Imagine starting a new job or joining a new community and feeling a bit lost in the shuffle. What if you didn’t even know why you were there?  That feeling of uncertainty can dampen the excitement of embarking on a new adventure. That's where gifted onboarding comes in!

Gifted onboarding is about being honest with gifted learners about what giftedness is, what it isn’t, and what they can expect from gifted services. This idea is especially for learners that will be pulled out of their regular classes or served in a different space than their peers.  

When done right and made a priority, gifted onboarding sets the stage for success for gifted learners and their families. It fosters a sense of belonging and ensures that everyone is on the same page.  This small step can provide a big return on your investment as it opens the lines of communication.

So, let's work together to create a gifted learning onboarding experience that will benefit you, your learners, and their families!

Based on the book, Genius Hour: Passion Projects that Ignite Innovation and Student Inquiry

This transformative learning experience will equip educators with a comprehensive understanding of Genius Hour, its significance, and practical strategies for its effective implementation in a manageable and meaningful way.

Based on the book, Designing for Depth in the Classroom: A Framework for Purposeful Differentiation.

Feeling overwhelmed is a common sentiment among educators when it comes to differentiation. In this enriching learning experience, I'll equip you with practical, actionable strategies that can be readily implemented to effectively differentiate for gifted learners.

Based on the book, A Meaningful Mess: A Teacher's Guide to Student-Driven Classrooms, Authentic Student Learning, Student Empowerment, and Keeping It All Together without Losing Your Mind 

It's okay for learning to be messy...as long as it's meaningful.Throughout our time together, we will consider and explore innovative ideas and strategies that will encourage educators to stop writing lesson plans and start designing experiences that will engage and empower every learner.

Understanding that each learner progresses at their own pace is paramount. Every learner will not have the same ETA for understanding Recognizing when and how to "reroute" is vital, transforming the classroom into an inviting space for every learner. This learning journey will inspire educators to embrace a fresh perspective on learning and embrace a GPS mindset, guiding each student on their unique educational journey.

Productive struggle is a vital component of the learning process, yet gifted learners sometimes perceive it as failure, seeking to avoid challenges rather than confront them. This learning experience is focused on prioritizing productive struggle in the classroom, empowering learners to view obstacles as opportunities for growth and development.

This workshop gives educators the opportunity to spend an entire day working on their own passion project that aligns with and supports the district vision and mission statement. As they work through this facilitated experience, they will also understand how passion projects can be utilized in the classroom. This is a culture-building experience that will give educators the autonomy to consider new ideas in a collaborative and energizing environment.

Are you looking for ways to engage your gifted child and cultivate their passion for learning? Do you want to find meaningful ways to bond as a family while making a positive impact in your community?  "Family Passion Projects" is a workshop that will show you how to use the 6 Ps of Genius Hour framework to work on passion projects together.

During this workshop, you'll learn how to implement the Genius Hour framework at home, including how to identify your child's passions and interests, plan and pitch  project ideas, develop the project, and present the work. You'll also discover how this approach can help your child practice life-ready skills and experience productive struggle in a supportive and collaborative environment.

We'll explore how passion projects can benefit the community and how to make a positive impact through your family's work. You'll leave with practical ideas for how to create meaningful learning experiences at home, strengthen your family bond, and encourage your gifted child to pursue their interests and make a difference in the world.

This workshop will give you the ideas, tools and strategies that you need to learn how to inspire your gifted child to reach their full potential through passion-driven learning and service to others.

This session can be adapted for a homeschool audience.

Gifted learners have unique needs that often require special attention and support. As a parent or family member, it can be challenging to understand what giftedness is, what it isn't, and how to best partner with schools to serve them well.

In this workshop, we'll explore the characteristics of gifted children, the myths and misconceptions surrounding giftedness, and practical strategies for nurturing their growth and development. We'll also explore the concept of productive struggle and why it's essential for gifted learners to experience it often.

Finally, we'll talk about how to effectively communicate with schools to advocate for your child's needs and collaborate in their education. You'll leave with a better understanding of how to support your child's strengths and challenges, and how to work together with schools to create an environment that fosters their intellectual and emotional growth.

This session can be adapted for a homeschool audience.

Gifted learners often want to better understand their unique abilities and how they can use them to reach your full potential. They sometimes  struggle with self-doubt or feel like you don't fit in with your peers.  "Gifted and Thriving" is a workshop designed specifically for gifted learners. 

During this workshop, gifted learners will gain a deeper understanding of what giftedness is and isn't, as well as how it can impact their learning and life experiences. Throughout our time together, we will explore topics like self-awareness, resilience, and growth mindset, and learn how to utilize these skills to embrace their giftedness and become a more confident, capable learner.

In addition, we'll address the importance of productive struggle in the learning process, and provide them with tools and strategies for managing the challenges that come with being a gifted learner. We'll explore ways to set realistic goals, work through setbacks, and build resilience in the face of academic and personal challenges.

Through hands-on activities and discussions, gifted learners will have the opportunity to connect with other gifted learners and share their experiences and perspectives. By the end of this workshop, they will have a better understanding of themselves as gifted learners, as well as the tools and skills you need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.

This learning experience can be adapted for homeschool learners.

In this exciting and engaging learning experience for gifted learners, we will explore the power of identifying passions and purpose. Together, we will dive into strategies for identifying interests, developing goals, and finding purpose in their lives. We'll also discuss the importance of making a positive impact on the world around us.

Through hands-on activities and group discussions, learners will gain the skills and confidence needed to identify their passions and purpose. They'll discover how to take their unique strengths and use them to make a difference in the world.

By the end of the workshop, learners will be equipped with the 6 Ps of Genius Hour framework (passion, plan, pitch, project, product, presentation) to help them start their own passion project. This project will allow them to put their new skills and knowledge into practice and make a meaningful impact in their community.

This workshop can also be delivered to youth groups, homeschool groups,  organizations outside of education, and is not exclusive for gifted learners.

Imagine starting a new job or joining a new community and feeling a bit lost in the shuffle. What if you didn’t even know why you were there?  That feeling of uncertainty can dampen the excitement of embarking on a new adventure. That's where gifted onboarding comes in!

Gifted onboarding is about being honest with gifted learners about what giftedness is, what it isn’t, and what they can expect from gifted services. This idea is especially for learners that will be pulled out of their regular classes or served in a different space than their peers.  

When done right and made a priority, gifted onboarding sets the stage for success for gifted learners and their families. It fosters a sense of belonging and ensures that everyone is on the same page.  This small step can provide a big return on your investment as it opens the lines of communication.

So, let's work together to create a gifted learning onboarding experience that will benefit you, your learners, and their families!