On, NPR's But Why?, and more (here's a list).
Create their own podcast, video, or Google slides presentation, or find other ways to show what they know. KQED's Show What You Know is a great project with an authentic audience (seriously, there are some great resources in there!). You can use my Tracy's teacher code to submit projects: 3ZD394ZX.
Project Based Learning: PBL is great for gifted learners, but can be overwhelming at first. Here are some tips to get started.
Watch this excellent webinar from our resident PBL specialist, Andi Palmatier: How to Create Project-Based Learning at Home for Your Curious Kids and Project Based Learning for Gifted Students.
Keep an eye out for iLEAD Learner University PBL classes that are offered throughout the school year. These free classes, led by iLEAD EFs, do fill up quickly, so be sure to read your Monday Message emails and check the Hub.
Take a look at PBLWorks projects -- you can create a free account to see everything. Each project just gives an outline of activities, but it's a good place to get ideas.
Try this Design Workbook or these project planning sheets or these PBL planning sheets to have learners create their own projects (with a little help at first). The key is to keep them accountable by having them write in a journal or complete a reflection sheet each day they work on their project.
Kid-Safe Research Sites
Always verify the safety of any website for yourself!
Groups & Support (Note: These are NOT iLEAD vendors)
The Davidson program: Uses IQ testing for admission.
Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth: Middle school and up take SAT, pre-middle school take their own tests. CTY/Johns Hopkins (California) talent search (nearest campus here is Loyola Marymount, also UCSC). If you get in, there are opportunities like summer programs on college campuses doing college level work, staying in dorms, a chance to not be the smartest but be mixed with other very smart kids. Some courses during the school year too.
iLEAD Gifted Events: Special events are offered at least two times per month. Recent virtual events have included chats with scientists from the Skype a Scientist program and an author visit with a cartoonist who creates graphic novels about science. We also offer in-person meetups at various locations (parks, museums, etc.) and virtual game days. Ask your EF to sign you up for the Gifted Parent Square email list to receive information!
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