There is something special about August. Classrooms are being transformed, lesson plans are taking shape, and educators are preparing to welcome a new group of learners. It is a season filled with optimism and opportunity. It's a chance to intentionally create classrooms where every student is challenged, supported, and inspired.
As we prepare for another school year, let's remember that gifted education begins long before students are formally identified. It begins with educators who notice curiosity, recognize potential, and intentionally design learning experiences that allow every learner to thrive.
Begin with What Students Already Know
One of the most effective ways to engage advanced learners is by finding out what they already know. Through pre-assessments, informal observations, performance tasks, and conversations with students, teachers can quickly identify strengths and determine where instruction should begin.
When students demonstrate mastery, consider providing opportunities for:
- Curriculum compacting
- Flexible grouping
- Inquiry-based learning
- Project-based experiences
- Independent investigations
- Extension activities that promote critical and creative thinking
Differentiation is not about giving students
more work, it is about giving them work that is appropriately challenging.
Look Beyond High Achievement
As the school year begins, every classroom offers an opportunity to discover talent that may not have been previously recognized.
Giftedness does not always present itself through perfect grades or high test scores. Some gifted students finish assignments quickly, while others become disengaged because the work lacks challenge. Some are exceptional problem-solvers but struggle with organization. Others demonstrate remarkable creativity, leadership, curiosity, or sophisticated reasoning that may not be reflected in traditional assessments.
This is especially important when considering students from historically underrepresented populations, including multilingual learners, twice-exceptional students, students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and students whose gifts may emerge differently because of their experiences or learning profiles.
The beginning of the school year is an ideal time to observe students with a talent-development lens. Ask yourself:
- Who asks insightful or unexpected questions?
- Who makes connections others do not?
- Who demonstrates exceptional creativity or problem-solving?
- Who learns new concepts with minimal repetition?
- Who shows intense curiosity or perseverance when exploring topics of interest?
Sometimes the students with the greatest potential are the ones who simply need someone to notice.
Create Opportunities for Deep Thinking
Gifted learners thrive when they are encouraged to analyze, evaluate, create, and explore.
As you plan instruction, consider:
- Providing multiple pathways for students to demonstrate learning.
- Incorporating authentic, real-world problem solving.
- Encouraging discussion and academic discourse.
- Offering opportunities for creativity and innovation.
- Allowing student voice and choice whenever possible.
When we increase rigor through meaningful learning experiences rather than additional assignments, all students benefit.
Partner with Your Gifted Coordinator
Your district's gifted coordinator can be an invaluable partner throughout the school year.
Reach out early to learn about:
- Gifted identification timelines
- Enrichment resources available within your curriculum
- Student programming opportunities
- Competitions and academic events
- Professional learning opportunities
- Family engagement activities
Communication works both ways. If you attended a conference, discovered an instructional strategy, or found a resource that has positively impacted your students, share it with your coordinator. Together, we strengthen gifted education across our schools.
Foster a Classroom Where Curiosity Thrives
One of the greatest gifts we can offer students is permission to be curious.
Create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, taking intellectual risks, exploring multiple solutions, and thinking beyond the expected answer. Curiosity fuels creativity, innovation, and lifelong learning.
When students know their ideas are valued, engagement naturally follows.
Professional Learning Recommendation
As you prepare for the school year, consider adding
The Beginner's Guide to Differentiation: How to Challenge Gifted Students and Support Struggling Learners,
by Laurie Westphal to your professional reading list.
Filled with practical classroom strategies, this resource provides ideas for differentiating instruction, increasing rigor, and creating meaningful learning experiences that meet students where they are while helping them grow.
Technology That Extends Learning
When students have opportunities for independent exploration or enrichment, technology can become a powerful extension of classroom instruction.
Literacy
- CommonLit
- Newsela
- ReadTheory
- Smithsonian Tween Tribune
- Wonderopolis
Mathematics
- Beast Academy Online
- DreamBox Learning
- NRICH Mathematics
- YouCubed
- Desmos Classroom Activities
These resources encourage critical thinking, creativity, and exploration while allowing students to work at an appropriate level of challenge.
Looking Ahead
The beginning of the school year is not simply about organizing classrooms or establishing routines. It is about laying the foundation for a year in which every learner is seen, challenged, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential.
Gifted education is not a program reserved for a select group of students; it is a commitment to recognizing potential, nurturing talent, and ensuring that advanced learners continue to grow every single day.
As you welcome students into your classrooms this fall, remember that your observations, your planning, and your willingness to differentiate instruction may be the very things that inspire a child to discover their passions and realize what is possible.
Here's to a school year filled with curiosity, challenge, creativity, and joy. The Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted wishes you a wonderful start to an incredible year and we are here to help you!
- Michelle Burch, WATG Treasurer
