In this episode of A Meaningful Mess, Andi McNair discusses the importance of providing gifted learners with meaningful work rather than busy work. She emphasizes the need for depth, curiosity, and authenticity in learning experiences, and offers practical strategies for educators to engage gifted learners effectively. The conversation highlights the dangers of busy work and the necessity of fostering a learning environment that encourages exploration and creativity.
🔑 Takeaways
Gifted learners require meaningful work, not just more work.
Busy work can lead to disengagement and apathy in students.
Meaningful work involves depth, curiosity, and authenticity.
Educators should focus on providing open-ended challenges.
Curiosity is essential for gifted learners' engagement.
Shifting from busy work to meaningful tasks benefits all students.
Practical strategies can help educators create meaningful learning experiences.
Using tools like Direction of Depth question cards can enhance learning.
Small changes in teaching can reignite students' curiosity.
Meaningful learning experiences elevate the entire classroom environment.
Resources / Links Mentioned
Classroom Connection
Use one of the ideas from today’s episode to design a meaningful experience for your early finishers next week.
If you’d like to keep exploring this idea, I’d love to invite you into my free community, A Meaningful Mess. Inside, you’ll find exclusive resources and a space where you can continue the conversation beyond the podcast.
In this episode of A Meaningful Mess, Andi McNair discusses the significance of purpose in educational projects in the context of Genius Hour. She introduces the concept of 'purpose buckets' to help learners create meaningful projects that go beyond mere tasks. The conversation emphasizes the importance of connecting curiosity with impact, encouraging educators to guide learners in finding purpose in their work.
🔑 Takeaways
Genius Hour can transform the way students engage with learning.
Purpose is essential for meaningful projects.
Purpose buckets provide a framework for project development.
Projects should evolve and adapt to fit different purposes.
Curiosity combined with impact enhances student engagement.
Educators should encourage students to reflect on their project purpose.
Meaningful projects can lead to deeper learning experiences.
Passion-based learning fosters student ownership of their education.
The energy behind a project can drive student motivation.
Purpose-driven learning can reinvigorate educators' passion for teaching.
Resources / Links Mentioned
Classroom Connection
Consider the purpose buckets and how they might impact Genius Hour in your own classroom. If you aren't implementing Genius Hour yet, what are you waiting for? Let's connect and make it happen!
If you’d like to keep exploring this idea, I’d love to invite you into my free community, A Meaningful Mess. Inside, you’ll find exclusive resources and a space where you can continue the conversation beyond the podcast.
In this episode of A Meaningful Mess podcast, Andi McNair discusses the often-overlooked benefits of Genius Hour for educators. While the focus is typically on student outcomes, Andi emphasizes how this approach can transform teachers' experiences in the classroom. She shares personal anecdotes about her journey with Genius Hour, highlighting the importance of observation, unexpected expertise from students, community connections, and the renewed sense of purpose that can arise from implementing this innovative learning strategy.
🔑 Takeaways
Genius Hour benefits not just students but also teachers.
Observation during Genius Hour provides valuable insights into student learning.
Students can surprise educators with their unexpected expertise.
Community connections enhance the Genius Hour experience.
Genius Hour can reignite a teacher's passion for education.
Teaching should focus on more than just standards and assessments.
Every student has unique talents and skills to offer.
Genius Hour allows students to explore their passions.
Building connections with outside experts can enrich learning.
Creating a supportive community can alleviate the burden on educators.
Resources
Classroom Connection
At the end of the week, reflect on a moment in Genius Hour that reminded you why you teach. Write it on a sticky note and place it somewhere you’ll see when you need encouragement.increase in the amount of big talk happening? Even a small shift can be a powerful sign that your students are learning to go deeper in their thinking and dialogue.
If you’d like to keep exploring this idea, I’d love to invite you into my free community, A Meaningful Mess. Inside, you’ll find exclusive resources and a space where you can continue the conversation beyond the podcast.
In this episode, Andi McNair discusses the complexities of serving gifted learners, using the metaphor of a puzzle to illustrate the importance of integrating content, depth, and skills in education. She emphasizes that while content is essential, it should not overshadow the need for depth and skills, which are crucial for fostering a meaningful learning experience. The episode highlights the Genius Hour framework as a practical application for balancing these elements, ultimately aiming to create a holistic educational approach that nurtures gifted learners' curiosity and well-being.
🔑 Takeaways:
Resources:
Genius Hour: Passion Projects that Ignite Innovation and Student Inquiry
Classroom Connection:
Consider which is heavier within your classroom services...content, depth, or skills? What needs to be prioritized more or less?
If you’d like to keep exploring this idea, I’d love to invite you into my free community, A Meaningful Mess. We will be discussing this episode, in detail, and I'll be sharing additional resources.
In this episode of A Meaningful Mess, Andi McNair explores the concept of 'Big Talk' versus 'Small Talk' in educational settings. She emphasizes the importance of fostering deeper conversations in the classroom to enhance engagement and learning, particularly for gifted learners. The episode provides practical strategies for educators to encourage Big Talk, including the use of layered questions, Socratic seminars, and silent big talk. McNair advocates for creating a culture of curiosity and depth in conversations, ultimately aiming to transform classroom dynamics and student engagement.
🔑 Takeaways
Big talk is essential for deeper learning.
Surface level conversations limit engagement.
Gifted learners thrive on nuanced discussions.
Building trust is key to fostering big talk.
Modeling curiosity encourages student participation.
Follow-up questions deepen conversations.
Layered questions can scaffold big talk.
Socratic seminars provide structured dialogue.
Silent big talk allows for thoughtful processing.
Creating a culture of curiosity enhances learning.
Resources / Links Mentioned
Classroom Connection
This week, try keeping a simple tally in your classroom: notice how often your students engage in small talk (quick, surface-level exchanges) versus big talk (deeper, layered conversations where ideas are explored).
Then, after you’ve tried implementing some of the strategies from this episode, like conversation ladders, Socratic seminars, or silent big talk, run the tally again. Do you notice an increase in the amount of big talk happening? Even a small shift can be a powerful sign that your students are learning to go deeper in their thinking and dialogue.
If you’d like to keep exploring this idea, I’d love to invite you into my free community, A Meaningful Mess. Inside, you’ll find exclusive resources—including a ready-to-use Conversation Ladder—and a space where you can continue the conversation beyond the podcast.
In this episode of A Meaningful Mess, Andi McNair discusses the concept of Genius Hour, a passion-based learning initiative that encourages students to explore their interests. The conversation covers how Genius Hour can be adapted for different grade levels, from elementary to high school, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, confidence, depth, skills, leadership, and impact. Andi provides practical strategies for implementing Genius Hour in the classroom and highlights the significance of tailoring the approach to meet the needs of gifted learners. The episode concludes with a call to action for educators to embrace Genius Hour and its potential to transform student engagement and learning.
Check out the ULTIMATE GENIUS HOUR TOOLKIT. Use the code PODCAST for a special discount.
🔑 Takeaways:
Genius Hour can make school a place where kids want to be.
It's essential to adapt Genius Hour for different grade levels.
Curiosity and confidence are key in elementary education.
Middle school should focus on depth and skills.
High school Genius Hour should emphasize leadership and impact.
Genius Hour can help identify giftedness in students.
Building confidence in asking questions is crucial for learners.
Genius Hour is not just a project; it's a process.
Educators should create a supportive environment for Genius Hour.
Genius Hour can bridge the gap between school and beyond-the-classroom experiences.
Resources:
Genius Hour at Every Grade Level Blog Post
Classroom Connection:
Commit to trying Genius Hour this year. Just get started. Listen to this episode to learn about some of the myths of Genius Hour so that you have a clear understanding before diving in.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Genius Hour
03:45 Implementing Genius Hour in Elementary Education
06:33 Building Confidence and Curiosity in Upper Elementary
09:33 Transitioning to Middle School: Depth and Skills
12:25 High School: Leadership and Impact
15:42 Creating a Bridge to Real-World Applications
18:30 Conclusion and Call to Action
24:49 Embracing Imperfection for Growth
Want more strategies like this? Join our free educator community, A Meaningful Mess, where we dig deeper together.
In this episode of A Meaningful Mess, Andi McNair unpacks why depth matters more than different for gifted learners. She shares practical strategies and guiding questions that help educators move beyond “different work” and instead create opportunities for deeper learning, critical thinking, and lasting engagement.
Read Designing for Depth: A Framework for Purposeful Differentiation
Register for the Designing for Depth Book Study
🔑 Takeaways
🔑 Educators are often overwhelmed with expectations.
🔑 Gifted learners often need depth rather than different tasks.
🔑 Depth allows for critical thinking and complexity.
🔑 Asking questions is crucial for deeper understanding.
🔑 Multiple perspectives enhance learning experiences.
🔑 Reflection is essential for retaining knowledge.
🔑 Speed in learning does not equate to depth.
🔑 Depth can be integrated without redesigning the curriculum.
🔑 Gifted learners thrive when they generate their own questions.
🔑 Depth prepares learners with skills for lifelong learning.
Resources / Links Mentioned
Designing for Depth: A Framework for Differentiation
Classroom Connection
Incorporate these three prompts into a learning experience to encourage deeper thinking without overhauling your curriculum:
What questions can you generate about this concept?
What are different perspectives on this idea?\
What did you learn, and how might you reflect on it?
Want more strategies like this? Join our free educator community, A Meaningful Mess, where we dig deeper together.
What's this episode about?
In this episode of A Meaningful Mess, I dive into the often-overlooked process of gifted onboarding. I explain why helping learners understand the realities of their giftedness is essential and introduces the three Rs, reality, retention, and resilience, that can shape a meaningful and supportive educational experience.
🔑 Takeaways
Gifted onboarding is crucial for helping learners understand what being gifted truly means.
Many gifted students begin programs with misconceptions about giftedness.
Onboarding clarifies expectations and sets the stage for growth.
Retention ensures learners stay engaged and committed over time.
Resilience develops when students recognize that struggle and challenge are part of growth.
Gifted services should offer meaningful challenges—not just more work.
Community connections help students see their value beyond the classroom.
Onboarding should be intentional and ongoing, not a one-time event.
Educators must address misconceptions gifted learners carry.
A supportive environment allows gifted learners to thrive.
Resources
Classroom Connection
At the start of the year, host small-group discussions where gifted learners share what they think “gifted” means. Gently address misconceptions and introduce the idea that being gifted is not about being perfect, it’s about growth, challenge, and using unique strengths meaningfully.
Want more strategies like this? Join our free educator community, A Meaningful Mess, where we dig deeper together.
What's this episode about?
In this milestone episode 100, Andi McNair reflects on the journey of the podcast and emphasizes the importance of supporting gifted learners as they enter a new school year. She outlines five essential needs for gifted learners: challenge that excites, time to explore passions, true connections, permission to be imperfect, and a sense of belonging. Each need is explored in depth, highlighting the importance of creating an engaging and supportive educational environment that fosters growth and development for all students.
🔑 Takeaways
Resources
Classroom Connection
Direction of Depth - When designing an extension for gifted learners, utilize one of the verbs from my Direction of Depth Framework. Check out the blog post HERE.
Call to Action
Want more strategies like this? Join our free educator community, A Meaningful Mess, where we dig deeper together.
In this episode of A Meaningful Mess podcast, Andi McNair and guest Tina Wyman discuss the importance of depth and complexity in education, particularly for gifted learners. They explore the depth and complexity icons, how they can be effectively integrated into classroom practices, and the cognitive growth they promote in students. The conversation emphasizes the need for educators to approach the use of these icons thoughtfully, starting small and building upon them to foster critical thinking and deeper understanding in students. Practical strategies for implementation and the significance of creating a culture of inquiry and engagement in the classroom are also highlighted.
Takeaways
Depth and complexity helps students think like experts.
The icons serve as visual tools for deeper understanding.
Incorporating depth and complexity can transform learning experiences.
Starting small with icons prevents overwhelming students.
The icons encourage critical thinking and metacognition.
Using the icons effectively requires active engagement, not passive learning.
Depth and complexity can be applied across all subjects.
The icons foster empathy and understanding of multiple perspectives.
Project-based learning can integrate depth and complexity seamlessly.
Creating a culture of inquiry enhances student ownership of learning.
Resources
Center for Depth and Complexity
In this episode, I discuss the do's and don'ts of implementing Genius Hour in the classroom. I emphasize the importance of expecting real learning rather than perfection, focusing on the process instead of the product, and supporting students through their struggles. I also highlight the value of embracing uncertainty as a teacher and providing meaningful feedback rather than grades. This conversation is packed with insights and practical advice for educators looking to enhance student engagement and learning through passion projects.
Want to register for the Genius Hour Academy in Waco, Texas this summer? Join me for two days of learning, connecting, and growing. I'd love to see you there! Learn more HERE!
SHOW NOTES:
Takeaways
Don't expect perfection, but do expect real learning.
Focus on the process, not the product.
Support learners as they work through their struggles.
Don't be afraid to say, 'I don't know.'
Do not give grades for Genius Hour projects.
Provide meaningful feedback throughout the process.
Celebrate small wins in student learning.
Real learning is relevant, engaging, active, and lasting.
Genius Hour fosters intrinsic motivation in students.
Join the Genius Hour Academy for hands-on learning opportunities.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Genius Hour
03:29 Expecting Real Learning Over Perfection
06:51 Focusing on Process, Not Product
09:39 Supporting Learners Through Struggles
12:50 Embracing the Unknown Together
15:36 Feedback Over Grades in Genius Hour
18:43 Conclusion and Upcoming Events
23:28 Introduction to A Meaningful Mess
23:50 Engaging with the Audience
24:08 gaming-outro-high-short.wav
How can we give gifted education the main character energy it deserves? In this episode, I’m sharing why bold advocacy, meaningful learning experiences, and student ownership are essential for truly serving gifted learners. I’ll walk you through five practical strategies to elevate gifted education—embracing big talk, celebrating uniqueness, advocating for transformative policies, prioritizing purpose in learning, and empowering students to own their stories. If you’re ready to rethink how we support gifted learners and make a real impact, this episode is for you!
SHOW NOTES:
🔑 Key Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Main Character Energy for Gifted Education
03:52 Embracing Big Talk Over Small Talk
06:45 Celebrating the Uniqueness of Gifted Learners
09:31 Advocating for Bold, Transformative Policies
12:31 Prioritizing Purpose and Passion in Learning
15:30 Empowering Gifted Learners to Own Their Story
26:14 Advocating for Transformative Policies in Gifted Education
27:11 Creating Collaborative School Environments for Gifted Learners
27:53 Introduction to A Meaningful Mess
28:16 Engaging with the Audience
28:33 gaming-outro-high-short.wav
RESOURCES:
This conversation explores the unexpected wins of Genius Hour, highlighting the importance of fostering creativity, executive functioning skills, and community building among learners. Educators share personal stories of student projects that exceeded expectations, the significance of reflection, and the transformative power of allowing learners to pursue their passions. The discussion emphasizes the need for a supportive environment that encourages risk-taking and resilience, ultimately leading to meaningful learning experiences. SHOW NOTES: Key Takeaways Genius Hour fosters creativity and passion in students. Unexpected wins can lead to significant personal growth. Executive functioning skills are crucial for project success. Building community enhances the Genius Hour experience. Encouraging risk-taking helps students develop resilience. Reflection is key to recognizing student growth. Transformative experiences can arise from student-led projects. Students thrive when given a voice in their learning. A structured approach can guide students through projects. Patience and support are essential for student success. Chapters 00:00 Embracing Passion and Skills in Education 01:40 The Power of Executive Functioning 04:41 Unexpected Success Stories in Genius Hour 07:57 Learning Through the Journey 10:34 Encouraging Risk-Taking in Projects 16:11 Transformative Project Ideas 20:22 Fostering a Safe Learning Environment 27:09 Engaging Student Projects and Validation 28:07 Adapting Projects to Meet Community Needs 29:00 Unexpected Turns in Student Projects 31:22 Building Stamina and Resilience in Learning 32:10 The Importance of Check-Ins and Reflection 34:13 Creating Timelines for Project Success 37:15 Reflecting on Learning and Growth 39:00 Empowering Students Through Real-World Projects 42:00 Strategies for Effective Reflection 47:06 The Power of Community and Connection 49:33 Final Thoughts on Implementing Genius Hour Resources: To learn more about Andi's Genius Hour Framework and book, please visit andimcnair.com/geniushour. Special Guests Laura Haselton Catherine Augustine Dyan Branstetter Emily Frady From Laura: Skateboarding Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXKaeyS6AtA&t=5s From Dyan:
Instagram Handle: giftedthinkers_excelResources: To help with inspiration: Kids Do the Most Remarkable Things by Great Big Story: https://youtu.be/or0tspzzI-4?si=QNYlsiwWYk4wMr2b
Teaching Slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1P986nPUAVB25CuNlVbdwyUZ19gD_cSLPjmglVLBt_ns/copy?usp=sharing
Reflection Slides student template: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ngIdXiD4QmHATW64rz-kAA4PFTX0LpS6kC-B2c_8siA/copy?usp=sharing From Emily: The curriculum I mentioned: Encounters with Archetypes: Integrated ELA Lessons for Gifted and Advanced Learners Grades 4-5
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781003234890/encounters-archetypes-tamra-stambaugh-emily-mofield-eric-fecht-kim-knaussI know you've talked about the
6 Thinking Hats: https://www.debonogroup.com/services/core-programs/six-thinking-hats/ Instagram: @emily_frady
In this episode of A Meaningful Mess, Andi discusses the significance of games in gifted education with guests Amanda O'Neil and Bobby Parmann. They explore how games can enhance social-emotional learning, teach life-ready skills, and engage learners in meaningful ways. The conversation includes practical tips for implementing games in the classroom, organizing game materials, and fostering a positive learning environment. Amanda and Bobby also share their favorite games and resources for educators looking to incorporate game-based learning into their teaching practices.
SHOW NOTES:
Keywords
gifted education, games, social-emotional learning, classroom management, life skills, teaching strategies, educational resources, gifted learners, game-based learning, student engagement
Takeaways
Games are crucial for engaging gifted learners.
Play enhances learning and retention significantly.
Social-emotional skills can be developed through games.
Healthy competition fosters growth and learning.
Games provide opportunities for life-ready skills practice.
Organizing games effectively can enhance classroom management.
Students can take ownership of their learning through games.
Incorporating familiar games can ease students into new experiences.
Reflection after games enhances learning and retention.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Gifted Games
04:05 The Importance of Play in Learning
07:15 Benefits of Gifted Games for Learners
10:09 Life-Ready Skills Through Games
13:17 Practical Game: Counting to 20
16:01 Establishing Norms for Game Day
19:09 Organizing Games in the Classroom
21:11 Creative Organization Strategies
22:27 Engaging Games for Gifted Learners
26:48 Implementing Games in the Classroom
30:56 Reflecting on Game Experiences
32:13 Exciting Resources for Teachers
36:02 Introduction to Gifted Onboarding Masterclass
36:29 Understanding Giftedness and Its Importance
Work with Andi 1:1 to utilize purposeful passion projects as a way to identify and serve gifted learners in your classroom or on your campus.
Use the code PODCAST to receive a 10% discount.
Summary
In this episode, Andi discusses the significance of establishing norms for Genius Hour and passion projects in the classroom. She emphasizes the need for clarity and ownership among students, providing a framework for creating effective norms. The episode outlines key norms such as ownership, curiosity, time management, communication, and reflection, and suggests implementing a classroom contract to reinforce these expectations. Andi encourages educators to adapt these norms to fit their unique classroom environments, ultimately aiming to foster meaningful learning experiences for gifted learners.
Keywords
Genius Hour, passion projects, classroom norms, gifted education, student ownership, learning framework, education strategies, project-based learning, reflection, collaboration
Takeaways
Genius Hour is a unique learning experience that requires clear norms.
Establishing norms helps students understand their roles and responsibilities.
Ownership and responsibility are crucial for student engagement.
Curiosity should drive students' project choices and exploration.
Time management is essential for consistent progress on projects.
Communication and collaboration enhance the learning experience.
Reflection is necessary to acknowledge growth and learning.
Creating norms can help maintain focus and direction in projects.
A classroom contract can clarify expectations and roles.
Adapting norms to fit your classroom is key to success.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Genius Hour Norms
02:29 The Importance of Norms in Passion Projects
04:43 Creating Effective Norms
11:07 Five Key Classroom Norms
20:31 Implementing a Classroom Contract
Resources
Gifted Onboarding Masterclass and BIG TALK Community
Genius Hour Norms Instagram Post
Genius Hour Classroom Contract/Agreement
In the agreement, I added a safety/appropriateness piece. You are welcome to utilize this agreement as is or as a guide as you create your own agreement for you and your learners.
In this episode of A Meaningful Mess, Andi McNair discusses the importance of embracing vulnerability and the value of experiences that may not represent our best selves. Through a personal anecdote about a grocery store encounter, she emphasizes that valuable learning can occur even when we feel less than perfect. The conversation encourages educators and gifted learners to reflect on their experiences rather than striving for perfection, fostering a mindset that values growth and learning opportunities.
SHOW NOTES:
Keywords
gifted education, meaningful experiences, passion projects, vulnerability, reflection, learning opportunities, high expectations, risk-taking, educator insights, personal growth
Takeaways
We often think that if something isn't our best, it isn't valuable.
Valuable learning can happen even when we aren't at our best.
Expecting perfection can hinder our willingness to take risks.
Reflection is key to understanding the value of our experiences.
Learning opportunities exist everywhere, not just in our best work.
It's unrealistic to expect anyone to be their best all the time.
Encouraging reflection helps learners grow from their experiences.
Taking risks can lead to unexpected and meaningful connections.
Our best work should not be the only focus in portfolios.
Finding meaning in the mess is essential for growth.
Keywords
education, vocabulary, teaching, learning experiences, classroom ownership, struggle, failure, real world, peer tutoring, thought partnership
Takeaways
Words matter in education; they should convey clear understanding.
Shifting from 'activity' to 'experience' enhances learning impact.
Referring to 'my classroom' as 'our learning space' fosters ownership.
Struggle is an ongoing process, while failure feels final.
School is part of the real world; we should respect that.
Thought partnership is more valuable than peer tutoring.
Language shapes student perceptions and engagement.
Educators should reflect on their vocabulary choices.
Small shifts in language can lead to significant changes in mindset.
2025 is an opportunity for growth in education.
Chapters
00:00 Reconsidering Words in Education
05:05 Shifting Perspectives on Classroom Ownership
07:12 The Importance of Struggle Over Failure
10:26 Rethinking the 'Real World' Concept
12:13 From Peer Tutor to Thought Partner
16:39 New Chapter
Share your wrong word HERE!
In this episode, Andi McNair discusses the challenges faced by gifted learners when they have to wait for their peers to catch up. Through a personal anecdote about being stuck behind a work convoy, she draws parallels to the experiences of these learners in educational settings. Andi emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the needs of gifted learners by providing meaningful extensions that allow them to engage with the content at their own pace.
In this episode, Andi McNair shares her key takeaways from the NAGC and TAGT Gifted Conferences, highlighting innovative ideas, networking opportunities, and the importance of family involvement in gifted education. She emphasizes the need for play in learning, creative thinking routines, and the long-term vision for gifted education, encouraging educators to engage in meaningful conversations and celebrate achievements.
In this episode, Andi McNair discusses the significance of 'Big Talk' in educational settings, particularly during Genius Hour. She reflects on her experiences at recent conferences and emphasizes the importance of meaningful conversations that go beyond small talk. The episode explores how Big Talk can enhance understanding, support, and encourage learners, while also fostering thought partnerships between educators and students. Andi shares practical questions to facilitate Big Talk and announces the launch of a new community focused on driving change in gifted education.
