#gtchat Archive
Global #gtchat Powered by TAGT is a weekly chat on Twitter that takes place on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and 5 p.m. PT in the U.S. For one hour, parents, educators, advocates and experts in the field of gifted and talented gather to share resources, links, authentic life experiences and insights about gifted issues.
Tuesday July 12, 2016
For the next hour I’ll be joining others at ( ) ~ please pardon the heavy stream; or better yet, join us!
Welcome to Global Gifted and Talented Chat Powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented
Our topic today is Genius Hour and we want to welcome guest, Andi McNair
So excited to join to talk ! Looking forward to learning with all of you!
Thanks for coming out! Let's take a minute to introduce ourselves. Share who you are & where you’re from! https://t.co/OgFJYA4ymL
I’m Lisa Conrad ~ advocate, conference presenter, blogger & mother of 2 gifted young adults from Pittsburgh, PA
Angela Timmons 1-4 grade gifted coordinator in Jenks,Ok
Andi...digital innovation specialist in Central Texas.
Josh, 4th-6th GT. Also in Central Texas.
I'm Kate Faulkner-4th grade GT and Inclusion teacher in Sugar Land, Texas
Welcome, Kate...glad you are here!
New to ? We use a Q1) / A1) format for questions & answers. Remember to add the hashtag >>> to each tweet!
New to ? We use a Q1) / A1) format for questions & answers. Remember to add the hashtag >>> to each tweet!
Brandon - editorial director at a policy shop
Today is the third chat in our Professional Development Summer Series!
Parent of a gifted kid and an obsolete gifted kid myself, married to same.
Question 1 is up on deck; let’s chat!
Hey Nicky! Excited that you are here!
A1: Help Ss understand what passion is and find out what they are interested in learning more about.
I was remiss to say that our longtime friend is unable to be here today due to computer issues but sends her regards!
A1) I think it’s so important that teachers have done their homework before starting a new program.
Q1 I get students to make a list of likes, loves, and wonders...just to brainstorm and see where their minds take them.
A1) A willingness to forge new paths in education can contribute to the success of
A1 I get students to make a list of likes, loves, and wonders...just to brainstorm and see where their minds take them.
So many resources including , , , , and ! Must follows!
A1) Teachers can explore the many resources available for online at the links provided in today’s
Just joining. Gibbs, K-2 Gifted in Volusia County, Florida
Hi, Chris! Thanks for joining us for
Very eager to learn more about this I hear so much about! Also interested in finding ways to use it on my primary class
Kristina from Bellevue, WA 2nd-6th pullout gifted classes, interested in genius hr with primary
A2) I love the emphasis on passion. Students need to be inspired to follow their passions.
So sorry to slip in late! Tracy from North Texas, parents of two Gt sons and one AMAZING grandson! https://t.co/ne2kbuDAvL
<--- Advisor! Welcome, Tracy!
A2) The components of Genius Hour were originally developed as a business model; one that sparks innovation.
A3: One challenge is convincing admin that is meaningful and relevant in the classroom.
A3) We hear a lot about mindsets. Genius Hour requires a willingness to set aside the worksheets & embark on a new mission.
A.3: With other "passion" projects parents can take over and it becomes more about product than process
A3) Teachers must be cognizant of budget constraints when planning any new program; this includes Genius Hour.
A3 it can seem overwhelming to work with students through each individual project.
A3: Challenging to be okay w/ chaos & failure that happens during & realize that this is when the best learning happens.
Some Ts feel they need permission to stray from curriculum maps and inspire Ss through
Very true...my Ss were only allowed to work on projects at school. https://t.co/XDUKzEmOn7
A.3: With other "passion" projects parents can take over and it becomes more about product than process
Too often happened with science fair projects in the past.
A3 difficult moving students to move deeper than a basic level research.
We’re already half way through our chat! Thanks for all the great sharing!
So important to realize that standards are better learned through application
Do you have any advice on how to motivate Ss unwilliing...especially in reg. class setting?
I think it's important to validate as often as possible.
Just need to find their passions...not easy but once you find what makes them tick, it all comes together. https://t.co/teypFh1xm6
Do you have any advice on how to motivate Ss unwilliing...especially in reg. class setting?
Create a culture of sharing and integrate When Ss have a seat at the table, engagement happens
Conversation and observation both great ways to find what will motivate and engage them. https://t.co/teypFh1xm6
Do you have any advice on how to motivate Ss unwilliing...especially in reg. class setting?
A4: Definitely. Weaving the standards into student projects gives Ss an opportunity to apply standards in real life situations.
Agreed! Standardized testing sometimes talks a different story than what we know to be good for T&L and good for Ss
A4 I think I am covering more standards in this process than I would in other lessons
A4) Online resources are plentiful which acknowledge the need to integrate standards into any new instruction method.
YES! allows students to apply so many standards...just a matter of making them aware. https://t.co/0mKSdpsVY3
A4 I think I am covering more standards in this process than I would in other lessons
A4) Content instruction must be viewed through a new prism; many students need guidance rather than direct instruction.
absolutely, is really the whole point in education!
How do I help students to do more than a research project?
Q4: Absolutely they can, but Ts need permission to take the leap and time to reflect on their results.
Make it personalized and student driven. Encourage innovation, creativity, and collaboration.
Q5) How can teachers/admins connect with outside experts and bring them into the classroom? https://t.co/HYpaxsn3ZI
A5: There are amazing tools like that make connecting with outside experts so much easier. Great place to start.
were S bracket sheets completed all together in class?
A5) A combination of old-school outreach to experts and use of technology to span physical distances.
A5: This is our big challenge! Finding support and sustaining continued growth. Need networks, consultants, and training!
Just emailed it to diff departments. Looked on BU website to find a variety. Just sent them the link to the Padlet.
love that idea! Padlets are a great way to encourage all Ss to participate.
A5: I've had success with reaching out to local University scholars.
A5) When teachers build a strong online PLN, they automatically create a network of opportunity for their students.
It can sometimes be the simple ways of doing things that work best! https://t.co/Z8eidfiVEH
A5: I've had success with reaching out to local University scholars.
I thought that was a great idea.
Final question of the day coming up!
great point, Ts need opportunities within school too in order to create sustainable cultures of innovation
Local colleges are such a great resource! Even TSTC...we visited their Culinary Institute w/ Ss once as well.
Amen!! https://t.co/Y2wtFnb95L
A5) When teachers build a strong online PLN, they automatically create a network of opportunity for their students.
A6) One of the best outcomes for their students in a higher level of self-awareness and subsequently self-confidence.
Q6 seeing Ss become independent in ways they didn't think possible, self confident, share interests that spread to others
One of my best presenters was from TSTC Coding and Pixel Press projects https://t.co/yAgNEPxdac
Local colleges are such a great resource! Even TSTC...we visited their Culinary Institute w/ Ss once as well.
A6: Ts can expect their Ss to become thinkers, problem solvers. Many Ss suddenly become interested/motivated to learn.
A6) When students follow their dreams/passions, they ultimately have the potential to achieve at higher levels.
A6: New to Genius Hour: But I believe Ss become invested in their education through real world experiences.
It wonderful to see that spark lit! Sometimes for the first time! Ss feel they are listened to/valued. https://t.co/H3wnX8Chs9
A6: Ts can expect their Ss to become thinkers, problem solvers. Many Ss suddenly become interested/motivated to learn.
A6: I'm hopeful my students will see that they matter and learning matters; not just for filling in bubbles
https://t.co/hT0vP96oSH
A6: New to Genius Hour: But I believe Ss become invested in their education through real world experiences.
We’re nearing the end of today … final thoughts/takeaways?
This will be archived at & the link will be shared via later today
is a wonderful way to give Ss the time that they deserve to be innovative and creative. Leads to meaningful learning.
Thanks to the extraordinary staff for their awesome support; we couldn’t do it without them!
Thanks to the Advisory Board:
Thank you to our guest, Andi McNair for joining us today!
Thanks for making my first ever ed chat thought-provoking!
Be sure to follow some of the new friends you met here today at to continue the convo!
Opportunities for Ss to think, imagine, create and/or make = engagement!! There's nothing more important!
Our next chat will be on Tues July 19th at 8E/7C/6M/5P (US)/Wed 20th June at 1.00 (UK)/ 10.00 AEST/12.00 NZST
I have managed to sort out the issues in time to say Hi! I look forward to reading the transcript.
Our topic will be “What is Twice Exceptional?”
Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts & comments today. That’s what chats are all about!
It was a blast! Loved learning with you guys and can't wait to hear how goes in your classrooms! https://t.co/CRVZDyp8hm
Thank you to our guest, Andi McNair for joining us today!
