When studying history, third-grade gifted students should receive the opportunity to create a "firsthand source," such as a journal entry or newspaper article that would better explain a particular event. Give students an old journal to use if they would like to give themselves a historical figure's point of view. If students choose to create a newspaper, they should use a large sheet of blank newsprint. Each newspaper should have multiple newspaper articles, political cartoons, photographs and drawings. Encourage students to be creative as they make a firsthand source. When students finish, give them an opportunity to share their work with the class.
Third-grade students will enjoy the freedom involved with this assignment. Incorporate critical reading and writing skills by asking students to become an author for a day. Briefly explain the process of coming up with a plot, writing down ideas and putting those ideas into the format of a book. Encourage students to write a couple of chapters they can read to the class at a later time. Give the students an opportunity to draw inspiration from their own favorite authors before putting their pen to paper.
Every student enjoys having the spotlight occasionally. Explain to the gifted students that they will create a television program for this fun project. They may work together to create a news segment, talk show or game show. Tell students they should write a script in which they discuss a recent scientific discovery. If they prefer to create a game show, they could ask questions taken from future science tests. When students have finished creating a script and practicing their roles, have them act out the program in front of a video camera. Later, have a special viewing complete with popcorn and drinks, allowing both students and parents to watch the show.
Third-grade gifted students will find a wax museum project exciting. Tell students they will each choose a famous historical figure from a selected period. They will then research that character and choose various talking points. Explain that on the day of the museum, visitors will walk through the exhibit and press a button made by each student. The student imitating the historical figure should "magically" come to life sharing some brief facts about their chosen person. When students finish sharing the facts, they should return to a frozen position until the next visitor presses the button. Encourage your students to dress up as their chosen figure on the day of the museum.