Introduction

Encounters with Archetypes integrate the study of archetypes with the concept of encounters. Students will read and analyze fictional and informational texts, speeches, and visual media as they learn about character, situational, and symbolic archetypes, and discuss how encounters in stories are similar to and different from encounters in their own lives. The accelerated content is necessary so that gifted students have the opportunity to gain new English language arts content knowledge at a pace and level that are appropriate for their learning needs. The activities included provide hands-on or thought-provoking ideas that support or solidify student learning. Students need opportunities to build upon their interests, strengths, and curiosity in ways that expose them to new ideas and allow them to extend their learning. Gifted students are a heterogeneous group and their ability levels, pace of learning, interests, and depth of understanding vary.