Identifying and Enhancing the Strengths of Gifted Learners, K-8

Ann Maccagnano is a gifted and talented specialist in the Kenmore Town of Tonawanda School District in New York. A teacher of gifted students for the past 11 years, Maccagnano has a master's degree in elementary education with a Gifted Education Extension Certificate and has received the Outstanding Undergraduate in Elementary Education (OUEE) Finalist Award.

Acknowledgments About the Author 1. Developing and Nurturing Gifted Students' Strengths The Challenge of Challenging Curriculum What This Book Offers How the Book Is Organized Using Analysis Activities What to Do After Areas of Strength Are Identified 2. Language Arts Analysis Activities Enhancing Reading and Writing Skills Enhancing Oral Communication Skills 3. Creative Thinking Analysis Activities Enhancing Creative-Thinking Skills 4. Critical Thinking Analysis Activities Enhancing Critical-Thinking Skills 5. Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Intelligence Interpersonal Analysis Activities Enhancing Interpersonal Skills Intrapersonal Analysis Activities Enhancing Intrapersonal Skills 6. Mathematics Analysis Activities Enhancing Mathematical Skills 7. Visual/Spatial Awareness Analysis Activities Enhancing Visual/Spatial Skills 8. Cross-Curricular Projects Design Your Own Dream Room Create a Company and an Advertisement Design a WebQuest Create a Slideshow Presentation Independent Study Create Interactive Computer Games Using Hyperlinks Design a Piece of Artwork All About Me Project Create a Database Design a Travel Brochure Create a Squiggle Drawing Hero Unit The Radio Show My Creative State Conclusion References Additional Reading

"The projects are teacher-tested and the ideas presented are challenging, creative, and fun. The author is very experienced and uses that experience to give proven and useful activities, evaluative tools, and rubrics for the gifted." -- Ken Klopack, Art & Gifted Education Consultant "The ideas in this book are great! Teachers are looking for ideas to work with children with diverse strengths and talents. This book offers those ideas." -- Raynice Jean-Sigur, Assistant Professor "An extensive and useful collection of easily implemented lessons and activities that teachers will use often. In particular, I appreciated the rationale for providing unique educational experiences for gifted students." -- Mary Johnson, Principal "The activities are wonderful. They are clearly explained, easy to administer, and entertaining." -- Frank Buck, Curriculum Supervisor "Provides teachers and student teachers with easy activities and lesson plans to be integrated into any school curriculum." -- The Bookwatch, July 2007