#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 March 1, 2016
For the next hour I’ll be joining others at ( ) ~ please pardon the heavy stream or better yet; join us!
Welcome to Global and Chat Powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented
Our topic today is “Enrichment for Gifted Students”
Before we begin, please tell us where you’re from and introduce yourself!
I’m Lisa Conrad ~ moderator, advocate, presenter, blogger & mother of 2 gifted young adults from Pittsburgh, PA.
Ryan O'Donnell here with the Institute of Meaningful Instruction - online education provider based in Reno, NV
As a reminder, we use a Q1/Q2 format for questions & A1/A2 for answers during
Hi Jo Freitag from Gifted Resources and Sprite's Site Victoria Australia here on a hot Wednesday noon for
Hi, ! I'm Lisa, a gifted specialist in Charlotte, NC. I'll be in and out of the chat tonight.
Hello from Traverse City - the new home of Play With Purpose! Jason Pine here
If joining via Twitter, remember to add the hashtag to each tweet.
I am the enrichment coordinator for Round Rock ISD. Former gifted specialist, but still very passionate about gifted ed.
Lynda - Midwest mom to PG girl, will be mostly lurking tonight.
Hi. Gail Post from Gifted Challenges - psychologist, blogger, mom of 2 college-age boys
Welcome! We <3 Michelle Swain at
Lurking to learn? Please say ‘hi’ & then view a live stream by searching & saving >>> on Twitter
I'm trying out Participate Learning today ... so bear with me. Tweetchat no longer works for me!
Hi. Kimberley from Maine. GT teacher K-5
Hi, Justin! Thanks for joining us tonight!
Carol in Indiana, mom to gifted young man, writer on gifted kids/gifted issues, blogger.
Question 1 is coming up in just a minute!
Disclaimer: Links provided by the moderator during today’s do not imply an endorsement of any particular program.
Hi Lisa! Glad to be here for this great topic!
Q1) While enrichment alone is not gifted education; how can gifted students benefit from enrichment?
A1) Enrichment can strengthen current skills & interests as well as allow students to explore new subject areas.
A1 Enrichment provides consistent challenge in a regular classroom.
A1) Enrichment can give students experiences/learning that is different -deeper, broader, higher level than regular curriculum
A1) It can give them a chance to explore a topic in depth, provide challenge, spend time with others who share the same interests.
A1. Enrichment can provide higher level opportunities for students to interact with content.
A1) Gifted students benefit from the camaraderie experienced when learning with like-minded peers.
A1) Helps them to explore their passions. It also gives them a chance to go BEYOND the curriculum, which we know they thrive on.
A1 Enrichment can provide more experiences and opportunities to chance upon something that lifts a GT student.
Enrichment often helps meet the social & emotional challenges gifted students face.
A1 I love 's "deeper, broader, higher" phrasing - that's what the best enrichment does for gifted learners
A1) When being with others with similar talents & interests, long lasting friendships often develop.
A1) It corresponds with how they think - they view the world with intensity, depth, etc. - need education to match this
, A1) "enrichment" allows time for self-soothing in sensory friendly spaces, mentors & social-emotional development.
Absolutely! https://t.co/5XDDUsQhJC
, A1) "enrichment" allows time for self-soothing in sensory friendly spaces, mentors & social-emotional development.
A1) It can allow people to find those deeper, broader, and meaningful connections with the world that we all strive to wake up for!
Greetings, . Parent from CT.
A1) is about expression; "success" is more subjective than traditional academics.
Greetings, . Parent from CT.
A1) is about expression; "success" is more subjective than traditional academics.
A1: enrichment can give Ss a place to explore and develop intense interests and be exposed to unique subject material
Don't forget the hashtag >>> ;)
Q2) Should parents be expected to provide enrichment outside of school or should schools include it in their curriculum?
A2) I think it's a combination of both
Granted some parents are not in the position to provide those out of school enrichment opps
A2) Parents shouldn't be expected to provide enrichment, but that's often the way it works out.
A2) Even tho most parents who can will supply it, schools should/must offer it - essential part of gifted ed.
A2. In a perfect world, students would be exposed to enrichment opportunities both in and out of school.
A2 Children need as much exposure to new experiences as possible. Ideally both are providing, but typically it's one or the other.
So, true! Why we hope schools can provide some of it.
A1) Most enrichment, whether during over after school, is not graded so it also allows for risk-taking.
A2 I prefer to teach kids how to look for people who can teach them. Look for mentors. Ask questions. Observe.
A2:If they are able to. There are a lot of parents that don't have the knowledge base to provide enrichment
A2) In a "perfect world" schools should provide & parents should also provide. In our imperfect world, it varies widely
Enrichment should be provided for all students in schools. All can benefit from these enriching experiences.
A2) It depends on the nature of the enrichment required - some gifted students have some very different interests/areas of expertise
That's an excellent point!
Re Q2 It looks like you and I had the same thought at the same time!
A2) shld be a combo. Ss need experiences outside of school, but parents may not be able to provide this, so schools need to do more
I think most schools at least try for the general population via field trips, programs etc.
A2) Schools can also help families find low/no cost enrichment opportunities outside of school
A2) Extenuating circumstances may make it difficult for all schools to provide adequate resources for enrichment.
A2 Schools need to make it their business to find inexpensive ways to provide enrichment. Experiences can be transformative.
A2 If we expect this from our parent population, we are doing a disservice our ss w/limited means .... education is the equalizer.
A2) In an ideally funded world, schools should also provide enrichment opportunities
A2) I would think that if enrichment includes learning a topic in depth, changes in assignments could help.
Agreed! We work on clarifying values and goals (students & parents) in our self-management curriculum. https://t.co/KCnj1DYPnM
A2) It depends on the nature of the enrichment required - some gifted students have some very different interests/areas of expertise
A2) Our children's school relied heavily on the PTA for aid to provide enrichment for all students.
A2) Even if enrichment is provided by the school, parents may still want to provide additional enrichment for their children.
This is my answer as well.
A2 If we expect this from our parent population, we are doing a disservice to our ss w/limited means ... education is the equalizer.
A2) Kids deserve more than one source of enrichment. Families and schools alike should value it. https://t.co/nDksDQkJkc
Q2) Should parents be expected to provide enrichment outside of school or should schools include it in their curriculum?
A2) We're on the outside, and provide it as a 3rd party (to try and help both parties).
Q3) How can teachers help parents/families determine the best enrichment opportunities for students?
A2 Asking community members to come in to share their knowledge first hand can be powerful for enrichment.
A2) Schools should also mentor parents of gifted students in helping them choose the proper activities outside of school
A2) There are many low cost options for enrich at school. But there are also experiences that cannot be created in school setting
A3) , suggest locations, reading materials, food, guiding questions and funding streams for field trips.
A3) Teachers can suggest specialized topics not typically covered in the regular classroom.
A3) Help parents identify activities that support/nurture child's strengths/passions. Help find low-cost options.
A3) Teachers should be aware of local resources and should mentor parents of gifted students in providing the proper activities
A3 Tell them options - univ programs, comm events, etc. We hold summer enrichment fair in district to inform abt summer prgrams
RT A3) Teachers should be aware of local resources and should mentor parents of gifted students in providing the
https://t.co/AVXDCM9N4w
Both should be responsible to ignite ss interest&guide them to their passions & the ppl who could help nurture their talents
A3) Many teachers have a list of programs and academic competitions available in the local area.
A3) Teachers can suggest programs, resources, people and places who could provide enrichment opportunities
Yes! https://t.co/jJ4ye0aBuJ
A3) Teachers can suggest programs, resources, people and places who could provide enrichment opportunities
Sadly, every enriching low/no-cost option we found for our kids did was NOT referred through the schools.
We’re already half way through our chat! Thanks for all the great sharing.
A3)Finding/sharing lots of info from local GT group events, universities, arts groups, etc. to give choices to match enrichment to S
Q4) When can enrichment activities in school be extended beyond the regular school day?
A3 Also provide resources like sites where they can explore/enrich from home
A4) Some schools use academic competition practice as enrichment activities in school; then take students to competitions.
A3) Prioritize reaching out to families. Know the kid and the family well so you can speak to strengths. https://t.co/1BcymKwGOL
Q3) How can teachers help parents/families determine the best enrichment opportunities for students?
A4) Students can learn skills such as playing chess in school; then compete in tournaments outside of school.
A4) Afterschool activities - chess, arts, music, robotics, science projects, reading groups, etc.
Competitions are one way to have enrichment, as are project showcases - invite school and community in for authentic exp
And even keep a list/references from year to year!
Wish there was financial help for ss to attend gifted programs/camps outside of school ~ so important for them to connect w/tribe.
A4) Visits to libraries, museums, art galleries, the planetarium, joining interest based clubs, online learning
I know that is a leader in the U.S. at providing scholarships for summer programs!
A4) The gifted community has flocked to our new Brain-Boosting Fun Packs, which are build on our Enrichment Tournaments
A4 Ss may find special interest from school-day enrichment that can turn into an activity outside of school
A4) Enrichment sometimes based on geographic area/or rural-city connections.
Q5) What constitutes outstanding enrichment for gifted students?
Thanks for comment. Remember hashtag >>>
A5) Enrichment for academically talented students should be challenging and include research-driven courses.
A5 Even gifted students can't be lumped together as one leveled group. Find something differentiated for that student
A5) What expands/nurtures their passions/strengths, enhances creativity, involves higher level thinking
A5) Programs DESIGNED strengthen the EMOTIONAL, AFFECTIVE, PHYSICAL, ATTENTION, LANGUAGE, SOCIAL & COGNITIVE abilities of students
A5) Enrichment should expose Ss to new areas of interest which open their minds & developed a new found love for learning.
A5 Outstanding enrichment has some amount of voice and choice, but also creates a positive environment w/ HIGHLY SELF-MOTIVATED Ss
A5) Kids will let us know if it is not enriching - will complain, get bored, lose respect in the teacher/facilitator
A5) Enrichment opportunities that promote autonomous learning and enable contact with like minded people- great for gifted students
Wow! Isn't that the truth! https://t.co/98aTMfYjn6
A5) Kids will let us know if it is not enriching - will complain, get bored, lose respect in the teacher/facilitator
A5) Enrichment in a relaxed & supportive environment that values creativity/intelligence constitutes outstanding enrichment.
Couldn't agree more! We include ~55 year summary after 20 years of combined time... https://t.co/uzASVNUkDf
A5) Enrichment for academically talented students should be challenging and include research-driven courses.
games are a great way to provide differentiated activities for gifted students
Well said, Jo! It's a real bonding experience for sure! https://t.co/XToakrDpop
A5) Enrichment opportunities that promote autonomous learning and enable contact with like minded people- great for gifted students
Absolutely! https://t.co/vs45HKecz4
A5 Even gifted students can't be lumped together as one leveled group. Find something differentiated for that student
Defining Giftedness: Not just test scores or academic achievement.
What does it mean to be... https://t.co/hf2cQNjm7g
Q6) What are some enrichment resources for students outside of school?
it's so important to ask them too! Exit slips with comments they can circle- too hard, too easy, just right.
A5) If you know me, you know I'm going to say "a joyful learning community" is one great description of excellent enrichment
A5 It should feel like ... sanctuary.
A5 Outstanding enrich prog involves gifted Ss. They need it, but are often left out since they are presumed to "already know it"
Q6 It's so important for them to find something meaningful. Not just extra or more. Something they can connect with.
A6) chess clubs, music ensembles, art classes, theater and dance, robotics, computer/web design, advanced math through Hopkins cty
Love that 'joyful learning community'!
You're right! We had a lot of issues with this with our kids. They were finicky about out of school programs.
It is the essence of the work for me!
A6) As with A5, museums, arts organizations, coaches and mentors. https://t.co/22GSISorRR
Q6) What are some enrichment resources for students outside of school?
A6) We use screen-free games to build the cognitive abilities of students thru enrichment & effective professional development
A6) We had to be mindful of costs with two kids. It adds up ... especially during summer break!
Re A6 Yes! Finding meaningful things and (as I "occasionally" say) building meaning together
A6) Community programs can be great sources of enrichment.
A6 Public library is grt FREE resource outside of school. Universities also have FREE enrich opps, such as engineering days.
A6) political debate, bio/environmental science enrichment, languages, film development, etc....
Yes! https://t.co/qtToWt5Ao3
A6 Public library is grt FREE resource outside of school. Universities also have FREE enrich opps, such as engineering days.
I will include additional links this week in our blog post. Too many for chat & time constraints.
A6 Programs such as are great out of school enrichment for gifted learners
A6) Similar to answer for Q4 libraries, museums, art galleries, mentors, interest based clubs, online learning
Very popular in our area!
A6) As they get older, high schoolers can sometimes look into finding their own enrichment activities
Especially true in gifted population. This is the time when they appreciate their 'tribe'. https://t.co/zBnvSJ0XzI
A6) As they get older, high schoolers can sometimes look into finding their own enrichment activities
We’re near the end of our chat today … final thoughts or questions?
The chat will be archived and the link will be shared via later today.
A6 Watching Super Tuesday results prob would constitute as good out of school enrichment :)
True! Often they are the best ones to locate exactly what they need
More than any other community, the gifted community has embraced our play-based mission. We would love to hear from you!
Was just thinking that. I loved elections as a kid!
Depends on results... :)RT A6 Watching Super Tuesday results prob would constitute as good out of school enrichment :)
Thank you Lisa and advisory board, sponsors,supporters and everyone for another great
Thanks to the extraordinary staff for their continuing support; we couldn’t do it without them!
Thanks to the Advisory Board:
Enrichment is important, in and out of school, during and after. Should be a focus for families, schools, districts. That's all.
Before you go … build your Personal Learning Network and follow some of the folks whose comments you liked!
Thank you for a great chat!
Our next chat will be Tues March 8th at 8E/7C/6M/5P (US)/Wed 9th March at 1AM (UK)/14.00 NZDT/12.00 AEDT
