GAM 2024 Conference (Gifted Association of Missouri)

Our classrooms excel at nurturing verbally strong students. Reading, writing, and speaking are often the main focus of our lesson plans. But can we do more? Many students with high nonverbal abilities, often quiet observers, possess untapped potential. They might surprise you with insights, solve problems intuitively, or excel in visual tasks.
This workshop explores fluid reasoning and visual-spatial intelligence, uncovering what these strengths look like in the classroom. We'll delve into research-backed strategies to easily integrate them into your lessons, fostering engagement and achievement for all learners, not just our verbally gifted.

Meeting the academic and emotional needs of gifted students is an everyday challenge for parents, teachers, and administrators.  Working with exceptionally gifted students adds complexity to the challenge.  Teachers of regular gifted and exceptionally gifted students will share their experiences and successes, as well as strategies and lesson ideas. Some key points will include: incorporating personalized learning into core learning targets, pre-correcting for emotional regulation, and maintaining rigor while keeping students engaged.

After sharing their experience and ideas, the presenters will give time for attendees to share their own victories and challenges. Brainstorming together with the gifted community may result in new ideas to try, confirmation of your own solid practices, and hopes for meeting the varied needs of your students.
It’s a win-win for everyone involved!

Dabrowski's Overexcitabilities theory establishes a profound link with traits commonly found in gifted individuals. This session provides a thorough exploration of each Overexcitability, highlighting parallels between theory and the real-life experiences of gifted minds.

Moving beyond theory, practical insights are shared on creating conducive learning environments through thoughtful room setup, incorporating areas for physical exertion, calming corners, and comforting spaces. The focus is on understanding how the physical environment influences emotional well-being and concentration.

A significant emphasis is placed on teaching self-regulation skills. Recognizing the heightened emotions, intellect, and sensitivities of gifted students, the session explores strategies to navigate these aspects successfully. Educators and parents are equipped with specific tools to foster students' self-awareness and emotional regulation, including suggested routines and engaging activities.

Whether you're an educator refining your teaching approach, a parent navigating giftedness complexities, or an enthusiast intrigued by unique traits, this session delivers a holistic perspective. It's an opportunity to acquire theoretical knowledge and practical strategies seamlessly integrated into interactions with gifted learners, enriching their educational experience.

Service learning can help gifted middle and high school students identify their strengths and passions as they consider their roles in school and local communities. With support, students learn to communicate effectively with members of their communities to address unmet needs they have identified through observation and research. This session will explore the benefits of service learning and provide examples and resources for implementation in the gifted classroom. 

This session shows how a vertically aligned gifted curriculum can extend throughout high school, addressing the unique needs and interests of all gifted adolescents.

Play is the purest expression of our humanity.  What is happening in our brain when we play? How can we incorporate more play into the lives of our gifted children?  And how can we get better at play as adults? Some say we are most alive when we play. Let's get better at it.