Breakout Session 3: 3:00 - 4:15 PM

Calming the Hurricane Within:  De-Stressing Strategies

In this workshop, Sandy will lead you in an exploration of strategies from her book Creating the Peaceable Classroom that will help you and your students calm the hurricane within, improving interactions and performance in and out of school. Sandy's Handout

Sandy Bothmer, M.Ed, Affiliation Consultant Consultant/Peaceable  Pathways:  Peaceable, Brookline, NH
Co-Presenter: Richard Bothmer, M.Ed., Environmental Consultant, Brookline, NH

Focusing Student Success

To survive, gifted programming must be integrated into current federal and state educational initiatives including Student Success Plans (SSP). Designed to guide academic, personal and career development, these mandated plans create an opportunity to plan appropriate experiences for gifted learners.

Nancy Bradley, Teacher of the Gifted, Newtown, CT
Co-Presenters: Kathy Crosby, Teacher of the Gifted, Norwalk, CT and Sherry Earle, SPED Department Chair, Sandy Hook, CT

Procrastination? Elimination! Helping Children Improve Their Productivity

High-ability learners are not always happily productive—indeed, many children do not show task commitment or apply themselves to their school work. We’ll look at some of the reasons children procrastinate. What can parents and teachers do to help them develop a greater sense of industry?  There are many strategies for use at home and school, including helping children learn self-management skills. We’ll examine what underlies a mastery orientation, what motivates learners, what inspires them to develop a strong work ethic, and what enables them to achieve to the best of their ability. We’ll also talk about the importance of effort—including how to encourage and sustain it—and we’ll connect with some of the current literature that supports ways of thinking more productively about children’s productivity.

Joanne Foster, Ed.D.,Gifted Education Specialist, University of Toronto, Canada

Connecting 21^st Century Skills with Active Engagement Strategies

Teachers can connect 21^st century skills, for example critical thinking, with strategies such as choral montage, mantle of the expert, missing manuscript, and others. Motivate your students by engaging them in action strategies that promote best practices in gifted education.

Patti Drapeau, Educational Consultant, South Freeport, ME

Come learn how NAGC award-winning curriculum units focused on the NCTM Standards and exemplary practices in gifted education provide high-level challenge for bright elementary students. Participants explore differentiated, hands-on activities that encourage students to think and act like practicing mathematicians.

Katherine Gavin, Associate Professor UConn, Storrs, CT

Bloom's Taxonomy: As Easy as Pi(e)!

Have you learned Bloom's Taxonomy but aren't quite sure you remember all its levels or how to apply them in your teaching? Join us as we review Bloom's Taxonomy in a readily understandable way in order to easily tier the cognitive complexity of math instruction through lower and higher order thinking skills to enhance the learning of all students. Langley Handouts

Susan Dulong Langley,  Chairperson - MAGE, Milford, MA
Co-Presenter: Andrea K. Roda, Treasurer - MAGE, Milford, MA

The Internet: Connections for the Gifted Child, Parent, and Educator

The internet: it's more than just a huge encyclopedia. Perhaps more valuable than the data, are the people you can meet and interact with there. Learn about resources and connections you can find and create on the 'net today, whether you are a parent or an educator, looking for curriculum ideas or advocacy support, social/emotional or academic, research-based or experiential… plus tons of books, toys, and links for gifted kids. Learn how to stay safe, protect your privacy and your computer, while you make new connections.

Carolyn Kottmeyer, Director, Hoagies' Gifted Education Page; Board of Directors, SENG, Miami, FL

Tools for Planning and Evaluating Professional Development

Planning professional development in gifted education requires careful attention to key goals and standards, the needs of educators locally, and the research base on effectiveness in professional learning. This session shares a framework of key criteria for planning and evaluation.

Catherine Little, Associate Professor in Gifted and Talented, UConn, Storrs, CT
Co-Presenter: Kristina Ayers Paul, Graduate Research Assistant, UConn, Storrs, CT

Why Won't Some Gifted Children Do Their Homework?

Just because gifted children are CAPABLE of doing homework, doesn't necessarily mean that they like it. Reasons for avoiding homework and unsuccessful ways to force compliance will be outlined. Fortunately, participants will receive numerous successful strategies for home and school. Agnes's Handout

Agnes Meyo, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, Creve Coeur, MO
Co-Presenter: Dan Peters, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, Walnut Creek, CA

A New Twist on Twice Exceptional: Working with Twice Exceptional Boys

Twice Exceptional boys are faced with unique challenges that include a lack of understanding of their educational needs. This session will highlight 6 young men that are twice exceptional and are currently completing or have completed university degrees.  The emphasis will be placed on strategies that facilitate the success of these students.

Terry Neu, Professor Sacred Heart University, Griswold, CT

Let’s Like a Diamond in the Sky: Helping 2e Children to Shine

In this workshop, we will consider how to help “twice Exceptional” children find venues where they can be themselves, learn, make friends, challenge themselves, and enjoy a good laugh. We will consider why it is important to look at the “goodness of fit” between gifted camps and programs and the children who attend them.This workshop will look at aspects of healthy, and not so healthy, character development in gifted children. We will explore contributions from peers, school and parents, with special consideration of outcome.

Donnah Nickerson-Reti, M.D., Psychiatrist, Lexington, MA

Determining the differences between giftedness and Asperger's Disorder can be difficult. The presenters will share their Giftedness/Asperger's Disorder Checklist (GADC) to help participants understand the characteristics of both to see if pre-referral interventions are necessary before a more evaluation is necessary. Pat's Handouts; Directions for the Table, Table for Checklist

Pat Schuler, Ph.D., NCC, Therapist, Educational Consultant, Creative Insights, Castleton-on-Hudson, NY
Co-Presenter: Ed Amend, Psy.D., Therapist, Lexington, KY