Giftedness+ – Giftedness and Gifted Ed in Disney Shows

    $314.15

    “Research tells us that representation matters. Who better to analyze representation of gifted/2e people in media and how gifted education is portrayed than those most directly affected by it?” ~ Prof. Donna and El the Reptile Overlord

    Enrollment

    Available

    This course is co-taught by Junior Instructor: El the Reptile Overlord

    Step 1: Register Your Student

    Step 2: Enroll Your Registered Student

    Giftedness+
    InstructorProf. Donna Metler
    Content LevelsGrades 6-7 • Middle School
    Grades 7-8 • Junior High
    Course Length16 Weeks
    Live Webinars Held OnFridays, 9:00 - 9:50 AM Pacific – 1/24/25 - 5/17/25

    Everyone’s related to characters, but how well do they line up with real experiences? This class will discuss gifted traits and gifted education options as expressed in Disney shows, such as Recess, Phineas and Ferb, A.N.T. Farm and many, many others.

    Each week will focus on a specific aspect of the gifted experience or gifted education, using one or more episodes or movies available on Disney+/Hulu (Hulu content is all available as single episode purchases if you are not a subscriber) or freely available online.

    We’ll discuss the accuracy or inaccuracy of these presentations, how media contributes to the way giftedness and twice exceptionality is viewed in society, and how media can be used to build understanding. Throughout the semester, we’ll work on exploring educational accommodations, culminating in writing an educational plan for a fictional character of your choice or creation.

    Note to Parents:

    Media selected will be at the G, PG, or PG-13 or TV-Y, TV-Y7 TV-G, or TV-PG levels  and will be flagged as to language or other content warnings so that you can choose appropriateness for your child or pre-screen. There will always be multiple options available.

    What to expect in the Required section in the classroom each week:

    • One or two forums.
    • Work on a semester-long project every week with a final presentation.

    What to expect in the Highly Suggested & Optional sections in the classroom each week:

    • Curated resources, including websites & videos, are provided to excite learners and to add depth to the subject matter.

    What to expect during the weekly webinar:

    • Weekly webinars are 50 minutes long. Webinars are recorded and are available for students with schedule conflicts.
    • Primary instruction and guided discussions are provided during live webinars.
    • Active Participation (via the microphone and chat) in online class discussions.

    Before taking this course, students should be able to: 

    • Read at a solid 5th-grade level or above.
    • Write a paragraph independently.
    • Combine multiple assignments into a final presentation.

    Students should be willing to:

    • Be prepared for the webinar.
    • Actively participate (via the microphone and chat) in the class discussion.
    • Respond with positive and encouraging comments on their classmates’ posts in the classroom forums.

    Required books & materials:

    • Videos for discussion will be available on Disney+ / Hulu or freely available online. If your family does not have a streaming subscription, episodes are available as single purchases.