Advanced Literature Studies for Gifted Learners, Grades 1–12
Many gifted readers love novels, but simply assigning harder books is not enough to develop their analytical and conceptual thinking. Gifted students benefit from structured opportunities to explore theme, perspective, and meaning through discussion and writing. The William & Mary Navigators series, developed by the Center for Gifted Education at the College of William & Mary, provides this structure through concept-based novel studies designed specifically for advanced learners.
Introduction to the Curriculum
Navigators are novel-specific instructional guides that support deep literary analysis through essential questions and conceptual lenses. Each Navigator focuses on a single high-quality novel and is designed to help gifted readers move beyond plot into interpretation, synthesis, and evaluation.
The series spans elementary through high school, with titles typically used in grades 1–12, depending on student readiness and instructional context. Novels include a range of genres, cultures, and historical settings, making them adaptable for diverse learners.
Description of the Material
Each Navigator includes:
- A conceptual framework tied to an enduring theme such as change, identity, power, or survival
- Pre-reading activities to activate thinking and build context
- Guided discussion questions that emphasize interpretation rather than recall
- Analytical writing tasks connected to the essential questions
- Culminating performance assessments that require synthesis of ideas
For example, a Navigator built around The Giver asks students to explore concepts such as conformity, choice, and freedom. Students analyze character decisions, evaluate societal structures, and consider ethical implications, all while grounding their responses in textual evidence. Other Navigators focus on historical fiction, fantasy, or realistic novels, allowing students to compare how universal themes appear across texts and contexts.
Navigators are available through the “Navigators Heritage Series” Tab on the W&M Language Arts page on Kendall Hunt K-12 Education, making them accessible to schools and homeschool families.
How to Use It
Navigators are highly flexible:
- In gifted pull-out programs, they work well for small-group literature studies over 4–6 weeks.
- In gifted collaboration with cluster or classroom teachers, they work well for small-group literature studies over 4–6 weeks.
- In advanced ELA classrooms, Navigators provide a ready-made structure for literature circles or seminar-style discussions.
- In homeschool settings, parents can use Navigators to guide deep conversations and written responses while allowing students to read independently.
Because the guides are concise and focused, they pair well with other concept-based curriculum such as William & Mary Literature Units.
Why It Benefits Gifted Learners
Navigators benefit gifted readers by:
- Promoting deep conceptual understanding
- Strengthening discussion and argumentation skills
- Supporting independent interpretation
- Encouraging students to connect literature to broader human experiences
Rather than rushing through novels, students learn to slow down and think deeply.
In Sum
William & Mary Navigators provide a powerful bridge between independent reading and concept-based literary analysis for gifted learners.
Your Turn
I absolutely loved using Navigators with my gifted students. The questions in them always lead to such deep discussions! Have you used Navigators or other structured novel studies with gifted students? Which novels sparked the richest discussions? Share your suggestions with us in the comments below. ~Ann
Teaching for Talent 