Understanding and Nurturing Nonverbal Expressions of Brilliance from STEM to Literacy
July 22, 2024
Understanding and Nurturing Nonverbal Expressions of Brilliance from STEM to Literacy
As teachers, what do we do with the sometimes elusive brilliance of gifted general ability? How do we help students who express their giftedness nonverbally match their ability to their achievement? Nonverbal expressions of brilliance do not imply the absence of words; rather, these expressions can pack words with power and depth through metaphors, visual representations, and matching meaning with our brain’s visuospatial sketchpad. Focusing on visual, experiential, and culturally relevant channels for learning, we will explore methods to generate critical thinking through high interest, creative activities: the visual-language connection, visual inference guides, metaphor analysis and creation, choice, identity, and ownership, cross-curricular physical products, performance and interactive collaboration, authentic assessment, blended learning, and a product-oriented classroom. Yes, that kid IS gifted. Let’s help them show it.