Today, we’re giving some advice for working with gifted learners in middle school ELA. These ideas are ones that we particularly resonate with.
Teaching middle school English Language Arts (ELA) can be an exciting yet tricky experience, especially when it comes to connecting with gifted learners.
With so many strategies for differentiation floating around, it can be hard to figure out what really works in your unique classroom.
In last week’s post, we gave three tips for adjusting plans/resources for gifted learners. Click HERE or on the image below to learn more!
Today, let’s dive into six practical tips specifically designed for middle school ELA teachers looking to engage and support gifted students.
6 Tips for Working with Gifted Learners in Middle School ELA
1. Challenge Them to Enter Competitions
Gifted learners love a challenge, and sometimes they benefit from getting feedback and encouragement from sources other than their teachers. Encourage them to join writing competitions, poetry slams, debates, or literary contests. These experiences not only allow students to show off their talents but also help them sharpen their skills under pressure.
Competitions can create a sense of community and camaraderie as students share their experiences and celebrate each other’s wins. Plus, the thrill of competition can really motivate them to push their writing to the next level. And don’t forget—participating in debates or group contests helps them grow as speakers and introduces the challenge of collaboration.
2. Remind Them That Less Is More
In middle school writing, it’s easy for gifted learners to get carried away with flowery language and long explanations. Encourage them to focus on clarity and conciseness. Remind them that effective communication often means being straightforward and choosing their words wisely.
Try limiting their word count. Instead of saying an essay should be over 750 words, challenge them to make the same point in fewer than 500 words. This forces them to hone in on what’s truly important in their writing.
Once they’ve finished their essays, emphasize the importance of giving and receiving feedback in a friendly way. Peer reviews can be a great tool, allowing students to offer constructive feedback on each other’s work. This not only sharpens their writing skills but also helps them appreciate different perspectives.
3. Create a Book Club Based on Their Interests
Gifted learners often have specific interests when it comes to literature. Starting a student-led book club can be a fantastic way for them to explore genres and themes that excite them while also sharing their interests with classmates.
This approach fosters a love for reading and allows for deep discussions. Give them some choice in reading materials and encourage creative presentations of their thoughts, whether through discussions, projects, or presentations.
Set aside specific time in class for the book club to meet weekly, letting students take turns choosing what to read next. Join in on these discussions and look for opportunities to challenge their thinking or introduce relevant projects as needed.
If you don’t have time to do a full book club, consider picking some of these high-interest paired passages for them to read and discuss as a group!
4. Don’t Turn Them into Teachers
It might be tempting to have gifted students help tutor their peers, but this can sometimes lead to frustration and disengagement. Instead, focus on giving them opportunities for exploration and leadership without the pressure of teaching others.
Let gifted students lead group discussions or facilitate projects. This way, they can take on a mentor-like role without the expectation of being a formal instructor. This balance can help them develop leadership skills while keeping their passion for learning alive.
5. Have Them Rate Their Experience with the Topic You’re Teaching
Feedback is essential for growth, and gifted learners tend to be reflective about their learning experiences. Before diving into a new unit, ask them to rate how challenged they feel by the topic. Use their feedback to determine if any adjustments are needed.
Make sure to have them rate their comfort level with soft skills, too. For instance, if a student understands the content but struggles with teamwork, discuss that a primary focus will be appropriate behavior with peers during group work. Create a rubric to help them work on this skill.
This feedback provides you with valuable insights and encourages students to articulate their thoughts on the learning process. Use their input to shape your future lesson plans and tailor your approach to better fit their interests and needs.
6. Group Gifted Learners Together
Grouping gifted learners together can create an environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves and taking risks. This setup allows for richer discussions and the chance to tackle more complex materials.
While it might be tempting to mix advanced students with those who are struggling, this often doesn’t provide the intellectual challenge that gifted students need. Instead, group them with peers who will stimulate their thinking.
Encourage collaboration on projects, debates, or creative writing endeavors, ensuring they have the space to challenge one another and share their insights.
Conclusion: Not a One-Size-Fits-All Situation
Every gifted learner is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching them. It’s crucial to stay flexible and responsive to their individual needs, interests, and learning styles.
By incorporating these strategies into your middle school ELA classroom, you can create an inclusive and stimulating environment that nurtures the potential of every gifted student. Remember, the goal is to inspire a lifelong love of learning while encouraging them to reach new heights in their academic journey.
Happy teaching!
