Magic in the Middle: Hands-On Challenges That Create Joy for Middle School Gifted Learners - Softcover

LaFollette, Jessica

Softcover

ISBN 10: 104110863X ISBN 13: 9781041108634

Publisher: Routledge, 2026

Synopsis

Magic in the Middle is your ultimate guide to creating a classroom filled with curiosity, collaboration, and creativity for gifted middle school learners!

Grounded in current research and enriched by years of hands-on classroom experience, this book provides 20 ready-to-use, practical lesson plans for gifted and high-ability learners. Each lesson is thoughtfully crafted to be culturally responsive, aligned with national gifted education standards, and adaptable to diverse learning needs. Centered around the theme of “middle school magic”, every chapter is a transformative blend of movement, mystery, mingling, and made-to-order differentiation. These activities empower educators to move beyond screen-based learning, fostering active problem-solving, meaningful collaboration, and creative exploration.

Whether you’re looking to spark joy, curiosity, or deeper intellectual engagement, Magic in the Middle equips educators at all career stages with the tools they need to balance academic rigor with the excitement of discovery. Visit www.routledge.com/9781041108634 for digital support resources and video teaching examples from the author!

About this title

About the Author

Jessica L. LaFollette teaches gifted middle school students in Kansas City and graduate students at the University of Missouri. She is passionate about critical thinking and creativity in the classroom.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 104110863X
• ISBN 13: 9781041108634
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 172