Next Generation Thinkers
1 Follower
Winder, Georgia, United States
About the store
Hi! I'm Tori Gooden, a gifted education teacher with over a decade of experience working with students in grades P-5. As a wife, mom of two girls, and Georgia native, I bring creativity and real-world relevance into my classroom—and my resources.
My materials are inspired by the hands-on, inquiry-based learning I use with my gifted learners, especially in STEAM. I love creating engaging, easy-to-use resources that spark curiosity and challenge young minds.
Thanks for visiting my store—I’m so glad you’re here!
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Exploration and the New World: 3rd Grade Social Studies & Math Integrated Unit
Bring history and math to life with this engaging, cross-curricular unit on the Age of Exploration and Colonial America! Perfect for gifted or advanced learners, this 10-day resource combines social studies content with math skills through hands-on activities, problem-solving, and creative projects. Students will: Explore the motivations and challenges of European explorers (Gold, Glory, God).Compare the New England, Mid-Atlantic, and Southern colonies.Analyze colonial roles and perspectiv
3rd - 5th
Basic Operations, U.S. History
George Washington’s Socks Novel Study & Independent Project
Bring history to life with this engaging independent project for George Washington’s Socks by Elvira Woodruff! Perfect for advanced or gifted 3rd–5th grade readers, this project blends literary analysis, creative thinking, and historical connections as students explore time travel, courage, and the American Revolution. This resource includes: ✅ Chapter-by-chapter comprehension and creative tasks ✅ Historical research and fact-vs-fiction activities ✅ Character development maps and cause/effect or
4th - 5th
Novel Studies, Reading, U.S. History
CCSS
RL.4.1
, RL.4.3
, RL.4.7
+3
Fraction Chef: A Hands-On Fraction Learning Experience
Fraction Chef: A Hands-On Fraction Learning Experience Bring math to life in your classroom with Fraction Chef, an engaging, real-world activity that combines fractions with the fun of cooking! Perfect for 4th grade and upper elementary students, this resource turns abstract fraction concepts into meaningful, interactive experiences. What’s Included: Quick Fraction Review: Reinforce numerator, denominator, and unit fractions.Benchmark Fractions Activities: Use fraction strips, circles, and d
3rd - 5th
Applied Math, Fractions, Numbers
George Washington’s Socks: Central Idea & Supporting Details
Make historical fiction come alive while teaching essential reading skills! This resource, based on George Washington’s Socks, helps students identify central ideas and distinguish supporting details through interactive, text-based activities. What’s Included: Clear Explanation: What is a central idea? How do supporting details support it?Examples & Modeling: Includes sample analysis (e.g., Valley Forge hardships).Interactive Group Activity: Students reread, discuss, and sort details into
3rd - 5th
Novel Studies, Reading, U.S. History
I Survived the American Revolution: Central Idea & Supporting Details
Help students master reading comprehension skills with this engaging resource based on I Survived the American Revolution. Perfect for upper elementary grades, this activity focuses on identifying central ideas and distinguishing supporting details in historical fiction. What’s Included: Clear Explanation: What is a central idea? How do supporting details prove it?Examples from the Text: Includes a sample chapter analysis (e.g., Valley Forge hardships).Interactive Group Activity: Students
3rd - 5th
Literature, Novel Studies, Reading
Have You Ever Wondered? Podcast Project
Spark curiosity and empower student voice with the “Have You Ever Wondered?” Podcast Project! This engaging, inquiry-based unit guides students through the process of researching a self-selected question, scripting a podcast, and recording a three-episode series that showcases their learning. Perfect for gifted learners, enrichment groups, or cross-curricular integration, this project builds research skills, collaboration, writing fluency, and digital literacy—all while giving students a platfor
3rd - 5th
Informational Text, Other (ELA), Speaking & Listening
CCSS
RI.5.2
, RI.5.4
, RI.5.9
+4
I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 – Historical Fiction Novel Study
Bring history to life with this engaging, standards-aligned novel study based on I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 by Lauren Tarshis! Perfect for gifted and upper elementary students, this resource blends literature analysis, historical context, and creative expression to deepen comprehension and critical thinking. What’s Included: Student Booklet or Digital Canva Assignment Printable or assignable via Canva, this interactive packet guides students through the novel with thought-provokin
4th - 5th
Reading Strategies, U.S. History, Visual Arts
CCSS
RI.4.1
, RI.4.2
, RI.4.3
+8
Estimation and Patterns Project
Students will:Explore patterns in multiplication/division of 10s, 100s, and 1000s.Estimate products and quotients using mental math and compatible numbers.Apply math strategies to real-world scenarios.Collaborate, research, and build a physical model of a store.Mini-Lesson Topics: Multiplying/dividing by 10s, 100s, 1000s.Estimating products (e.g., 6 × 398 ≈ 6 × 400).Estimating quotients using compatible numbers (e.g., 432 ÷ 6 ≈ 420 ÷ 6).Mental math strategies (breaking apart numbers, rounding, e
3rd - 5th
Applied Math, Mental Math, Place Value
CCSS
3.NBT.A.1
, 3.NBT.A.2
, 3.NBT.A.3
+5
Inferencing with I Survived the American Revolution
Boost reading comprehension and critical thinking with this engaging inferencing activity based on I Survived the American Revolution. Students will learn how to draw conclusions using text clues and background knowledge while exploring historical fiction. What’s Included: Clear Explanation: What is an inference? Formula: Text Clues + Background Knowledge = Inference.Modeled Example: Demonstrates how to infer character feelings from a passage.Three Text-Based Challenges: ✔ Infer Nathaniel’s
3rd - 5th
Novel Studies, Reading, U.S. History
Inferencing with George Washington’s Socks
Help students strengthen their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills with this inferencing activity based on George Washington’s Socks. Students will learn how to combine text clues with background knowledge to make logical conclusions while exploring historical fiction. What’s Included: Clear Explanation: What is an inference? Formula: Text Clues + Background Knowledge = Inference.Modeled Example: Demonstrates how to infer character feelings from a passage.Three Text-Based Chal
3rd - 5th
Novel Studies, Reading, U.S. History
Farm to Table: A Real World Nutrition and STEAM Project
Bring nutrition to life with this engaging, hands-on Farm to Table Project! Designed to span 5–10 days, this cross-curricular unit guides students through the journey of food from the farm to their plate while exploring MyPlate nutrition, food science, and creative writing. Students will: Explore MyPlate and the five food groupsPlan a balanced meal and identify nutritional benefitsCreate a farm-to-table timeline for one food itemBuild a 3D model of their plateWrite a narrative or informational e
2nd - 4th
Creative Writing, Earth Sciences, Health
Design a Park
Your students will step into the role of city planners and park designers, tasked with creating a brand-new community park that serves families, nature lovers, and fitness enthusiasts alike. Using graph paper, students will: Design a park layout that includes required features.Calculate the area of each feature by multiplying length × width.Determine the perimeter of selected features to understand fencing or border needs.Compare areas to make decisions about space usage and layout efficiency.
3rd - 5th
Basic Operations, Engineering, Measurement
CCSS, NGSS
3.MD.C.5
, 3.MD.C.5a
, 3.MD.C.6
+5
Budget Project: Real World Math
Bring math to life with this engaging Budget Project that challenges students to apply their addition, subtraction, multiplication, and estimation skills in a real-world scenario! Perfect for upper elementary students, this activity guides learners through planning a school event—like a movie night—while staying within a set budget. 💡 What’s Included:A real-world budgeting scenario with a $700 limitCost breakdowns for snacks, tickets, and decorationsGuided discussion questions to spark critical
3rd - 5th
Basic Operations, Mental Math, Money Math
Showing 1-13 of 13 results
About the store
Experience
Hi! I'm Tori Gooden, a gifted education teacher with over a decade of experience working with students in grades P-5. As a wife, mom of two girls, and Georgia native, I bring creativity and real-world relevance into my classroom—and my resources.
My materials are inspired by the hands-on, inquiry-based learning I use with my gifted learners, especially in STEAM. I love creating engaging, easy-to-use resources that spark curiosity and challenge young minds.
Thanks for visiting my store—I’m so glad you’re here!
Teaching style
I believe learning should be hands-on, creative, and student-driven. My teaching style blends inquiry-based learning with real-world connections, especially through STEAM and enrichment activities. I love designing lessons that challenge gifted learners to think deeply, explore freely, and have fun while doing it!
Awards & shining teacher moments
Over the years, I’ve been honored to receive recognition for my dedication to education, including being named Teacher of the Year and receiving the MAX Credit Union Life Changer Award. These moments reflect my passion for creating meaningful learning experiences and building strong connections with students. Whether it’s leading STEAM projects, designing real-world challenges, or watching gifted learners thrive, I’m proud of the joy and growth that happens in my classroom every day.
My own education history
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Georgia College & State University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Piedmont College. My passion for leadership in education led me to earn an Educational Leadership Certificate from Auburn University and an Educational Specialist degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of West Alabama. These experiences have shaped my approach to teaching, curriculum design, and supporting gifted learners.
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