Teacher Resources
For a list of amazing online (FREE) resources to use in your classroom, click here.
Educators to Follow:
Ian Byrd Ian has a fully loaded website! He has content-specific sections as well as social/emotional and creativity sections. Check out his Differentiator and Depth and Complexity areas to help make differentiation easier.
Lisa VanGemert Lisa has a wonderful website full of articles, resources, and links for both parents and educators. She writes in a very accessible manner.
Ginger Lewman Ginger is a dynamic speaker who specializes in Problem/Project/Passion Based Learning, Technology, and Maker Spaces.
Resources for Reading and Writing:
Mensa for Kids Excellence in Reading Students can earn a free t-shirt and certificate for reading a select reading list. Lists for all ages, K-12.
Reading Lists Numerous lists to ensure you find just what you're looking for!
Hoagies' Humanities Page This page has lots of resources to peruse.
Curricula and Materials for the Classroom:
Junior Great Books* Classic literature with an inquiry approach. K-12
Jacob's Ladder * Reading comprehension geared toward high ability readers. Topics cover literature, poetry, and nonfiction. K-8
College of William and Mary Literature Units* Complete semester-long units, specifically designed for above level readers, that incorporate literature, poetry, and nonfiction with writing skills. 1st - 12th grades.
Michael Clay Thompson Materials* Challenging programs for grammar, literature, vocabulary, poetry, and writing. Grades 3-12.
National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) and their Young Writer's Program Each November, join the challenge to complete a novel in a month. Site provides wonderful tools to guide both young and older writers. All ages.
Project M2 - Mentoring Young Mathematicians* Math units designed to strengthen critical thinking, problem solving, and communication. K-2nd
Project M3 - Mentoring Mathematical Minds* Math units designed to strengthen critical thinking, problem solving, and communication. Challenging units involving real life problems. Grades 3-6
Hand-On Equations and Developing Fractions Sense* These hands on tools provide students with a very concrete way of experiencing algebra and fractions. Grades 3+
William and Mary Gifted Social Studies units Social Studies units designed to develop a broad understanding of concepts through the use of primary source documents. Grades 2-10+
William and Mary Gifted Science units* Students act like scientists to discover and solve real life problems. Grades 2-8.
U-Stars Plus* Science units designed to elicit gifted behaviors. Literature based lessons include hands on activities. Grades K-3
Think Like an Artist* Sparklers designed to expose students to experiences in different arts areas.
Primary Education Thinking Skills* Whole class and small group lessons to directly teach different thinking skills. Highly engaging, highly recommended! Grades K-3
(*) Indicates that some resources are available in the BOCES office or in member districts. Contact Michelle to borrow before you buy!
Articles About Gifted Education:
Mind the Other Gap: The Growing Excellence Gap in K-12 Education
A Nation Deceived: How Schools Hold Back America's Brightest Students
Do High Flyers Maintain Their Altitude?
Curriculum Compacting by Tamara Fisher
Books on Gifted Education:
A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children * This is not just for parents - an excellent book to help you understand the gifted people in your life.
Living with Intensity * Helpful book for understanding the emotional development of gifted children.
When Gifted Kids Don't Have All the Answers* Wonderful book for teachers and parents to help students to learn to understand their gifted behaviors.
Perfectionism: A Practical Guide to Managing "Never Good Enough" * Easy to read guide on managing perfectionistic behaviors.
Understanding Your Gifted Child From the Inside Out * While written for parents, teachers can learn a lot about gifted learners from this book.
(*) Indicates books that are available in the BOCES office. Contact Michelle to borrow before you buy!