Sweet, sweet summertime is just around the corner, and what better way to infuse some STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) into your homeschool routine than with a deliciously creative project? If you're looking for SMORE fun this summer, why not embark on a sun-powered cooking adventure with your very own solar oven!

Sizzling with Solar Science: Dive headfirst into the captivating world of solar energy as you uncover the magic of harnessing sunlight to create heat energy. Explore the fascinating concepts of heat transfer and insulation while getting hands-on with various materials to enhance your oven's efficiency. Watch in awe as your solar oven transforms sunlight into scrumptious treats right before your eyes!

Tech-tacular Discoveries: Elevate your solar cooking experience with a touch of technology! Embrace the opportunity to monitor and track the temperature inside your solar oven using cutting-edge temperature sensors or data loggers. Delve into the realm of technological innovation as you research and implement new designs and materials to take your sun-powered culinary creations to the next level.

Engineering Adventures Await: Gear up for an engineering extravaganza as you design and construct your very own solar oven from scratch. From conceptualizing and prototyping to testing and refining, unleash your inner engineer as you tackle the challenge of optimizing your oven's performance. Get ready to witness the power of hands-on learning in action as you bring your solar oven masterpiece to life!

Mathematics in the Mix: Who says math can't be mouthwatering? Embrace the mathematical marvels hidden within your solar cooking escapade. Engage in precise measurements of dimensions, angles, and volumes as you craft your solar oven with mathematical precision. Analyze data collected during testing to fine-tune your oven's capabilities and serve up a side of mathematical mastery with your sun-kissed dishes.

Let the sun shine on your homeschool journey as you explore the wonders of solar energy and culinary creativity with your very own solar oven escapade.

This was always my favorite activity as a little girl and I was so excited every time there were whispers of the possibility… Of course, I am talking about Ice Cream in a Bag. As the sun comes out and brightens our days, this activity is a hit for your whole family as an after dinner treat… or an anytime treat (you deserve it!). If you were able to attend my gifted installment of SGCA’s Parent Education program you might remember that cooking is one of my favorite ways to add enrichment to anything! 

Alone, this activity is fun and tasty. You can also couple it with a little history lesson or how machines and technology improve our food options! 

It may be fun to talk about the different jobs surrounding the ice cream industry (A dear friend of mine is a systems engineer for a BIG ice cream manufacturer. They said when they were a kid they had no idea a job like this could ever exist!) 

Looking to add a creative element? Encourage your little (or big) chefs to think like the Milk Bar creator and add unique toppings. You might just find your new favorite! You could also help them create their own logo and branding to really make their ideas stand out!

If you have a local ice cream shop nearby, reach out to see if they offer tours. Compare and contrast your ice cream making process to theirs, you may be surprised by some commonalities! Encourage your little learner to rethink the design process and practice some of those engineering standards.

If you and your famiy enjoy this STEAM project, let us know! 

Why did the geologist break up with the weathering process?

Because it was too slow and wore him down! 🌧️🪨

It's National Reading month! Truly a time to be celebrated…with a good book, of course! 

I am often asked about reading suggestions, especially for students who are reading well above their grade level. Sometimes it can be a challenge to find reading materials that are challenging and age appropriate. When in doubt, read with your student or screen the books in advance. Common Sense Media has a helpful guide if you want to check things out in advance! 

My best advice is to follow your little reader’s lead, let them tell you what they want to read! The long term goal is for your student to grow in their love of reading. 

So what are my favorite age appropriate books for younger readers? I’m so glad you asked! 

These books are all high interest, high challenge (or easy to add challenge to!)

• The Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordian

• Counting by 7’s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

• The Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket (there are so many really great vocabulary words in these books, they can be a little scary though!)

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleline L’Engle (the graphic novel is my favorite!)

• The Timmi Tobbs Adventure series (Solve-Them-Yourself Mysteries)

Does your student have a favorite book or series that is just right? Check out the Scholastic Book Wizard to find similar books. 

Is your reader headed off to college soon? Or already in college classes? Check out this list! 

“Help! I know my student can do this, they just don’t want to!”

As educators and parents that work with students who are gifted, we may encounter the challenge of motivating underachieving gifted students to reach their full potential. These students, despite their exceptional abilities, may struggle to perform at the level we know they are capable of. This could be happening for a variety of reasons. By implementing specific strategies tailored to their needs, we can help unlock their motivation and foster their growth. 

Check out these approaches to help your student shine:

1. Differentiated Instruction: Observe where your student is achieving and where they are not. What are the conditions where they learn the best and enjoy the learning process? Provide personalized learning experiences that cater to the individual strengths and weaknesses of each student. By adjusting the pace, depth, and complexity of the curriculum (check out the previous article on depth and complexity!), you can engage underachieving gifted students at their appropriate level. Try to move away from “who is at fault” (whether it be lack of motivation, the curriculum, aversion to authority) and work towards creating scenarios where your student can “win”. 

2. Goal Setting: Encourage students to set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. By defining clear objectives, students can track their progress and stay motivated to achieve success. By allowing students to take part in creating the goals, they will have more buy in! 

3. Enrichment Activities: Offer opportunities for enrichment beyond the regular curriculum. Challenge students with advanced projects, competitions, or research assignments that align with their interests and talents. Check out a few upcoming challenges at the bottom of this post!

4. Mentorship Programs: Find a mentor in the community for your student. Mentors can provide guidance, support, and encouragement. A great mentor can inspire students to pursue their passions and overcome obstacles.

5. Positive Reinforcement: Recognize and celebrate the attempts AND achievements of your student. “This is going to be a tough task, and I’ll be here to help in any ways I can. I am proud of you for taking on this challenge.” Praise their efforts, progress, and accomplishments to boost their confidence and motivation.

Upcoming Contests, Competitions, and Challenges: 

Has your student done a project about George Washington this year? Check out the Mount Vernon’s Student of the Year Contest! 

Any aspiring filmmakers around? Check out the 90 Second Newberry Film Festival! 

This one is for your creative math thinkers and problem solvers! Register as an individual or grab your friends to make a team for the Noetic Learning Math Contest.

Say goodbye to the creative block! 

The SCAMPER method is a powerful and fun tool for fostering creativity and innovation. This technique, developed by Bob Eberle, provides a structured approach to brainstorming and problem-solving, encouraging students to think outside the box and explore new ideas. SCAMPER is an acronym that stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. Each letter represents a different way to approach a problem or idea, sparking innovative thinking and generating fresh solutions.

Substitute:
Encourage students to consider replacing elements of an idea with something else. For example, they could substitute traditional materials with unconventional ones, such as using recycled materials for an art project.

Combine:
Prompt students to combine different ideas, concepts, or materials to create something new. This could involve merging two subjects in a project, like combining history and science to explore the impact of scientific discoveries on historical events.

Adapt:
Challenge students to adapt an existing idea to fit a new context or purpose. For instance, they might adapt a literary work into a modern-day setting, exploring how the story would unfold in a contemporary environment.

Modify:
Encourage students to modify elements of an idea to enhance or alter its characteristics. This might involve modifying the design of a product to improve its functionality or aesthetics.

Put to another use:
Urge students to consider alternative applications for an object or concept. They could explore how an everyday item could be repurposed in a creative and unexpected way.

Eliminate:
Encourage students to identify and remove unnecessary elements from an idea. This could involve simplifying a process or design by eliminating non-essential components.

Reverse:
Prompt students to reverse the usual order of operations or perspectives. This could involve looking at a problem from a different angle or reversing the sequence of steps in a familiar process.

Whether used for generating new project ideas, solving complex problems, or exploring creative concepts, the SCAMPER method can inspire a culture of creativity and resourcefulness. Integrating the SCAMPER method into your students' learning can cultivate a mindset of curiosity, experimentation, and originality, preparing students to become adaptable and inventive thinkers in an ever-changing world.

Welcome back! I hope you had a wonderful time away and had plenty of time for rest and fun. This month the gifted zone will cover different strategies and ideas to create enriching learning experiences for our learners (and maybe ourselves!) - Dr. Weigelt

Drum roll please… Welcome “Depth and Complexity” to center stage!

The “Depth and Complexity” framework is most recognized by their icons which represent the 11 different thinking prompts. These prompts can be applied to almost any topic or concept.  Depth and Complexity is not only great for learning, but for conversation starters as well!

Depth

Depth involves approaching a topic from concrete to abstract, or from known to unknown. Students use different perspectives to examine topics by determining facts, concepts, generalizations, principles, and theories.

Details, Patterns, Rules, Ethics, Language of the Discipline, Trends, Unanswered Questions, and Big Idea

Complexity

Complexity can inspire students to relate concepts and ideas at a more sophisticated and complex level of thinking.

Multiple Perspectives, Over Time, and Across Disciplines

Here’s an example of applying the D&C framework to learning about fractions:

Language of the Discipline What specialized language is needed to talk about fractions? What vocabulary words do you know that have to do with fractions?

Details What are the parts-to-a-whole relationships found in fractions?

Patterns Compare and Contrast the patterns found in fractions.

Rules What rules do we follow when solving equations that include fractions?

Big Idea If you were going to tell someone who had never heard about fractions what they were, what would you say?

Across Disciplines How do different careers fields use fractions? (education, science, culinary, medicine, ect)

Check out this free Depth and Complexity resource from Byrdseed.com. The Center for Depth and Complexity also has an incredibly user-friendly website with tons of great resources. 

Creative Play

Can you believe 2023 is almost over? Next time I see you in the Gifted Zone, we will be in a new year! Until then, enjoy the time with those you love…and maybe take some time to incorporate creativity and critical thinking into your holiday 😇

Continuing our dive into supporting gifted learners in preschool and early elementary school…

Encouraging creative play and fostering creative thinking in preschool and early elementary students is essential for their holistic development, especially kiddos that show gifted tendencies. Creative play not only enhances children's imagination but also promotes cognitive, emotional, and social skills; it involves activities that promote imagination, exploration, and problem-solving skills. It allows children to express themselves freely and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. In the early years, creative play lays the foundation for critical and divergent thinking, which are crucial for academic success and personal growth!

Here are some effective strategies for implementing creative play and creative thinking for your own little one:

🎨 Designate a Creative Play Area: Create a dedicated space filled with open-ended materials such as blocks, art supplies, dress-up clothes, and sensory bins. This area should allow kiddos to engage in unstructured, imaginative play. Don’t hesitate to join in!

🎭 Incorporate Storytelling and Drama: Encourage children to participate in storytelling, puppet shows, and dramatic play. These activities stimulate creativity, language development, and emotional expression. Engage in collaborative storytelling with your child, where each person contributes a sentence to create a unique and imaginative story. This activity stimulates creativity, language skills, and cooperative thinking.

🌲 Integrate Nature-Based Play: Take learning outdoors and provide nature-based exploration and discovery opportunities. Natural elements like sand, water, and plants inspire curiosity and creativity in young minds.

♻️ ​​Create Recycled Material Sculptures: Encourage children to create sculptures using recycled materials such as cardboard, paper rolls, and bottle caps. This activity promotes resourcefulness and environmental awareness while fostering creativity.

🐚 Sensory Play with Loose Parts: Provide a variety of loose parts such as beads, shells, and fabric scraps, for sensory exploration. Children can use these materials to build, sort, and create sensory-rich experiences, enhancing their creativity and fine motor skills.

Young Learners

Last month I had the pleasure of hosting two parent education sessions about supporting gifted learners. Based on the participant survey, we learned we have quite a few families with preschool and early elementary ages kiddos that show signs of being gifted. This month, the Gifted Zone will focus on supporting our littlest shining stars ⭐️

Much like older students who are gifted, these youngsters may develop asynchronously. They might not be able to tie their shoes or ride a bike yet, but they may crave intellectual conversation and might have niche interests. The early childhood years are critical. Every moment is enrichment! Little ones who are identified as gifted and talented often display advanced cognitive abilities, creativity, and a strong capacity for learning. They may exhibit early signs of exceptional abilities in areas such as language development, problem-solving, and artistic expression. Identifying giftedness in preschoolers and early elementary students involves observing their behaviors, interactions, and responses to learning opportunities and less emphasis on testing and scores.

Gifted and talented students at both preschool and early elementary levels thrive when provided with challenging and stimulating learning experiences that align with their individual strengths and interests. It is essential that we recognize and nurture the potential of these young learners to ensure their continued growth and development.

You might be thinking “But Dr. Weigelt, how do I do that?” Have no fear! One of my favorite gifted blogs, The Gifted Guide by Sarah Young, is a great starting place. You can learn about enrichment ideas for preschoolers and early elementary school students here! She offers teaching and curriculum suggestions too!

—--

Are you looking for some winter fun and cheer, for friends and family, far and near? Look no further! Check out this website for STEAM activities for all ages! 

How can I support my 2E student at home?

Twice exceptional (2E) learners possess both exceptional intellectual abilities and learning challenges. It is our job to support these students and help them thrive. Here are some strategies to support 2E learners in developing skills that can help them succeed throughout their academic career and beyond:

1. Personalized Learning Plans: Create a personalized learning plan with your student that addresses both the student's strengths and areas of challenge. This can include support for executive functioning difficulties and advanced content to nurture their talents. Encourage your student to be part of the planning process. Show them their choices matter! 

2. Explicit Instruction: Provide explicit instruction on time management skills, such as breaking tasks into manageable steps, using visual schedules, and setting realistic goals. Incorporate these strategies into daily routines to help 2E learners develop effective time management habits. Encourage your student to create their own instructional manual- this gives them time to think intentionally about how to help themselves (a great skill for the future!).

3. Goal Setting: Model goal setting to help 2E learners identify their academic and personal goals. Encourage them to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals, and support them in creating action plans to achieve these goals. Start small and help them build their confidence with goal setting. We can start now with supporting their goal of building a lego house over the weekend and support them later in life with getting their college applications in on time! 

4. Self-Advocacy Skills: Teach 2E learners how to advocate for their needs and communicate effectively with teachers and peers. Encourage them to seek help when needed and provide them with tools to express their unique learning requirements. 

Throughout December, the Gifted Zone will focus on supporting our younger gifted students. Check back next week to learn about how to support your young and bright student! 

Are you looking for some winter fun and cheer, for friends and family, far and near? Look no further! Check out this website for STEAM activities for all ages! 

2E Identification

Identifying students who are twice exceptional may be a bit tricky. Their exceptional abilities can sometimes mask their challenges, making it hard to spot their specific needs. It doesn’t help that the usual way of identifying students through standardized tests might not capture their unique strengths and weaknesses. It is incredibly important for educators and parents to be aware of the possibility of twice exceptional students and pursue identification options that consider both their strengths and challenges. 

Check out some common reasons why twice exceptional students may not be identified…

1. Masking Abilities: Twice exceptional students often have exceptional abilities or talents that can mask their learning or developmental challenges. Their strengths may overshadow their weaknesses, leading educators and parents to focus solely on their talents and overlook the areas where they may need additional support. 2E students may be aware of where they need extra support and use their creative minds to compensate. 

2. Misinterpretation of Behavior: The challenges faced by twice exceptional students can manifest in various ways, such as inattention, impulsivity, or social difficulties. These behaviors may be mistakenly attributed to laziness, lack of motivation, or defiance, leading to a misunderstanding of the underlying learning or developmental challenges.

3. Inconsistent Performance: Twice exceptional students may demonstrate inconsistent performance in different areas or at different times. They may excel in one subject while struggling in another, making it difficult for educators to identify their specific needs and provide appropriate interventions.

4. Lack of Awareness and Training: Many educators and parents may not be familiar with the concept of twice exceptionality or may not have received adequate training to identify and support these students. This lack of awareness can contribute to the oversight of student’s unique needs. 

5. Underestimation of Potential: Due to their challenges, twice exceptional students may be underestimated and not given the opportunities to reach their full potential. This underestimation can lead to a lack of appropriate accommodations and interventions, hindering their academic and personal growth.

Twice Exceptional

November is a time of thanksgiving. If you are anything like me, you might be thankful for a week off to celebrate with friends and family (and an excuse to eat canned cranberry sauce). This month there will be three normal installments of the Gifted Zone and one very special Thanksgiving edition! I am thankful we are on this journey together! Dr. Ryan-Weiglelt

Twice Exceptional? What does that even mean?  This term refers to students who possess both exceptional abilities or talents, as well as learning or developmental challenges. These students may excel in certain areas, such as academics, creativity, or leadership, while also facing difficulties in other areas, such as attention, social skills, or executive functioning. Being twice exceptional can present unique challenges and opportunities for these students. It is important for us as educators, learning coaches, and parents to recognize and support their strengths, while also providing the necessary accommodations and interventions to help them succeed. By understanding and embracing the concept of twice exceptionality, we can work together to ensure that these students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Want to know more? Jumpstart your learning with these fast facts about Twice Exceptional students.

1. According to the National Education Association (NEA), it is estimated that 2-5% of the student population in the United States is considered twice exceptional.

2. The Twice Exceptional Children's Advocacy (TECA) organization reports that twice exceptional students are often misidentified or underidentified, leading to a lack of appropriate support. This can result in academic underachievement and social-emotional difficulties.

3. A study published in the Journal of Learning Disabilities found that twice exceptional students are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem compared to their peers. These challenges can impact their overall well-being and academic success.

4. The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) states that twice exceptional students often face unique challenges in the classroom, such as difficulty with organization, time management, and task completion. These challenges can impact their ability to fully demonstrate their abilities and potential.

5. Research conducted by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) suggests that twice exceptional students may require individualized educational plans that address both their strengths and challenges. This can involve a combination of accommodations, modifications, and specialized instruction to support their unique learning profiles.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

There is conflicting research on if students who are gifted experience more anxiety than other student populations. Either way, we know that many students face anxiety and stress in their day to day lives and supporting students through these feelings is crucial for their well-being and academic success!

Here are a couple of strategies you can try:

Create a supportive environment: Foster a learning atmosphere that values effort, growth, and resilience over perfection. Encourage students to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them. Provide opportunities for open discussions about stress and anxiety, allowing students to share their experiences and support one another.

Journaling: Encourage students to keep a journal where they can express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Writing can be a therapeutic outlet for managing stress and anxiety. If your student has a hard time deciding what to write, you can provide prompts or reflection questions to guide their journaling process. Not a big writer? Try a doodle journal! 

Physical activity: Incorporate physical activity breaks into your daily routine. Engaging in exercise or movement can help release tension and boost mood. Consider activities like stretching, yoga, or short movement breaks to energize and refocus students.

Time management skills: Teach students effective time management strategies to help them prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Skills like creating to-do lists, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and using a planner or digital calendar can be helpful in reducing anxiety and stress.

This article from Hoagie’s Gifted offers even more great advice on supporting your students who are gifted through anxiety and stress!

Welcome back to the Gifted Zone!

Emotional Intensity is a common trait found in children and adults who are gifted. You might notice they feel deeply or have “big emotions”.  

Emotional intensity may look like…

• Intense positive and negative emotions (or sometimes both together)

• Feeling the emotions of others, even those they are not close with 

• Strong “emotional memory”- replaying events in their mind  and “re- feeling” what happened over and over again

• Fear and Anxiety- A rich and complex imagination may lead children who are gifted to worry about things other children don’t think about. 

Sometimes these big emotions can manifest in the body in the form of (seemingly unexplained) aches and pains.

What can you do to support your child during times of big emotions?

• Validate your child’s concerns and join in the celebration during times of excitement

• If your child is having a hard time expressing how they are feeling, reassure  them that feelings can be complex. Check out this Feelings Wheel to help them put a name to what they are feeling. 

• Avoid statements like “It’s not that big of a deal” or “Why do you take everything so seriously?”

• Encourage your child to talk through their worries or concerns. Gently remind them of likely situations vs unlikely situations and what you can do as a family to prevent something from happening (or what you can do to ensure something will happen!). 

If you are looking for more resources in supporting your gifted child through their emotions, check out Living with Intensity, The Highly Sensitive Child, and The Empathetic Parent’s Guide to Raising a Highly Sensitive Child. 

Do you listen to the Sequoia Breeze Podcast? Last week Dr. Ryan chatted with Rebecca LaSavio about all things gifted.  You can listen here! 

In November, The Gifted Zone will focus on supporting students who fall under “Twice Exceptional” (2E) . What questions do you have? What do you want to know more about? Reach out to Dr. Ryan at alexandria.ryan@sequoiagrove.org!

Making friends can be tough! One of the challenges your gifted student may face is relating to peers of their own age. What can you do to support your child who is gifted in their peer relationships?

• Teach and model empathy and self awareness for your child

  • Don’t know where to start? Try working through your thought processes aloud in front of your little one. Acknowledge how you feel and use “I” statements. “I am feeling… because of…”, “If I do…, then I will feel…”. 

• Encourage your child’s interests! 

  • Children who are gifted may gravitate towards adults and teachers in their lives because of their advanced maturity level. Common interests like sports, arts, or clubs may provide opportunities for your gifted child to interact with others their age with similar interests. 

• Role play social scenarios

  • Kiddos can practice and refine their social skills in a safe and controlled environment, with people they trust. This may allow your child  to experiment with different responses, understand different perspectives, and develop a better understanding of social cues. 

• Provide social opportunities

  • Encourage playdates and gatherings with family and friends. Smaller, less intimidating settings with familiar people can help your child build social skills gradually. 

Are you working with a word wizard? Check out the upcoming WordMasters Challenge! Perhaps the next great inventor? Then the Young Inventor Challenge might be for you! What about an emerging historian? Find a National History Day competition close to home! 

During the month of October, the Gifted Zone will be focusing on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) with a special emphasis on students who possess exceptional abilities. By prioritizing SEL within the gifted community, we can create an environment that nurtures not only intellectual growth but also emotional well-being, ensuring that these exceptional students can thrive both academically and personally!

Perfectionism, once thought to be exclusively a trait of students who are gifted, is now known to impact students all across the spectrum. How can you help your student overcome perfectionism?

• Set, model, and maintain realistic expectations of your student (and yourself!) Collaborate with your HST, coaches, and other mentors to establish realistic expectations and goals.

• Promote self-compassion and self-acceptance so your student can understand that their worth is not solely defined by their achievements.

• Create an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth rather than failures.

• Be aware of the signs of burnout!

  • Feeling cynical towards learning experience or those involved with the learning experience

  • Disengaging from usual interests

  • Feeling overwhelmed, helpless, or unmotivated

  • More headaches, stomach aches, or an overall achy feeling

Check out this article by the Davidson Institute to learn more about burnout and how to help your student overcome it! 

Are you working with a word wizard? Check out the upcoming WordMasters Challenge! Perhaps the next great inventor? Then the Young Inventor Challenge might be for you! What about an emerging historian? Find a National History Day competition close to home! 

In a world that often misinterprets the extraordinary abilities of gifted children, it's important that we shed light on the truths that lie beneath the surface. Gifted children, far from conforming to stereotypes, are unique individuals with their own set of needs and challenges. In this article, we will debunk five common myths surrounding gifted children, offering a clearer perspective on their abilities, social dynamics, and emotional well-being.

Myth 1: They excel effortlessly. Research reveals intense effort hidden behind their successes, it might just look different than other students. 

Myth 2: They're socially awkward. Many gifted children possess strong social skills, yet some might struggle due to asynchronous development. Some children who are gifted may gravitate towards adults rather than their peers.

Myth 3: They don't need help. Every child benefits from guidance; gifted children require tailored challenges and support. They are still kids! 

Myth 4: They're well-adjusted at all times. Emotional intensity can lead to unique challenges that demand understanding and support. Children who are gifted may feel things very intensely, even if it doesn’t make sense to others. 

Myth 5: They'll thrive no matter the environment. Giftedness requires nurturing environments; neglect can hinder development. 

Understanding these myths dismantles misconceptions and ensures that children who are gifted receive the support they need to not only survive, but thrive!

What are the differences between a student who is high achieving or creative and a student who is gifted? 🔍

Giftedness involves unconventional thinking and a need for intellectual challenges beyond general education, while high achievers thrive by mastering existing content. The big difference lies in the nature of each student’s abilities and approaches to learning. Recognizing these differences can help unlock the full potential of each student!

Have you ever wondered if your student was gifted (but you didn’t know where to start)? 

Check back every week to learn more about G.A.T.E., cool opportunities, and strategies to support your learner!

The National Association for Gifted Children defines a student who is “gifted” as a student with gifts and talents who performs - or has the capability to perform - at higher levels compared to others of the same age, experience, and environment in one or more domains.

But what does that look like in everyday life?

🔍 Curiosity Unleashed: Gifted kids are the ultimate question-askers, curiosity always on overdrive. They may keep us on our toes with their boundless inquiries!

🔍 Innovation Nation: Think outside the box? Gifted minds don't even see a box! They may be innovators who dream up fresh solutions and embrace the unconventional.

🔍 Passion Igniters: Painting or programming, gifted minds flourish when following their passions. These passions may be as unique as they are! Their laser-focused dedication can propel them toward impressive achievements.

🔍 Thought Speedsters: Imagine thoughts racing at lightning speed. Gifted kids may process information rapidly, making them quick learners and adept problem solvers.

🔍 Heartfelt Depth: Gifted students may experience life intensely, showing empathy and deep connections with the world around them.

Questions about G.A.T.E.? Email Dr. Ryan at alexandria.ryan@sequoiagrove.org.