In this episode of A Meaningful Mess, Andi discusses the significance of games in gifted education with guests Amanda O'Neil and Bobby Parmann. They explore how games can enhance social-emotional learning, teach life-ready skills, and engage learners in meaningful ways. The conversation includes practical tips for implementing games in the classroom, organizing game materials, and fostering a positive learning environment. Amanda and Bobby also share their favorite games and resources for educators looking to incorporate game-based learning into their teaching practices.

SHOW NOTES:

Keywords

gifted education, games, social-emotional learning, classroom management, life skills, teaching strategies, educational resources, gifted learners, game-based learning, student engagement

Takeaways

Games are crucial for engaging gifted learners.

Play enhances learning and retention significantly.

Social-emotional skills can be developed through games.

Healthy competition fosters growth and learning.

Games provide opportunities for life-ready skills practice.

Organizing games effectively can enhance classroom management.

Students can take ownership of their learning through games.

Incorporating familiar games can ease students into new experiences.

Reflection after games enhances learning and retention.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Gifted Games

04:05 The Importance of Play in Learning

07:15 Benefits of Gifted Games for Learners

10:09 Life-Ready Skills Through Games

13:17 Practical Game: Counting to 20

16:01 Establishing Norms for Game Day

19:09 Organizing Games in the Classroom

21:11 Creative Organization Strategies

22:27 Engaging Games for Gifted Learners

26:48 Implementing Games in the Classroom

30:56 Reflecting on Game Experiences

32:13 Exciting Resources for Teachers

36:02 Introduction to Gifted Onboarding Masterclass

36:29 Understanding Giftedness and Its Importance

🎁 GAMES RESOURCE LIST

Gifted Onboarding Masterclass

Work with Andi 1:1 to utilize purposeful passion projects as a way to identify and serve gifted learners in your classroom or on your campus.

Use the code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount.

Summary

In this episode, Andi discusses the significance of establishing norms for Genius Hour and passion projects in the classroom. She emphasizes the need for clarity and ownership among students, providing a framework for creating effective norms. The episode outlines key norms such as ownership, curiosity, time management, communication, and reflection, and suggests implementing a classroom contract to reinforce these expectations. Andi encourages educators to adapt these norms to fit their unique classroom environments, ultimately aiming to foster meaningful learning experiences for gifted learners.

Keywords

Genius Hour, passion projects, classroom norms, gifted education, student ownership, learning framework, education strategies, project-based learning, reflection, collaboration

Takeaways

Genius Hour is a unique learning experience that requires clear norms.

Establishing norms helps students understand their roles and responsibilities.

Ownership and responsibility are crucial for student engagement.

Curiosity should drive students' project choices and exploration.

Time management is essential for consistent progress on projects.

Communication and collaboration enhance the learning experience.

Reflection is necessary to acknowledge growth and learning.

Creating norms can help maintain focus and direction in projects.

A classroom contract can clarify expectations and roles.

Adapting norms to fit your classroom is key to success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Genius Hour Norms

02:29 The Importance of Norms in Passion Projects

04:43 Creating Effective Norms

11:07 Five Key Classroom Norms

20:31 Implementing a Classroom Contract

Resources

Gifted Onboarding Masterclass and BIG TALK Community

Genius Hour Norms Instagram Post

Genius Hour Classroom Contract/Agreement

In the agreement, I added a safety/appropriateness piece. You are welcome to utilize this agreement as is or as a guide as you create your own agreement for you and your learners.

Genius Hour Learning Guides

In this episode of A Meaningful Mess, Andi McNair discusses the importance of embracing vulnerability and the value of experiences that may not represent our best selves. Through a personal anecdote about a grocery store encounter, she emphasizes that valuable learning can occur even when we feel less than perfect. The conversation encourages educators and gifted learners to reflect on their experiences rather than striving for perfection, fostering a mindset that values growth and learning opportunities.

SHOW NOTES:

Keywords

gifted education, meaningful experiences, passion projects, vulnerability, reflection, learning opportunities, high expectations, risk-taking, educator insights, personal growth

Takeaways

We often think that if something isn't our best, it isn't valuable.

Valuable learning can happen even when we aren't at our best.

Expecting perfection can hinder our willingness to take risks.

Reflection is key to understanding the value of our experiences.

Learning opportunities exist everywhere, not just in our best work.

It's unrealistic to expect anyone to be their best all the time.

Encouraging reflection helps learners grow from their experiences.

Taking risks can lead to unexpected and meaningful connections.

Our best work should not be the only focus in portfolios.

Finding meaning in the mess is essential for growth.

Keywords

education, vocabulary, teaching, learning experiences, classroom ownership, struggle, failure, real world, peer tutoring, thought partnership

Takeaways

Words matter in education; they should convey clear understanding.

Shifting from 'activity' to 'experience' enhances learning impact.

Referring to 'my classroom' as 'our learning space' fosters ownership.

Struggle is an ongoing process, while failure feels final.

School is part of the real world; we should respect that.

Thought partnership is more valuable than peer tutoring.

Language shapes student perceptions and engagement.

Educators should reflect on their vocabulary choices.

Small shifts in language can lead to significant changes in mindset.

2025 is an opportunity for growth in education.

Chapters

00:00 Reconsidering Words in Education

05:05 Shifting Perspectives on Classroom Ownership

07:12 The Importance of Struggle Over Failure

10:26 Rethinking the 'Real World' Concept

12:13 From Peer Tutor to Thought Partner

16:39 New Chapter

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In this episode, Andi McNair discusses the challenges faced by gifted learners when they have to wait for their peers to catch up. Through a personal anecdote about being stuck behind a work convoy, she draws parallels to the experiences of these learners in educational settings. Andi emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the needs of gifted learners by providing meaningful extensions that allow them to engage with the content at their own pace.

In this episode, Andi McNair shares her key takeaways from the NAGC and TAGT Gifted Conferences, highlighting innovative ideas, networking opportunities, and the importance of family involvement in gifted education. She emphasizes the need for play in learning, creative thinking routines, and the long-term vision for gifted education, encouraging educators to engage in meaningful conversations and celebrate achievements.

In this episode, Andi McNair discusses the significance of 'Big Talk' in educational settings, particularly during Genius Hour. She reflects on her experiences at recent conferences and emphasizes the importance of meaningful conversations that go beyond small talk. The episode explores how Big Talk can enhance understanding, support, and encourage learners, while also fostering thought partnerships between educators and students. Andi shares practical questions to facilitate Big Talk and announces the launch of a new community focused on driving change in gifted education.

SHOW NOTES

In this episode, Andi McNair discusses the concept of gifted onboarding, emphasizing its importance in the educational journey of gifted learners. She introduces a structured framework consisting of four pillars: clarity, community, content, and challenge, each essential for effective gifted education. The conversation highlights the need for intentional onboarding processes to ensure gifted learners and their families understand giftedness, feel supported, and are appropriately challenged throughout their educational experience. Andi also shares insights on how to implement these pillars in educational settings and announces an upcoming masterclass for deeper exploration of the gifted onboarding framework.

What is gifted onboarding and how can you make it a priority on your campus or in your district? In this episode, I answer that question as I share why all of us should be making gifted onboarding a priority for gifted learners and their families.