Designing for Depth in the Classroom

by Andi McNair

Differentiate your gifted classroom by designing experiences instead of writing lessons plans with Designing for Depth in the A Framework for Purposeful Differentiation .
Addressing the specific needs of countless learners doesn’t have to be overwhelming and unsustainable! In her dynamic new book, Andi McNair guides readers through a fresh mindset and process for designing meaningful experiences that leave learners engaged, empowered, and motivated to move from surface-level learning to deep understanding. Chapters cover topics such as project-based learning, authentic engagement, supporting and encouraging learners in the classroom and beyond, and the many ways to provide depth, with space provided at the end of each chapter for reflection questions and key takeaways.
With practical strategies, advice, and examples imparted in a refreshing conversational tone, this valuable resource is required reading for all educators interested in challenging and exciting their students in a meaningful and manageable way.

162 pages, Paperback

Published December 30, 2022

Reviews

[Donald W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this current role, I am always looking for resources that I can offer other staff members that fall into certain content areas and I liked what she offered us in this book. There was a time in the past that I did not have conversations with staff regarding their caseload being manageable. NOW, I realize that it was an error on my behalf. Administratively we need to always look at what we are asking the teachers to do and ask ourselves "Is this something that has meaning and is it something that can be managed by the staff without beating them down".
I love her analogies, the strategies were practical and the analogies quickly helped me make connections to the point that she was making. She continually referred back to the point of making lessons meaningful and intentional. She wrote in a way that just makes sense.

[Holly Mueller · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some good take-aways from this book. While I think it was too broad of an overview, there are enough resource to delve deeper into specifics that I think it's a valuable book for teachers of gifted students.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The surfing analogy was a bit forced and overused. It became tedious by the end of the book.

It's disappointing that for a book, only a few years old, so many of the suggested links didn't work. Even ones on the author's web page.

[Williamslindsey3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Andi McNair! Working on PD for my gen ed teachers utilizing the content.