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Gifted Guild's Guide to Depth and Complexity: Finding Your Way Through the Framework
The Definitive Guide to Depth and Complexity After successfully using the framework themselves, writing about it on their websites, and facilitating hundreds of hours of training, Ian Byrd and Lisa Van Gemert are bringing you an approachable, comprehensive guide to Depth and Complexity. In it, Ian and Lisa share 27 bite-sized chapters that will help • Show educators exactly how the framework works in a real, live classroom
• Teach you what you need to know about all aspects of the framework
• Address special situations, like working with early elementary grades and planning
• Take you further in your Depth and Complexity practice than you ever thought possible You will gain a deep understanding By the end of The Gifted Guild’s Guide to Depth and Complexity, you will understand the framework, how it fits in your classroom, what parts you may wish to ignore, how to change what you don’t like about how you’re currently using it, and why it’s the tool you need to blow the ceiling off of your classroom.
• Teach you what you need to know about all aspects of the framework
• Address special situations, like working with early elementary grades and planning
• Take you further in your Depth and Complexity practice than you ever thought possible You will gain a deep understanding By the end of The Gifted Guild’s Guide to Depth and Complexity, you will understand the framework, how it fits in your classroom, what parts you may wish to ignore, how to change what you don’t like about how you’re currently using it, and why it’s the tool you need to blow the ceiling off of your classroom.
- GenresEducationNonfiction
368 pages, Paperback
Published October 16, 2019
52 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 29, 2021
This is an excellent resource for educators wanting to implement the Depth and Complexity framework in the classroom. It is straightforward reading and gives lots of examples of situations when using the different prompts would make sense as well as good suggestions for introducing the prompts to students. The framework is not complicated, but it has lots of nuances and possibilities I wouldn't have likely tapped into without reading this book. It is and excellent resource.
June 7, 2020
I have used depth and complexity prompts for several years, so I had a basic knowledge of these and was ready to do better. This was the perfect guide to help make that happen. I loved the straightforward text, the "this, not that" sections (and I recognized a lot here!), and the many examples for use. I am now prepared to do better in the fall!
March 20, 2022
This is a great read for teachers of every grade level and every content area (especially good for gifted students). I found this book helpful in augmenting the learning in my classes, it has helped me create activities, have a general theme in my class, and make amazing questions. I will certainly be using this book as a reference for years to come.
March 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️ — Not the best, but not the worst
I read this book as part of a book study for my gifted service provider hours. I had heard of some of the Elements previously in a professional development session, but I never implemented them into my class.
I like the first half of this book that describes all the Elements of depth and complexity that can be implemented into any subject. This book gives specific examples which helped me picture how it would look if I were to use them.
I don’t like the idea of having to “introduce” all of the Elements at the beginning of the year along with an activity. Teachers just don’t have time for that. So I would take the approach of changing my questioning to include the Elements.
The second half of the book, I basically skimmed because I don’t fully understand the idea of using the frameworks. I also thought they were going way too deep with trying to build upon the Elements. At that point it just feels like a checklist of things that need to be used even if they don’t make sense.
I would recommend this book if you are not already familiar with the Elements of Depth and Complexity. The book gives plenty of resources for you to get started on using them with your students!
I read this book as part of a book study for my gifted service provider hours. I had heard of some of the Elements previously in a professional development session, but I never implemented them into my class.
I like the first half of this book that describes all the Elements of depth and complexity that can be implemented into any subject. This book gives specific examples which helped me picture how it would look if I were to use them.
I don’t like the idea of having to “introduce” all of the Elements at the beginning of the year along with an activity. Teachers just don’t have time for that. So I would take the approach of changing my questioning to include the Elements.
The second half of the book, I basically skimmed because I don’t fully understand the idea of using the frameworks. I also thought they were going way too deep with trying to build upon the Elements. At that point it just feels like a checklist of things that need to be used even if they don’t make sense.
I would recommend this book if you are not already familiar with the Elements of Depth and Complexity. The book gives plenty of resources for you to get started on using them with your students!
November 5, 2020
Absolutely incredible. A must-read for ANYONE looking to implement Depth and Complexity into their lessons. Each section clearly communicates the purpose and use of each element and content imperative, along with strategies for implementation. Highly recommend.
November 21, 2020
This book is a must read for GT teachers! The explanations of how to teach depth and complexity to students as well as the plethora of examples is awesome! This is simple to use, but you get so much for your students!
September 19, 2021
Great overview with lots of specifics to help start implementing right away. The structure is repetitive which made my eyes blur on the first read but I think is really helpful for making it a resource I can easily consult for regular reference.
January 9, 2022
I am a huge fan of Ian Byrd and Lisa Van Gemert and the contributions they make to gifted education. Their explanation and practical ways of using the Depth and Complexity Framework is super usable for teachers. I plan on using it for professional development!
September 1, 2022
I love this book because everything in it is central to just-good-teaching. If new teachers could be trained in Depth & Complexity, we’d have an educational revolution. This book is not just for teachers of gifted students - it’s for every teacher who wants to improve their teaching.
December 4, 2023
This is an excellent guide for getting started with the Depth and Complexity Icons. Easy to read, great suggestions, and a wide variety of options for all levels of classrooms. If you're looking for something to enhance your teaching and get the students thinking again, this is the book for you!
July 15, 2021
LOVE this!! Great examples and non examples as well as practical classroom applications! A must for GT teachers and classroom teachers alike!
August 25, 2022
Excellent practical advice for GIS and classroom teachers. Depth and Complexity is a useful framework for students and teachers alike!
October 23, 2023
I really like the example stems for each icon.
December 6, 2024
As far as PD books go, this is a good one.
It doesn't read like a textbook. I can tell this was written by people who are actually using these practices.
It doesn't read like a textbook. I can tell this was written by people who are actually using these practices.
January 16, 2022
No words to describe the utter sense of wasted time and madness in reading this dribble. ACK!!!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews