The Swot Shop secret to success
Most advice provided for teachers assumes that a gifted student is part of a class with students of mixed ability. At The Swot Shop, our classes consist of children who would most likely rank intellectually in the top 20%. Students are placed with other students who would be at the same academic level but not necessarily of the same age or grade. This means that there is very little difference in ability within the classroom and that the activities set are appropriate for everyone.
This does of course not mean that all students will be alike in other ways. Some will be quiet and shy while others like to publicly display their talents. The difference in ages will also influence social and emotional development.
Given the range of school grades in a Swot Shop class and given that schools introduce new concepts and syllabus material at different times, our teachers review any required curriculum skills or facts before beginning a Swot Shop activity.
They will also watch out for students new to The Swot Shop as these students will not be accustomed to the competition sometimes exhibited by their fellow classmates. It is important to assist these children to adapt to the fact that at The Swot Shop they will not necessarily be the top student as they often are in their school class. This can be a difficult transition.
Many bright students like to be the first to finish an activity and to announce this feat to their fellow classmates! We try to remind students that accuracy is more important than speed. On the other hand, we also come across students who suffer from extreme perfectionism and need to be supported and hurried along somewhat.
Gifted learners process concepts quickly and are capable of making complex connections. It is therefore important that each lesson moves at a pace which ensures that students do not become bored and frustrated.
Maths
Gifted students are never enthusiastic about being forced to answer multiple questions created using the same identical format. They thrive on a challenge which provides variety.
In our Maths Talent classes we attempt to steer clear of supplying formulae and recipes as these do not provide an understanding of mathematical concepts. The use of varied educational equipment can assist in developing these concepts and provide variety in a lesson. As an example of this approach, at The Swot Shop we may ask young children to calculate the area of a shape using grid paper rather than applying a mathematical formula.
Some students will have solved a problem using a technique completely different from the one provided by the teacher. In our classes, these students will be encouraged to explain their method to the rest of the class on the whiteboard. Unlike a standard textbook, The Swot Shop provides maths questions with multiple answers, one answer or no answers.
English
Stories, drama scripts and poems have been chosen for our lessons so that the content provides a challenge to students’ comprehension, vocabulary and understanding. Frequently, the passages provide information which adds to the student’s knowledge.
Improving writing skills is a crucial element in the development of all students. Gifted students should create a plan for their piece and share this with fellow students as it is important for them to be exposed to the ideas of other bright children.
Whatever the lesson, when it comes to educating gifted children, the key is to always provide a stimulating and supportive environment that nurtures the students’ exceptional abilities. This is what parents can expect in a Swot Shop class and why gifted students enjoy taking part in our classes.
