New Series: Curriculum for Gifted and Advanced Students

Curriculum matters. For gifted and advanced learners, it matters even more.

One of the most common challenges I hear from teachers and parents is not a lack of motivation to challenge advanced learners, but uncertainty about what curriculum materials are truly appropriate. Worksheets labeled “enrichment” and faster pacing alone do not meet the needs of students who require depth, complexity, abstraction, and intellectual challenge.

That is why I am launching a new Teaching for Talent blog series titled Curriculum for Gifted and Advanced Students. After all, it’s the next logical step after my series on gifted identification and my two-part series on gifted delivery of services (program models and opportunities).

In this new series, I will spotlight high-quality curriculum resources that have been intentionally designed for gifted and advanced students. Many of these materials I have used myself when I was a Gifted Resource Teacher in the classroom. The resources include both published and freely available materials from respected institutions such as the University of Connecticut, Vanderbilt University, the College of William & Mary, Junior Great Books, Royal Fireworks Press, and others. Many of these resources are underused simply because educators are not aware they exist.

Each post in this series will focus on a specific curriculum resource across various content areas, including English and reading, mathematics, science, and social studies. I will share an overview of the curriculum, explain how it can be used in classrooms or at home, and describe why it is particularly beneficial for gifted and advanced learners.

My goal is to help you build a stronger mental toolbox of curriculum options so that when a student is ready for more, you know where to turn.

In Sum

Gifted education is not about doing more work. It is about providing more challenging and complex work by utilizing specially designed curriculum. This series is designed to help you do just that.

Your Turn

What curriculum resources have you found most effective for challenging gifted and advanced learners? Share your experiences in the comments below. ~Ann