Critical Thinkers Club: Summer Camp of Math & Word Challenges for Gifted Minds

In this 4-week summer camp, gifted and twice-exceptional learners will dive into a variety of high-interest thinking challenges designed to stretch their minds in fun, engaging ways. Each week will focus on a different type of reasoning—word play, mathematical logic, pattern recognition, and creative problem-solving—offering learners the chance to think critically, collaborate, and create.

This class is intentionally designed for gifted and neurodiverse learners who enjoy exploring ideas deeply, noticing patterns, and solving challenges that don’t always have one right answer. Activities are open-ended, visual, and flexible, with opportunities to share thinking aloud or work independently.

Weekly Topics:

Week 1 – Word Wizardry & Language Logic:
Students will explore analogies, riddles, vocabulary twists, and word-based logic puzzles.

Week 2 – Number Sleuths & Math Mysteries:
Learners will engage with number patterns, estimation standoffs, and problem-solving puzzles that build quantitative reasoning.

Week 3 – Logic & Lateral Thinking Lab:
This session features grid-based logic, visual puzzles, and open-ended thinking games that require reasoning beyond the obvious.

Week 4 – The Mastermind Challenge:
Students will face multi-step thinking tasks that integrate word, number, and logic challenges. They’ll also design a short challenge of their own to stump the group (optional and fun!).

Class Structure & Teaching Style:
Each 50-minute class will include a brief warm-up activity, interactive instruction using slides or shared visuals, hands-on challenge time, and group discussion to reflect on strategies. Learners will interact with me and each other throughout the session through guided prompts, think-alouds, and breakout-style collaboration.

I take a responsive, strengths-based approach rooted in my 12+ years as a gifted specialist. Students will be encouraged to take intellectual risks, celebrate unique solutions, and grow their creative confidence in a supportive, neurodiversity-affirming environment.