#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 August 16, 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 “Helping Gifted Middle School Students Thrive”
Thanks for coming out! Let's take a minute to introduce ourselves. Share who you are & where you’re from! https://t.co/70O01piBKa
Hi everyone on .
Barry Gelston of Mr Gelston's One Room Schoolhouse
I’m Lisa Conrad ~ advocate, conference presenter, blogger & mother of 2 gifted young adults from Pittsburgh, PA
GAH! Been awhile since I’ve done a chat! My “Monday” continues! https://t.co/BMKmHPy481
Jen in N IL. Mom to 2 . Flutist/writer/blogger/homeschooler. Glad to be 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!
Only a few left before rehearsals start up again & I can’t join. :( sniff…
Ready to visit with everyone in !
Hi! Tracy here from North Texas! Parent - ready to talk about MS for GT kids! May step in and out - getting son to the airport...
Hi. Gail Post from outside of Philly. Psychologist, mom, blogger.
Hi! Lisa Van Gemert from my hotel in Victoria, Texas where I've been teaching GT teachers today!
Jeremy, parent/ParentCamp-er/education-er from Connecticut.
Hi all! Justin in southeastern NC, parent, teacher (incl online Latin), advocate, founded https://t.co/U7XodAkndH , etc
And all around nice guy. :D Hi Justin!
Excited for a topic dear and close to my heart even though both kids are now out of middle school (college soph & HS fr = eek!!)
Hi - just joining in - 1st time here! Principal - gifted programming in our school grades 4-8, Ontario, Canada
Hey Justin. Good to see you online!
Thanks, Jen! And you forgot "airport shuttle replacement" :)
Question 1 is coming up; let’s chat!
Great to see you online as well, Barry!
A1) MS is awkward.
Bullying is heightened.
Social situations are painful.
Anxiety about HS.
Hi Everyone. Joining from NZ as off sick today so able to join you. Am doing a uni paper, so will be most interested.
A1) Middle school challenges go well beyond academics; new social-emotional challenges.
A1 All the same ones non-G2e kids face, only amplified infinity percent.
Hi, Mary!!! Sorry you're sick! :(
Oh the emotional turmoil of fitting in and figuring out who they are!
Soc/emotional stress, peer demands, sexual development, choice about conformity or "claiming" their giftedness
A1) They're less nurtured than before. They're lost in a larger crowd. Their gifts are suddenly undervalued. https://t.co/EHLGKyeOcg
A1) MS Gifted Ss are dealing w/heightened sensitivity, introversion & asynchronous development. (Post)
A1 - Anxiety. Perfectionism. Pressure from parents.
When underachievement most likely to develop
A1) Hormonal shifts make asynchronous development even more of an issue in MS.
A1) I am finding that much of the literature encourages integrated studies, some gifted kids ready to go purist by MS.
A1) According to Roeper, MS is when many GT girls go underground in a search for peer acceptance.
A1 Heighten typical middle school anxieties up to full blast for a gifted s.. the social-emotional piece becomes even more fragile.
Existential depression, disappointment with authority, loss of interest in school
A1) Some of them are facing the imposter syndrome...do I want to be known as gifted
A1 Girls are more likely to start hiding their gifts in middle school. Don’t want to stand out; I can relate.
As a parent - if I could go back - less pressure on my kids. Have learned a lot since then. https://t.co/Gd5GJZiTTB
A1 - Anxiety. Perfectionism. Pressure from parents.
RT A1 Girls are more likely to start hiding their gifts in middle school. Don’t want to stand out; I can relate.
A1 Sometimes middle school is the first time ss encounter a difficult task/assignment. May start to "doubt" their gift.
Purist meaning if invested in one particular subject, they may not be motivated by integrated studies.
Identity formation - are they cool or a nerd? Sadly often forced to choose
Saw this in my family. Sad. https://t.co/3kwhZ9JRpP
A1) According to Roeper, MS is when many GT girls go underground in a search for peer acceptance.
HUGE!!! RT Identity formation - are they cool or a nerd? Sadly often forced to choose
I became a band geek. Still am. Married to one. :) Lots of G2e people in band. :D
A1) Another thing which I think impacts on both ends of ability spectrum is focus on learning for work heightens.
Q2) Does the ‘middle school’ concept dilute the curriculum and negatively affect gifted students? https://t.co/oPEgqlrAOx
A2 Can you define the middle school concept?
A1) As opposed to learning for life / for the love of learning. That work motivation does not help every learner.
Saw this happen to MS boys too!!
A2) I always felt that as a 7th grade Math Teacher, that we were in a dead zone between grades 6&8. Boredom is a big deal for G&T.
They want to be the cool genius type or with the "cool kids"not sure if they are comfortable in their skin
A2) All grade = age structures diminish GT kids, who don't develop that way. GT may do better with a 7-12 campus.
A2) MS introduces cooperative learning, peer tutoring, a shift away from ability grouping; detrimental to gt Ss.
I <3 teaching 7th grade band. They’re awesome. No embarrassment, little attitude. 8th grade nearly killed me. LOL!
RT A2) All grade = age structures diminish GT kids, who don't develop that way. GT may do better with a 7-12 campus.
The War Against Excellence: The Rising Tide of Mediocrity in America’s Middle Schools (pdf) https://t.co/uoWGalejnI
Ok. For gifted/2e kids: No, NO, and NOOOOO. https://t.co/Nq5XccZttc
A2) MS introduces cooperative learning, peer tutoring, a shift away from ability grouping; detrimental to gt Ss.
A1 Y'all have said everything I would, but better. Gifted kids = unique; too many MS = sameness factories.
A2) Some researchers (i.e., Yecke) believe MS’s decreased expectations of gt Ss increases a mediocre curriculum.
A2) If the concept is integrated studies, it can do, but people like Tomlinson and Maker guide us in doing it well.
A2) Many middle schools eliminate ability grouping, afraid it will look like tracking - gifted kids SOOO bored
Because in music, you’re nearly always ability grouped. I’d have gone nuts otherwise.
A2) It can, if that concept is focused on grouping without providing individual creative & academic outlets. https://t.co/TOVxdxdUzv
Q2) Does the ‘middle school’ concept dilute the curriculum and negatively affect gifted students? https://t.co/oPEgqlrAOx
A2) GT kids need time to explore and MS can make that difficult with lots of surface curriculum
yet the greatest gift is the ability to face a challenge.
Thought you'd say that! ;)
Just like in sports - and no one complains about this!
A2) Lack of challenge one reason why underachievement so likely to develop at this time
Hi! This is my first year in gifted in Fulton, Mo. Excited to learn some tips for MS
A3 Should this read LACK of EF skills? ;) LOL!
A3) EF is everything for G&T kids in math. EF struggles feel like a brick wall. Complexity brings up EF issues of Identity/doubt.
Good teaching will provide cross curricular units to allow student voice, student choice, authentic inquiry - and leadership opps
A2 Surface curriculum and coverage are often problems; so is the idea of One Right Pace for learning
A3 W/out EF skills, kids are going to struggle & parents will as well. Parents can at least drink wine. ASK ME HOW I KNOW THIS. ;)
A3) Middle school is a time of juggling schedules, meeting deadlines, and multi-tasking; all dependent on EF.
A2) Being eccentric isn't always supported and some say they're just being kids
DS15 wouldn’t have made it; was best for him for MS. DS12…I worry about him for this year. https://t.co/LrKhQ6wcNw
A3) Middle school is a time of juggling schedules, meeting deadlines, and multi-tasking; all dependent on EF.
A3) Plenty of chance to build on skills in , with more .
A3 Such a huge transition from elementary to middle! Executive Function problems abound, especially for our 2e kids
A3) Middle school Ss are expected to exhibit emotional control and interact with age-peers; not easy for some gt students.
A3) EF skills, like study skills, learning strategies, often overlooked in gifted, since they coast - unless blatant problem
A3) Greater burden on EF combined with expectation that kids should have little/no parental support. Not awesome for many.
A3) Some GT students don't have all these skills like time-management or organization making MS expectations difficult
This particular chat should be required reading for all MS teachers! You guys are giving great ideas!
Yes, needs to be scaffolded, for sure.
Yes! The "interact with age peers" issue is huge for 2e kids but problematic for many others too
I think many parents unaware of role of EF. I had to learn.
My Study Skills and Organization page https://t.co/0wKlJ08yMU Teachers & parents need to help with this. https://t.co/cEUC30hJY2
A3) Some GT students don't have all these skills like time-management or organization making MS expectations difficult
on A3) I think that it creates massive identity confusion as G&T when facing these challenges.
re A3 Yes, what you said re expectation of little/no parent support! And yet there's a paradox (1/2)
Flexible thinking & working memory stand out as strengths. But...it seems that our Gifted learners struggle most with emotions
We’re already half way through our chat! Thanks for all the great sharing.
A3) Executive Functioning Skills are critical to surviving in MS! Managing schedules, tasks,T personalities https://t.co/onSaQzzZYZ
(2/2) Because the same MS structures that SAY they want "independent" kids also SAY they want "parent involvement"
Surprise! It helps ALL kids.😉 https://t.co/fzJgcW2xku
Good teaching will provide cross curricular units to allow student voice, student choice, authentic inquiry - and leadership opps
Q4) What advanced learning opportunities could enhance the middle school experience for gifted students? https://t.co/DoEdd37aGp
A4) Providing EF support for MS G&T kids that helps them develop a flexible problem solving attitude/identity.
A4 We need to connect students to experts outside the school to answer their questions & assist in their learning
A4) MS gt Ss could benefit from cluster grouping, acceleration & STEM programming plus social emotional counseling.
A4 I think MS for gifted kids should be like The Magic School Bus; might be why DS15 hated school. He thought it would be like that!
Yes! Expectation is "this will be effortlessly easy for you, G&T kid!" -> such confusion & pain
A4) I think with project-based learning there is huge flexibility, and no glass ceiling. Kids can take their investigations far.
Extemely important to balance in MS! https://t.co/IjdpIQkFh2
A4 We need to connect students to experts outside the school to answer their questions & assist in their learning
A4) GT MS students benefit from mentorships & ability to delve into their passions without waiting for HS https://t.co/FAzswLIfWU
Q4) What advanced learning opportunities could enhance the middle school experience for gifted students? https://t.co/DoEdd37aGp
A4 Small classrooms, hands on learning, crazy & passionate teacher, supportive atmosphere, curiosity rewarded.
A4) Course Acceleration, Grade Skipping, Telescoping, opportunities to go deeper into the content! https://t.co/gMfChX2IOM
Q4) What advanced learning opportunities could enhance the middle school experience for gifted students? https://t.co/DoEdd37aGp
has been an awesome extended learning opp for our gifted learners in grades 7 and 8
A4) subject acceleration in areas of strength, online classes like JH/CTY, internships
Yes, AND when school structures are flexible & personal, ugly fights re labeling are less common: all get needs met
A4) Allow Ss time to explore their interests obsessively instead of saying there's no time.
Like this idea ... could help on many levels! https://t.co/HdQIw4UE79
has been an awesome extended learning opp for our gifted learners in grades 7 and 8
nor, God forbid, strategies for kids with disabilities. 🙄
A4) Ability grouping is essential - helps with intellectual AND soc/emotional struggles
A4) Mentoring, competitions, talent searches, field trips could all be considered at the MS level.
YES!!! Must return to: RT A4) Ability grouping is essential - helps with intellectual AND soc/emotional struggles
YES! Can we quit demonizing ability learning please? https://t.co/xtGt3TxsWG
A4) Ability grouping is essential - helps with intellectual AND soc/emotional struggles
feel like this needs to be said in EVERY
I think has a huge part to play, and fits well within a ethos. Helps students bring depth to learning.
A4) Are we giving MS GT the platform to explore and share their passions and strengths in the classroom?
A4) As a MS G/T T I wished I could abandon our thematic curriculum to allow my Ss to go deeper in content! https://t.co/gMfChX2IOM
Q4) What advanced learning opportunities could enhance the middle school experience for gifted students? https://t.co/DoEdd37aGp
RT YES! Can we quit demonizing ability learning please? It is too expensive???
But week after week I see stories of this being abandoned as elitist. https://t.co/Udrr3m5Lf8
A4) Ability grouping is essential - helps with intellectual AND soc/emotional struggles
A4 We are really thinking about this with online program - esp since we had some queries from schools at SENG
Tools like Sandra Kaplan's Depth and Complexity Domensions, DOK Wheel, etc. help students make the most of
No, considered elitist.I was ability grouped thru MS & then into honors for HS & college. I shudder to think if I hadn’t.
Don't understand why you "can't" - I mean, address the themes but do compacting, etc?
A4) So essential to help these kids - If not, they often "give up" by HS - atttitudes/identities/trust in authority already formed
is who I think of when I think crazy/passionate teacher. :D
Q5) What are some prac strategies teachers can use to help gifted MSers thrive socially & emotionally? https://t.co/ouxQn8SSC5
A5 GET THEM WITH OTHER SIMILARLY WIRED MS STUDENTS. The end.
You seem to have a strong opinion on this.
A5) Help them to follow their passions and search out collaboration partners locally or online.
A4) Informed will and commitment on part of teacher, combined with the ethos & should be all it takes. Not hard!
GT Kids are regularly shut down when an idea seems off track. GT kids need to have a platform for offshoot ideas.
Got it! Yes, it would be nice if more MS teachers grasped the concept AND employed it with all their Ss
I do, v much. My kid didn’t find peeps until we found a G2e homeschool coop. ES & MS he was alone & suffering.
Q5) Set aside time to check in--how are you? Any stressful classes? Which Ts do you feel are inflexible? https://t.co/5ASIdaffj5
Q5) What are some prac strategies teachers can use to help gifted MSers thrive socially & emotionally? https://t.co/ouxQn8SSC5
A5) Counselors & teachers should teach gt Ss interpersonal and organizational skills.
Agreed! GTs need support or fall through the cracks & misunderstood as incapable or "not really GT"
Now, as a HS sophomore (!!!!) he is centered/calm/I see his intelligence. Was told today he is a calming presence (!!!!)
A5) Give them tools to develop community both IRL and online.
Tangents are best undertaken in a worldview. The kids must understand the first instructions.
A5) Teachers need to seek PD related to the needs of gt Ss so they can meet unique needs of individual students.
A5. Try to connect with their sense of humor...laughing together creates great social confidence.
A5) At very least, have a "resource room" - safe place GT kids can just hang out
Gifted MS Students Transitioning to HS: How One Teacher Helped His Students Feel Less Anxious (pdf) https://t.co/7hlbzeDtbe
OMG yes. Humor, intelligent humor. https://t.co/dSpIpfRfmf
A5. Try to connect with their sense of humor...laughing together creates great social confidence.
Humour is big in the literature. As it should be.
A5 strongly agreeing with and here: true peers not age peers; focus on strength; build EF skills
A5) Ts can encourage gt Ss to find their passion and get involved in extracurricular activities of choice
A5) One T has a "what's trending wall" that group topics of interest that Ss want to learn & creates mini Ls https://t.co/5ASIdaffj5
Q5) What are some prac strategies teachers can use to help gifted MSers thrive socially & emotionally? https://t.co/ouxQn8SSC5
A5. Read what they are reading and talk about it! Create curiosity!
A5) All school staff need training in the S & E needs of gifted. It is good for all kids!
A5) Counselors can help Ss develop strategies for dealing with stress: finding a confidant, exercise, hobbies.
A5) Have mtgs. with the kids - offer info on soc/emotional challenges, diff. between drive and perfectionism, handling conflicts,etc
In a negotiated curriculum the teacher's ideas are a springboard not straight jacket. Kids can negotiate related projects.
A5) Relationships with families are still just as important. Parents are obviously part of the equation. https://t.co/vuUMksseDO
Q5) What are some prac strategies teachers can use to help gifted MSers thrive socially & emotionally? https://t.co/ouxQn8SSC5
We have whole group classrooms in MS! Helps a lot!! https://t.co/EM4O3s9bhc
A4) MS gt Ss could benefit from cluster grouping, acceleration & STEM programming plus social emotional counseling.
Final question coming up!
Like them and let them know you like them!
A6) Kindness and Patience. Support interests. Let them find their own way while providing a supportive safety net at home.
But kids doing something else must still have clear (and flexible) goals, negotiate a plan.
Felxible goals because they will refine their research or creativity intention as they move into project and learn more.
This needn't be one or the other. https://t.co/EdAVoxKBFD
(2/2) Because the same MS structures that SAY they want "independent" kids also SAY they want "parent involvement"
A6 Best suggestion for parents is that they take care of themselves. MS is hard for NT kids; G2e just adds another whole level.
A6) Parents can consider available summer/Saturday enrichment opportunities.
I do this but didn't know the term. Thanks for sharing!
Yes! Completely agree! Big issue I see is that so many schools try to do control-management vs release
A6 listen more, talk less
Parents can support new learning about autonomy, executive function.
A6. Boundaries are good for kids. Set boundaries and stick to them. Do not be outwitted!
I also have a "I wonder" board, Ss can write down what they wonder about and do projects/research on their ideas.
A6) Keep lists on a whiteboard so kids know what's happening and what's needed to be prepared for the week.
A6) Predict social challenges that may come up, offer ideas/support, encourage academic risk-taking, open communication, etc
A6. Parents can help their GT kids by helping with organization. Establish routines and stick to them.
A6: I think parents must also be their child's voice at times, they are not adults and still need guidance and help.
A6) Help them find resources they can use to better understand their experiences.
I think there is a time and a place for rescuing.
A6) Parents can provide a supportive & safe environment at home where Ss comfortable to confide in their parents.
Yes! RT A6) Parents can provide a supportive & safe environment at home where Ss comfortable to confide in their parents.
A5) Ts must be flexible and compassionate re: overexcitabilities. Ps need to advocate.
SO needed ... https://t.co/AI3fUD6Pe0
A5) Ts must be flexible and compassionate re: overexcitabilities. Ps need to advocate.
Talk through what kids might say in certain situations so they feel prepared to participate socially.
Ha! I didn't breathe for 4 years ...
Even if they don't realize it ... especially GT. https://t.co/3Ze9m1FbrN
A6: I think parents must also be their child's voice at times, they are not adults and still need guidance and help.
A6 What y'all said, plus self-care! That can include Paula Prober's amazing book where every page -> tears https://t.co/hTcKEyHlIm
A6) Know the laws; unabashedly question the school's approach to gifted programming.
I even use TED talks with my elementary students, and even had them prepare a TIGER talk (TED talk) they were amazing!
A6) Soc/emotional support that helps most MS kids also applies to gifted kids - support, limits, non-intrusive caring, openness,etc
Just reviewed this book today! Love Your Rainforest Mind!
We’re nearing the end of today … final thoughts/takeaways?
This was a really good . I am glad to meet some new people here tonight. -- thank you as always.
This will be archived at & the link will be shared via later today
It is so good! Still can't read more than 2-3 pages without tears of recognition / pause for deep breath
Gonna miss this fall, it’s such a valuable resource!
One personal takeaway: need to make time for more regularly because y'all are still the best!
AGH! Crazy day. isn’t going anywhere, *I* have band rehearsal. LOL! https://t.co/LNQIqchr89
Gonna miss this fall, it’s such a valuable resource!
A6. It is helpful for parents of gt kids to find other parents of gt kids as well as supporting school staff. . Develop a network!
A6 - Don't do your kids homework (YES - I see this!). Let your kids make their own mistakes - this is how they learn.
Takeaways, I think looking for the flexibility in is the key to making it work.
Thanks to the extraordinary staff for their awesome support; we couldn’t do it without them!
RT Thanks to the extraordinary staff for their awesome support; we couldn’t do it without them!
Thanks to the Advisory Board:
Thanks for letting me hop in late. Great group!
RT Thanks to the Advisory Board:
Be sure to follow some of the new friends you met here today at to continue the convo!
Love the profile picture!
Our next chat will be on Tues Aug 23rd at 8E/7C/6M/5P (US)/Wed 24th at 1AM (UK)/12.00 NZST/10.00 AEST
A6) Be active in conversations like this! I give g/t parents much credit for being such active learners. https://t.co/3edJPozF31
Are you taking advantage of Tuesdays? Advocate for your Ss and find resources! https://t.co/LeTdRGTvgq
Thanks to the extraordinary staff for their awesome support; we couldn’t do it without them!
Thanks, Lisa!! Another great !!
Thank you . A great chat as always :) Lovely to join you again!
Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts & comments today. That’s what chats are all about!
Thanks, Such an important topic.
Missed you being in the chat, Mary!
