In addition to these programs and techniques, fieldtrips present terrific opportunities to cultivate imaginative minds. These can range from in-house field trips, virtual field trips, and guest visitors to off campus fieldtrips. Teachers can design activities to coincide with the fieldtrip that promote creative thinking. For example, Visiting a Museum is an activity designed for a class fieldtrip to a museum that is based on the elements of creativity (analysis, elaboration, fluency, originality, evaluation, flexibility, compare and contrast).
In addition to school fieldtrips, many local museums, colleges, and universities offer Saturday outreach programs for gifted students. Encourage parents to check out these and other programs that are available through their community. Gifted students can participate in mentorships in areas of interest, get involved in the local community charities and outreach programs that will provide an opportunity to use the creative process outside of school.
In Summary
As a new teacher of the gifted, do not feel that you have to do everything suggested during this week. Try one or two, and as you gain confidence and experience, try another. Explore the websites linked in the course content and in the Resource section, read the recommended books, and reach out to other teachers who use these strategies or have experience with the programs. Know your students and begin to research the best programs for their particular needs. Although these programs have been designed with the gifted student in mind, they require a great deal of thought, cooperation and creative thinking for a successful result. Pace yourself and do a few of the suggested activities over the school year. Look to your gifted students for your direction. See what it is that drives them and makes them want to learn.