How to Sneak Gifted Strategies into Gen Ed Classrooms

Let’s be real: as gifted specialists, we often wish we had more influence over what happens in the general education classroom. After all, our gifted learners spend the majority of their day there. And while most gen ed teachers want to support all their students, they’re also managing a thousand competing demands—often without any gifted-specific training.

So how do we bridge the gap?

We do it gently. We do it strategically. And yes, sometimes we sneak those gifted strategies in through the side door.

Here are four practical, relationship-centered ways to help gen ed teachers differentiate for your gifted learners—without making it feel like one more thing on their plate.

1. Gift Them an Early Finisher Folder 📂

This is the easiest, most effective entry point. Gen ed teachers are always looking for something worthwhile for early finishers. Let’s make sure what they’re offering actually helps our gifted kids grow.

Here’s how to do it:

• Curate 5–10 open-ended, creative tasks that work across subjects and grade levels.

• Include logic puzzles, “design a solution” prompts, creative writing starters, or “teach it to a younger student” challenges.

• Print them, organize them in a cute folder, and label it something fun like “Bonus Brain Work” or “Fast Finisher Fun.”

• Hand-deliver it with a sticky note: “Thought these might help your early finishers stay challenged—feel free to use or tweak however you like!”

• Provide the same information digitally

✨ Pro tip: Use your digital Tech Tool & Template Hub to offer easy tech-based versions too.

2. Offer One ‘Level-Up’ Task Per Unit

No teacher needs more on their to-do list. That’s why “just differentiate it” can fall flat.

Instead, make it doable by suggesting one simple, higher-level extension per unit. Just one.

Here’s what that might look like:

• Reading: “Create a sequel where the main character makes a different choice.”

• Math: “Find a real-world scenario where this math concept applies and solve it.”

• Science: “Design a hands-on experiment to test this at home using common materials.”

Keep the tone light: “This could be fun for your high flyers if they need a little more.” And if possible—give it to them already formatted and ready to go.

3. Be Their Differentiation Wing Person 🤝

Most gen ed teachers aren’t resistant to differentiation—they’re just exhausted.

That’s where you come in. Be the teammate who quietly drops gold in their inbox before they even know they need it.

Here’s how to help:

• Hear they’re teaching ecosystems? Share a choice board with extension ideas.

• Spot a math lesson on the schedule? Offer an optional project or real-life application.

• Suggest a simple tech tool like Flip or Padlet for students who want to take their learning further.

Frame it as support, not suggestion: “Here’s something I used last year that might work with your class—totally optional!”

4. Celebrate What’s Already Working 🥳

Genuine encouragement goes a long way. When a gen ed teacher tries something that supports gifted learners—even unintentionally—point it out!

Say things like:

• “That independent research time was awesome for my advanced kids—they were so engaged!”

• “Your lesson really stretched them today. I love how you framed that question.”

Bonus: drop a handwritten note or shout them out (sincerely!) in a team meeting.

The more we spotlight what’s working, the more confident and motivated our colleagues feel to try again.

The Bottom Line: Small Moves Spark Big Change

You don’t have to lead a PD or write a policy to influence what happens in the gen ed room.

Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is quietly offer support, sprinkle in resources, and celebrate your colleagues as they try something new.

So… which strategy are you going to try this week?

🎁 Grab your Early Finisher Challenge Folder or share your favorite “gifted-friendly” extension with a teammate today. You never know whose teaching journey you might change—one small shift at a time.