This blog explores using the SCAMPER framework to help gifted middle schoolers reimagine stories, boost creativity, and strengthen writing through ELA lessons.
Michelle Burch highlights how early transparency, collaboration, and clear communication among coordinators, teachers, and families support gifted learners’ success.
Vincent Balzrina shares how his middle school's GT program provided enriching opportunities that helped him grow as a student and person.
Explore evolving parenting styles—from authoritarian to "lighthouse"—and learn how supportive guidance fosters confident, resilient, and independent kids.
WATG, in partnership with the Department of Public Instruction, hosted a series of in-person and virtual sessions through the Four Corners Grant to support student talent development across Wisconsin. Educators played a vital role in promoting participation, and collaborative efforts like the Jane Goodall “Roots and Shoots” project provided meaningful, real-world leadership experiences for students. WATG continues to offer enriching opportunities, including its upcoming fall conference.
This blog post explores the tension between creativity and imitation in an age dominated by social media and AI. It warns that constant exposure to repetitive content and over reliance on tools like ChatGPT can diminish original thinking, even for gifted individuals. True creativity thrives on unique perspectives, and we must be mindful to preserve and nurture our own creative abilities.
This post explores the power of student choice as a strategy for differentiation in the classroom, especially for gifted learners. It highlights how giving students voice in their content, process, product, and pacing enhances motivation, creativity, and deeper engagement. The article introduces the Student Choice Board, a flexible tool structured into three tiers – “Try It,” “Stretch It,” and “Make It Yours” – to guide student autonomy while aligning with core learning goals. Practical classroom examples across subject areas demonstrate how choice fosters ownership and meaningful learning. A customizable Canva template is also provided.
This blog post reflects on a powerful leadership workshop experience through Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Program, hosted by WATG and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Over 60 students from Glen Hills Middle School participated in activities focused on self-reflection, empathy, and community leadership. Highlights included the "Tree of Hope" activity, where students explored their passions, goals, and personal identities through creative expression. Testimonials from 4th and 8th graders emphasize the emotional and personal impact of the workshop. The event concluded with a Glen Hills Cleanup activity, reinforcing the importance of taking meaningful action.
This insightful post by Nikki Radcliffe explores the often-overlooked emotional challenges faced by gifted learners, including perfectionism, asynchronous development, and social isolation. While gifted students may excel academically, they can struggle with stress, anxiety, and emotional regulation if their social-emotional needs are not met. Radcliffe advocates for integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) and metacognitive strategies into gifted education to support students' mental health. She offers practical tips for educators such as fostering a growth mindset, encouraging reflection, providing emotional support, and promoting realistic goal-setting. The post emphasizes the importance of balancing academic rigor with emotional wellness so gifted students can thrive holistically.
In this inspiring student-authored post, 8th-grader Benjamin Byers shares how pursuing personal interests through school programs and extracurriculars has fueled his intellectual growth and future career aspirations in engineering. From participating in Future Cities and NASA STEM clubs to conducting science fair research and mastering 3-D printing, Benjamin illustrates how engaging in interest-driven learning builds critical skills like teamwork, communication, and creativity. He advocates for schools to support diverse student interests, noting how such support boosts motivation, academic success, and social belonging. His experiences underscore the power of gifted programming, clubs, and dedicated teachers in helping students find purpose and community.
