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.
Welcome to Global Gifted and Talented Chat Powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented @TXGifted#TAGT ~ Thanks for joining us to chat about “Appropriate Reading Instruction for Gifted Students” #gtchat
Hello everyone! My name is Jiva Jimmons and I am a college student at Chapman University and a future educator. I excited to talk with everyone. 😊#gtchat
I’m Lisa Conrad ~ moderator, advocate for gifted children, conference presenter, blogger and parent of 2 gifted adults from Pittsburgh, PA. Please take a minute to tell us who you are and from where you’re tweeting! #gtchat
Hello everyone! My name is Jiva Jimmons and I am a college student at Chapman University and a future educator. I excited to talk with everyone. 😊#gtchat
Hi everyone! Carol Bainbridge here from Indiana. Blogger about gt kids, mom of gifted adult, advocate for the verbally gifted. SO glad to finally make it back to #gtchat
Hi everyone! Carol Bainbridge here from Indiana. Blogger about gt kids, mom of gifted adult, advocate for the verbally gifted. SO glad to finally make it back to #gtchat
Are you new to Twitter chats? We use the Q1/A1 format for #gtchat … Please remember to use the #gtchat hashtag to participate in the conversation. This will make sure that other chat participants see your tweets.
Lurking to learn? Please say ‘hi’ and then view a livestream from Participate Learning at https://t.co/1zR97oWQw0 Enjoy the chat! All the resources and a summary of this chat will be posted later on our blog at https://t.co/BXpCBWEY56#gtchat
Our first question is coming up; let’s get ready to chat! Please preface your responses with A1 Excited to collaborate and share ideas with you today about appropriate reading instruction for gifted students. #gtchat
A1) Mason and Au (1990) defined gifted readers as "children who have exceptional reading ability and the capacity to understand text information well above what would be expected of a person for a that age." #gtchat (1/3)
A1) They also are likely to be interested in topics and ideas that are one to two levels above their peer set, have a mature sense of humor, are advanced in the manipulation of language; wordplay #gtchat (2/3)
A1) Gifted readers may also have an ability to see relationships and make interdisciplinary connections, in addition to advanced comprehension. #gtchat (3/3)
A1) Gifted readers are those with advanced reading skills. They read material above grade level, comprehend more - and more easily - than their age mates, and need more challenging reading and assignments based on their reading. #gtchat
It's one of my favorite topics. There is so much to learn about it. Many people today don't understand it very well, believing that ALL kids can learn to read at a young age. Not exactly. #gtchat
It is fascinating. The child's brain must be well developed & the number of things it has to manipulate in order to read is pretty astonishing. I don't think anyone knows exactly how these kids teach themselves? You run across anything in your research to explain it? #gtchat
A2) Individualized reading resources catering to interests; Inductive, not deductive, instruction; Independent studies to explore variety of interests & concepts through diverse reading resources; Advanced word study: etymology, Greek/Latin roots, analogies, idioms, etc. #gtchat
Me too! I just sent my kid to bed an hour earlier and let him read as long as he liked. He usually fell asleep while reading and got plenty of sleep. #gtchat
#gtchat A1. Apart from the fact that they read excessively gifted readers would also be those , who are able to synthesise their information &co relate it to the real world issues Just because they have read out so much they are to process information & establish the connection
Exactly. By being required to stay within certain restrictions in the school library, or not being allowed to read when work is completed, or by filling out endless banal study guides, or etc, etc, #gtchat
A2 They constantly need a new book to digest and someone that they can discuss their analysis and comments. Gifted readers need to have the control of what they read to help preserve their passion for reading. #gtchat
Individualizing is so important for these kids. It's a nightmare for an 8 year old to be forced to read 3rd grade chapter books for school when he's reading the book "Contact" at home. #gtchat
A2) Individualized reading resources catering to interests; Inductive, not deductive, instruction; Independent studies to explore variety of interests & concepts through diverse reading resources; Advanced word study: etymology, Greek/Latin roots, analogies, idioms, etc. #gtchat
Reading Instruction with Gifted and Talented Readers: A Series of Unfortunate Events or a Sequence of Auspicious Results? (pdf) https://t.co/xapQfRpBdJ#gtchat
#gtchat A2. A view which can be honed to develop a critical thinking ,a defined perspective building capability, a Strong memory ,good communication skills ...
A2 #gtchat they need to be accommodated with materials that challenge them. Doing this when they feel the assigned material is too easy keeps them interested and engaged.
A2: I think Gifted readers need freedom to explore literature and resources to help make sense of advanced material, but also exposure to diverse genres and the classics #gtchat
Opportunities to discuss what they read with others is so necessary, but so hard. How many of their age mates have the same reading ability and interests? #gtchat
A2 They constantly need a new book to digest and someone that they can discuss their analysis and comments. Gifted readers need to have the control of what they read to help preserve their passion for reading. #gtchat
And equally bad to be forced to read more advanced books just because they can. Sometimes they want to get more out of less challenging books rather than less out of more challenging books. #gtchat
Individualizing is so important for these kids. It's a nightmare for an 8 year old to be forced to read 3rd grade chapter books for school when he's reading the book "Contact" at home. #gtchat
A2) Individualized reading resources catering to interests; Inductive, not deductive, instruction; Independent studies to explore variety of interests & concepts through diverse reading resources; Advanced word study: etymology, Greek/Latin roots, analogies, idioms, etc. #gtchat
My daughter started reading at about 2 years old. She toddled into the room and read an email that I was typing to my mom, asking questions about why was I telling Grandma about these things. My mom tells me that I was much the same. #gtchat. I’d love to know how this happens.
A2) I’ve found they need Ts and stakeholders to help them navigate depth and complexity while balancing their asynchronous development needs. Especially when it comes to mature themes, dialogue etc. #gtchat
Good point. Most probably prefer the chance to read at their level, but too often they are told to read some advanced book and then they sit in class reading on their own. No instruction for them! That's also wrong. #gtchat
And equally bad to be forced to read more advanced books just because they can. Sometimes they want to get more out of less challenging books rather than less out of more challenging books. #gtchat
Individualizing is so important for these kids. It's a nightmare for an 8 year old to be forced to read 3rd grade chapter books for school when he's reading the book "Contact" at home. #gtchat
A2) Individualized reading resources catering to interests; Inductive, not deductive, instruction; Independent studies to explore variety of interests & concepts through diverse reading resources; Advanced word study: etymology, Greek/Latin roots, analogies, idioms, etc. #gtchat
Teachers and parents need to have a variety of texts on hand! More than what is in the child’s home room. Home room teachers need to encourage on level and above level reading for these children. They thrive on the challenge. #gtchat
And equally bad to be forced to read more advanced books just because they can. Sometimes they want to get more out of less challenging books rather than less out of more challenging books. #gtchat
Individualizing is so important for these kids. It's a nightmare for an 8 year old to be forced to read 3rd grade chapter books for school when he's reading the book "Contact" at home. #gtchat
A2) Individualized reading resources catering to interests; Inductive, not deductive, instruction; Independent studies to explore variety of interests & concepts through diverse reading resources; Advanced word study: etymology, Greek/Latin roots, analogies, idioms, etc. #gtchat
A3) G/T Ts should definitely be willing to do the work of the lesson at all times, read the books prior to when possible, and be quick to own when you don’t know or welcome a new perspective #gtchat
Teachers and parents need to have a variety of texts on hand! More than what is in the child’s home room. Home room teachers need to encourage on level and above level reading for these children. They thrive on the challenge. #gtchat
A3) Social/emotional development — Understanding of their unique abilities, use bibliotherapy strategies to build confidence and self-awareness #gtchat (2/2)
A3) Student conferences to understand their needs, interests, and frustrations and accommodate accordingly. Don’t always assume what they need; include them in their reading goals. #gtchat (1/2)
Indeed! St some point a child's reading level is out of sync with the content of material available. An 8-yo really isn't all that interested in dating or boy-girl relationships and everything that is involved. What's appropriate for a 16 yo isn't for an 8 yr old, #gtchat
A2) I’ve found they need Ts and stakeholders to help them navigate depth and complexity while balancing their asynchronous development needs. Especially when it comes to mature themes, dialogue etc. #gtchat
We are already half way through our chat! Thank you for sharing so many inspiring thoughts about appropriate reading instruction for gifted students! Please remember to use the #gtchat hashtag to participate in the conversation. #gtchat
A1) gifted readers are voracious, highly able, and highly critical. They can either read everything in sight or sometimes hyper fixate on one series/author/topic. #gtchat
That you can learn as much from them as they are from you. Make the space collaborative to promote better dialogue of their interests and findings. #gtchat
Ugh!!! So true! I remember being that kid. It’s why we homeschool. When my daughter appeared to be developing similarly to myself, I knew I couldn’t subject her to the same thing. #gtchat
A3) I would also add being intimately aware of the standards across grade levels to ensure they are able to diagnose misconceptions, attend to areas of growth and challenge accordingly #gtchat
A3 All teachers involved in advanced reading programs should be well informed on best practices in gifted education and give serious consideration to all stakeholders’ concerns regarding the program including students. #gtchat
A2) their needs are differentfrom typical kids in that they can often cover more material in less time and need more time to peel the layers of complex topics. My students hate to talk about their reading they are just consuming machines. #gtchat
GT kids should also be allowed to reread their favorite books below level, too. These books are like their good friends. Kids may gain new insights & understanding because they are older and more experienced. #gtchat
Jumping in late. A3: Educators need to realize that gifted kids may be gifted in specific areas. They may need to be accelerated in math, but may need extra help in reading. #gtchat
A3) Teachers need to consider the interests and reading level of a gifted reader. They should also recognize that these kids still need instruction - but on an advanced level. What is expected in 3rd grade isn't what is expected in 7th grade. Or 8th grade. #gtchat
A3) Ts need to consider each kid and their individual likes/dislikes. Just like any kid, they have to want to read material for it to mean something. Just because they can read/comprehend at adult levels doesn’t mean they should ONLY do that. #gtchat
A3: Gifted students may have mastered a lot of the grade level content and either need more challenging work or need to be accelerated. Gifted doesn’t mean more work...just more challenging work #gtchat
A2) their needs are differentfrom typical kids in that they can often cover more material in less time and need more time to peel the layers of complex topics. My students hate to talk about their reading they are just consuming machines. #gtchat
GT kids should also be allowed to reread their favorite books below level, too. These books are like their good friends. Kids may gain new insights & understanding because they are older and more experienced. #gtchat
Jumping in late. A3: Educators need to realize that gifted kids may be gifted in specific areas. They may need to be accelerated in math, but may need extra help in reading. #gtchat
I vividly remember being sat in a corner of my kindergarten classroom with an advanced phonics workbook. And all I wanted was to be on the rug with everyone else reading about Pug the dog. #gtchat#leftout#noinstruction
A4) A standards aligned curriculum matter is a helpful base. I might also review text sets to ensure the selections offer a diversity of perspectives, amplify various voices from multiple cultures, create ops for adding depth and complexity etc. #gtchat
A4: My biggest struggle right now is finding difficult text that are still within an appropriate topic range for advanced fifth graders. I don’t screen every book, but there are some topics I don’t find developmentally appropriated for 10 year olds. #gtchat
A4 Gifted readers will not benefit from simple differentiation of existing reading programs. A wide spectrum of abilities exists in any regular education classroom. They will need a unique approach appropriate to their individual strengths. #gtchat
A4) You need to focus on complexity of thought not just complexity of text and kids should always have CHOICE in what they read. Never limit a kid by “levels” that means both floor and ceiling. Any text can be complex depending on how it’s approached. #gtchat
A4) individualization so that the gifted readers continue to LEARN and aren't just given advanced material to read - by themselves. Or worse, forced to read material way below their ability. #gtchat
A4: I use workshop model in reading. Each station is leveled. Ss who grasp the concepts quickly can move straight to the highest level first and once they complete it correctly they can buy back time with a passion project of their choice. #gtchat
A4 Reading programs may benefit from being included with cross-curriculum gifted options that are meant to increase depth and complexity, heighten anticipation and stimulate interest. (Reis/Renzulli) #gtchat
#gtchat A4. I like to see what my Ss are reading,so from time to time I have discussions with the two Ss I have in my class. I know they are able to put things into perspective. Secondly one of them writes notes ,which he likes to share with me. I learn a lot from their readings
A4) Some include:
• Literature Circles/Inquiry Circles
• Vocabulary development through literature
• Word study with etymology
• Texts that are at their reading level
• Inquiry reading based on reading for research on topics of interest
(1/3) #gtchat
A4) Cont'd:
• Include literature with rich characters, dynamic plots, extensive vocabulary, and utilizes different writing styles.
• Exposure to different genre such as science, history, biography, travel, poetry, science-fiction, atlas, how-to books
#gtchat (3/3)
A4) Cont'd:
• Questioning revolves around: big ideas, themes, ambiguity
• Socratic seminar on thematic elements, ideas, resonating quotes
• Interdisciplinary connections to the real world through current event articles, professional journals, etc.
#gtchat (2/3)
@gtchatmod#gtchat A4 Student interest; literature that spans genres but that also lends itself to deep analysis, even if the reading “level” isn’t super high...for a start.
This has been a HUGE issue with my daughter. So impatient with “relationship books,” but the age appropriate books were painful in their simplicity for her. #gtchat. Nice to finally start growing into her brain!
Jumping in late. A3: Educators need to realize that gifted kids may be gifted in specific areas. They may need to be accelerated in math, but may need extra help in reading. #gtchat
That is a real problem. We need more reading material at an advanced reading level but on appropriate topics. Try finding good books for an 8 yo who reads like a 14 yo. I think there is a niche market out there for writers of children's books. #gtchat
A4: My biggest struggle right now is finding difficult text that are still within an appropriate topic range for advanced fifth graders. I don’t screen every book, but there are some topics I don’t find developmentally appropriated for 10 year olds. #gtchat
Not too sure about that. My kid didn't find too much depth in the cute stories about bunnies in the backyard he was forced to read in first grade when he was reading about black holes and quasars. #gtchat
A4) You need to focus on complexity of thought not just complexity of text and kids should always have CHOICE in what they read. Never limit a kid by “levels” that means both floor and ceiling. Any text can be complex depending on how it’s approached. #gtchat
A4: I use workshop model in reading. Each station is leveled. Ss who grasp the concepts quickly can move straight to the highest level first and once they complete it correctly they can buy back time with a passion project of their choice. #gtchat
A5) Use Kaplan’s Depth & Complexity Icons to help with higher level questioning with non-fiction or fiction resources; Homogeneous reading groups (student with similar levels); no peer tutoring; Variety and diverse reading resources #gtchat
A5 Reading books or readers commonly used in the classroom should be supplemented with literature or completely eliminated for advanced readers. #gtchat
That is a common problem, and probably the only one we didn't have! Lol. We had *wonderful* librarians, who came to know and understand my kid and helped him find just the right books - no matter how old he was. #gtchat
When I was a kid in elementary school, we were told we couldn’t check out library books from the junior high section. Not sure what the rationale was with that.
My mom had words with the librarian...
A5 Discussion groups can be formed that take a closer look – a deeper dive – into books and novels being used as part of the reading curriculum employing discussion guides and Socratic questioning. #gtchat
Heard a mom in the library one day make her kid put a book back on the shelf because he would "learn about that stuff next year." I was horrified. Kid was very disappointed. #gtchat
@gtchatmod#gtchat A5 Socratic seminars, Greek and Latin roots studies, book study with similar-ability peers, response journals, expression of comprehension through medium of choice, opportunity to connect with/present to authentic audience
A5 Teachers can introduce the study of literature at an early age (provided they how a strong background in literature) by teaching elements of literature and discussing how to analyze what is read. #gtchat
The same thing happened at our local library. My grandmother took care of things. To this day, I have no idea what was said. But I was allowed to wander the aisles without comment. Plenty of disapproving librarian looks, but no more comments!#gtchat
A5: Give students tools to help them find books that are challenging and interesting. Comprehension of a book is important so facilitating and instructing them to find deeper meanings to metaphors, syntax, etc. #gtchat
Haven't kept up with new picture books. But my kid never, ever liked them. Not ever. He wasn't interested in books at all until he started to read just after his 2nd b'day. Then he'd toss a picture book aside and say, "No words." #gtchat
Have you been reading picture books lately? Pick up Dreamers by Yuyi Morales or Drawn Together by Dan Santat and Minh Le or Adrian Simcox Does Not Have A Horse by Marcy Campbell or The Stuff Of Stars by Marion Bauer. So many HUGE ideas between so few pages.
I’ve had a parent complain to me that her child brought home a book below his level that he had already read. She thought he should always be reading at or above his level. #gtchat
A6 When setting goals for an advanced reading program, every single student should be expected to become a skilled, passionate, habitual and critical reader. (B. Seney) #gtchat
A5) I use questioning, journaling, comp. analysis, and explorative discussion in my instruction time but it’s vastly important to give kids time to JUST READ, no questions, no expectations at all except that they read for the simple pleasure of it. Like real readers. #gtchat
A6 When considering reading comprehension as a goal of an advanced reading program, the only delivery system to attain the best results is actually reading. #gtchat
Those bunny books had no lessons like that. Really wasn't much to them as the kids were just starting to learn to read. They didn't have much more depth than "See Jane run." They were torture to read. Kids just answered comprehension Q's on a computer. #gtchat
Even the bunny books have important lessons on friendship and family structure. If anything you can have the kiddos talk about what might be happening “off screen” in the illustrations. Or discuss how the representation of he animals is similar or dissimilar to reality.
A6 Reading motivation should be an integral part of any advanced reading program and can include providing an extensive class library, in-class reading time, respecting student choice of reading materials, and suggested literature. #gtchat
#gtchat my room is a comfortable reading zone for them.I give specific instructions & leading questions.. gifted readers will take up the guided steps & resources also...I have observed that the need for them to stay connected& feel validated is strong.after that they move beyond
A6) Some goals should be:
• To ensure they enjoy reading
• To encourage gifted readers to access challenging resources and not take the “easier” route
• To increase self-regulation at their reading levels
• Increase exposure to a wide variety of books and genre
#gtchat
#gtchat my room is a comfortable reading zone for them.I give specific instructions & leading questions.. gifted readers will take up the guided steps & resources also...I have observed that the need for them to stay connected& feel validated is strong.after that they move beyond
A6: I was a gifted kid who grew up in a low income household and I think one of my biggest needs in reading instruction was to build a more advanced vocabulary. Many of Ss come from similar backgrounds and I am constantly trying to help build their vocabulary. #gtchat
A6: I have built in a dedicated 20 minute block of time that is only used for independent reading time. Students look forward to this time of the day. #gtchat
@gtchatmod#gtchat A6 For students to enjoy reading and become lifelong readers; to know how to select appropriate text for different purposes; to be able to recognize author’s purpose and intent; to succinctly analyze text; and to measurably grow as a reader.
But if your kid refuses to look at them, not much you can do about it. He wanted to READ, not consider the stories represented by the pictures. He was in the process of teaching himself to read. Before that, he had zero interest in picture books. Wouldn't sit still. #gtchat
Picture books are amazing short texts for instruction. I’ve used them with everyone from kinders to HS students. A good picture book is worth its weight in gold.
A6) ultimate goal of any instruction is that the kids leave you with more than they came with. It’s no different with gifted kids. I want my ss to leave me with a fire for good books in their belly and the knowledge to be discerning consumers of the written word. #gtchat
Our next chat will be on Thursday, January 31st at 8E/7C/6M/5P US and Friday, February 1st at 2PM NZDT/Noon AEDT/1AM UK. Our topic will be “Educating the Profoundly Gifted” #gtchat
Again. Children are individuals with their own unique skills and needs. Weren't we just talking about that and the kind of complexity gifted readers need? I'm betting my kid would have driven you nuts in a classroom. #gtchat
