Support for gifted pupils
A gifted pupil does not just need more tasks. He needs the opportunity to think more deeply, look for his own paths, connect connections and work on challenges that correspond to his abilities and interests.
At Maple Bear Brno, we therefore monitor not only the results, but also the way the pupil thinks, what questions he asks, how quickly he acquires new knowledge and in which areas he shows extraordinary curiosity or creativity.
Talent may not be visible at first glance
Talent does not manifest itself in the same way in all pupils. Some quickly understand new principles, others come up with unusual solutions, have an extraordinary vocabulary or can concentrate on a topic that interests them for a long time.
Some gifted pupils can be very efficient, others become bored, lose motivation or do not show their potential in teaching at all due to the lack of challenges. Therefore, it is important to observe pupils in the long term and respond to their real needs.
Pathways to deeper and more meaningful learning
Challenge instead of repetition
If a pupil understands the subject matter, he or she does not automatically receive more of the same exercises. We offer him more challenging questions, open tasks and space to look for more possible solutions.
Depth instead of rush
The goal is not just to progress faster. Pupils can explore the topic from different angles, look for connections, verify information and use knowledge in new situations.
Self-interest as motivation
Where possible, we give pupils space to focus on topics that really interest them. They learn to plan progress, work with resources and present the result to others.
How we support gifted pupils in teaching
Teachers adapt the difficulty of the tasks, the level of support and the way of working to what a particular pupil needs. Differentiation can mean a more complex assignment, a greater degree of independence, working with an open question or the possibility of connecting several educational areas.
Pupils engage in research and project activities, solve problem tasks and learn to defend their ideas. It is not only the correct result that is important to us, but also the quality of thinking and the ability to explain one’s own procedure.
Tools for supporting gifted pupils
Differentiated tasks
Different difficulty, scope of support or method of solution according to the current needs of the pupil.
Opportunity
to ask questions, work with resources, verify one's own hypotheses and look for connections.
Open problem problems
Assignments that do not have only one predetermined procedure and support logical and creative thinking.
Independent work and choice
Pupils learn to plan, make decisions and take responsibility for a reasonably demanding task.
Continuous feedback
The teacher helps the pupil to identify strengths, other goals and areas in which they can improve.
Development activities outside of regular teaching
The offer also includes a club focused on logical and strategic games, problem problems, research activities and creative search for solutions.
Support is not just about performance
Gifted pupils may be significantly ahead in some areas, but their social and emotional development may not progress at the same pace. Some place high demands on themselves, find it difficult to accept a mistake or need help to join a group.
That is why we monitor not only academic development, but also the motivation, relationships and overall well-being of the pupil. We want them to develop their skills in a healthy way, enjoy discovery, and not feel like they have to be the best at everything.
Cooperation with family and experts
We talk to parents about the progress and needs of the pupil and together we look for appropriate next steps. Depending on the situation, teachers also cooperate with the school counselling centre and possibly with other experts.
Parents can find more information about the functioning of the school counselling centre and the services provided in the Counselling section.
A gifted pupil should not just wait for others in the classroom
Our goal is for each pupil to be given an appropriate challenge. Therefore, we offer gifted pupils opportunities to go more deeply, create, explore and work more independently. At the same time, they remain part of the classroom, learn to cooperate and share their skills with others.