Encounters with Archetypes: Integrated Ela Lessons for Gifted and Advanced Learners in Grades 4-5

Encounters With Archetypes integrates the study of archetypes with the concept of encounters. This unit, developed by Vanderbilt University's Programs for Talented Youth, is aligned to the Common Core State Standards and features accelerated content, creative products, differentiated tasks, engaging activities, and the use of in-depth analysis models to develop sophisticated skills in the language arts.

Through the lens of encounter, students will examine the patterns, symbols, and motifs associated with common archetypes by analyzing fictional and informational texts, speeches, and visual media. Students will follow various archetype encounters with conflicts and challenges to explore questions such as "How do archetypes reflect the human experience?" and "How do archetypes reveal human strengths and weaknesses?"

Ideal for gifted classrooms or gifted pull-out groups, the unit features texts from Sandra Cisneros, Louis Untermeyer, Rudyard Kipling, Emily Dickinson, and Maya Angelou; biographies of Oprah Winfrey, Mother Teresa, Jackie Robinson, Sally Ride, and Lin-Manuel Miranda; a speech from President Ronald Reagan; a novel study featuring Wonder by R. J. Palacio and/or Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan; and art from Pieter Bruegel.

Grades 4-5

Tamra Stambaugh, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of Programs for Talented Youth and an Assistant Research Professor in Special Educaton at Vanderbilt University, Peabody College.

Emily Mofield, Ed.D., is an assistant professor in the College of Education at Lipscomb University. Her background includes 15 years experience teaching gifted students and leading gifted services.

Eric Fecht, Ed.D., is an educational consultant for Vanderbilt Programs for Talented Youth. He supports a number of programs and special projects, including the Reading Academy at Vanderbilt.

Kim Knauss currently serves as a gifted education middle school CLUE (Creative Learning in a Unique Environment) teacher for grades 6-8 for the Shelby County, TN, school system.