Creating a differentiated learning environment for gifted students doesn’t mean throwing out everything you learned in your credential program. Learn how to add on to or adjust the base program, curriculum, or standards that any general education teacher uses.
All AboutDepth And Complexity Icons
These eleven thinking tools will give your students practical ways to think more deeply about a topic.
The Differentiator!
After writing an earlier article about differentiating objectives for gifted learners, I decided to create a system that would help me keep track of all my options.
And so, The Differentiator was born!
Introducing Depth and Complexity
The dimensions of depth and complexity are a great first step towards a classroom differentiated for gifted learners. Learn the basics of these thinking tools and begin incorporating them into your lessons tomorrow!
Differentiate Lessons With The Content Imperatives
Earlier in this series, you met the eleven dimensions of depth and complexity. Today you’ll be introduced to another set of rigor-increasing, engagement-enhancing thinking tools known as the content imperatives.
Getting Deeper and More Complex By Combining Icons
You’ve delved into the dimensions of depth and complexity. You’ve conquered content imperatives. Now increase the rigor by combining these tools!
A Deep, Complex Extension Menu For Character Analysis
A reusable extension menu gives gifted students choice while simplifying directions and reducing teacher workload. These eight options for character analysis incorporate depth, complexity, content imperatives, and interesting uses of technology.
Reflecting With Depth and Complexity
Do you ask your students to look back at their work and reflect on their progress? If so, are you integrating the tools of depth and complexity into these reflections?
Content Imperatives And Conflict
Conflict is an essential tool for analyzing literature, understanding history, and improving as a writer. Each year, my 6th graders discuss the types of conflict commonly found in stories and analyze writing using the content imperatives.
Refocus For New Details & More Complexity
Much like twisting the lens of a camera, a simple shift of focus adds an immediate layer of complexity and novelty that excites students. It gives them a new way to engage in grade-level curriculum, and doesn’t take hours of work from teachers.
Depth or Complexity Alone Isn’t Deep Enough
You can use the prompts of depth and complexity yet still ask very shallow questions. Here’s how to avoid this common pitfall…