1st Edition
Challenging Common Core Language Arts Lessons Activities and Extensions for Gifted and Advanced Learners in Grade 4
This book, from the Center for Gifted Education at William & Mary, provides gifted and advanced learners challenging activities to master and engage with the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts through four mini units. Each mini unit is packed with activities that enrich and extend grade-level ELA content for grade 4. Included texts have messages and characters that are developmentally suitable for students. Through higher order reasoning questions, resulting discussions, and student-created products associated with these texts, gifted and advanced students' needs are met while still maintaining messages and characters to which students can relate. Students will be exposed to themes such as improvement, change, nature and the human spirit, and struggle. Each theme was chosen with advanced fourth-grade students in mind and their emerging need to learn more about themselves, their world, and how to work through adversity to accomplish their goals.
Grade 4
Biography
The Center for Gifted Education at The College of William and Mary, a research and development center, was established in 1988 under the direction of Dr. Joyce VanTassel-Baska. The center provides services to educators, policy makers, graduate students, researchers, parents, and students in support of the needs of gifted and talented individuals. Located in Williamsburg, VA, the center has established a national reputation for excellence in research, curriculum development, and service. Several major grants, including funding from the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act, have provided significant support for the work of the Center.
I would recommend this book specifically to teachers of gifted students, from third to fifth grade, depending on the levels and needs of the students. The book and units meet the requirements of gifted education by providing units that are rigorous, challenging so students can learn beyond grade-level concepts and skills, and provide an opportunity for students to produce “high-end” work that is meaningful and meets the Standards. You will be pleased with the results.,Linda Biondi,MiddleWeb, 9/15/16
