Friday, August 10, 2012

Celebrating Global Connections during the #IWG12


I have come across several wonderful posts for the International Week of the Gifted 2012 Blog Tour (#IWG12). This tour has provided me with insights into what’s going on in gifted education around the world from folks who are dedicated to advocating for this very unique learner population. I almost feel like the guest who is a bit tardy to the party, but nonetheless would love to jump in by sharing the importance of connecting our children on a global scale.

Over my short career as a gifted education teacher, I have found that technology has opened our classroom and our minds. It has allowed my students to see themselves beyond their homes, communities, and even country. It has exposed them to life models, who much like themselves, have faced some challenges but have succeeded.  But more importantly, technology has allowed my students to connect, learn, and share with other children like them.  This communication and collaboration is crucial if we are to prepare today’s 21st Century learners into tomorrow’s leaders. If you currently serve or work with gifted learners, I strongly encourage you to start making these connections! There is no right or wrong tool or even approach to make this happen. 

To celebrate my gifted students, I am sharing our adventures in connecting with the world through this video. I hope you enjoy it and welcome you to join us and other gifted classrooms around the world! 



This post was written as part of the International Week of the Gifted 2012 Blog Tour. Here is a short list of a few of my favorite posts from this blog tour. You can also follow conversations and check out more posts by using the Twitter hashtag #IWG12. 

The Quirky Child & The Soul of Giftedness via Gifted Parenting Support (USA) 
International Week of the Gifted 2012 #IWG12 via Ingennios Illuminare (Mexico) 
Why Gifted Kids Should be Sponges Not Spongers via Gifted Chatter (New Zealand)
International Week of the Gifted 2012 via SO(bre)S(alientes) (Mexico) 
Be Creative with the Dabrowski Dogs via Gifted Resources (Australia) 
Great Ideas from Kiwi Kids via Creating Curriculum for Gifted Children (New Zealand)