Parents and teachers may suspect early science talent in children, which frequently manifests itself through insatiable curiosity and an intense interest in one or more areas of science. However, sometimes they struggle with identification and then knowing what to do to nurture these talents. The author of this practical article provides a…

An appropriate education is one that identifies students' educational needs and then provides a curriculum that addresses those needs (Benbow & Stanley, 1996). All students, even those identified as gifted, deserve a personalized education. However, many educators outside gifted education believe that "giftedness" is a fancy label and that gifted…

This article discusses how the exploration of opera with high-ability students can contribute to positive social and emotional development, particularly the development of humane intelligence, by stimulating ethical and moral awareness, making connections with age-old truths of humanity, and providing a powerful genre for self-expression. Teaching…

This article discusses the benefits of student participation in a gifted public relations campaign, including creating public support for gifted programming and developing leadership skills. Steps for developing a formal unit of instruction on public relations are described, along with ideas for public relations activities. (Contains references.)…

This article explores the teacher's role as an advocate for gifted education. It discusses applying the principles of learning to the process of advocacy, including using motivational strategies, scaffolding, and metacognitive skills to advocate. The importance of facilitating the transfer of knowledge is stressed and an advocacy checklist is…

This article describes how teachers combined schoolwide enrichment and differentiated instruction models to design a fifth-grade fantasy literature unit. Small groups explored novels to learn the germane content and genre characteristics and then regrouped to refine and apply what was learned to a variety of open-ended problems. (Contains…

This article discusses how Magnetic Levitation (Maglev) can be taught to gifted students in grades 4-9 using hands-on activities that align to the National Science Standards. Principles of magnetic levitation, advantages of magnetic levitation, construction of a Maglev project, testing and evaluation of vehicles, and presentation of the unit are…

This article explores four variables that can help gifted students learn: (1) time (including using acceleration, curriculum compacting, dual enrollment, multi-age classrooms, self-pacing, pre-assessments, and telescoping); (2) structure (including structuring content, the process, and the environment); (3) support (including using encouragement…

This article discusses the process skills students need to develop a basic scientific understanding, emphasizing the need for creative thinking within these endeavors. It provides examples of activities, using differentiation, which are appropriate for students in kindergarten through second grade and presents a hierarchy of science process…

This article discusses the experiences gifted secondary students have had with pre-Advanced Placement, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate programs. Key traits essential for teachers of the gifted are identified: a high degree of intelligence; extensive knowledge of the subject matter; emotional maturity; and a strong self-concept.…

This article discusses the differences between individuals with Asperger syndrome and gifted individuals. It describes the characteristics of students with Asperger syndrome, including highly literal speech, intensive focus, difficulties in social behavior, and inability to mind read. Characteristics of gifted students with Asperger syndrome are…

This article discusses the characteristics of the gifted reader including above-average ability in key skills, task commitment, and creativity. Underachieving gifted readers, identification procedures for gifted readers, and classroom programming for gifted readers are addressed, and the advantages and disadvantages of enrichment and acceleration…

This article addresses the censorship of reading material and the education of gifted students. It argues that, in order for parents and teachers to nurture gifted children in the market place of ideas, all ideas must be available. Forms of censorship are defined and guidelines for selecting books are provided. (Contains references.) (CR)

The R.I.T.E. method is described, an activity that enables gifted students to use a multifaceted approach to develop the kinds of critical reading skills necessary for constructing meaning as they read an informational text. The steps of the R.I.T.E. method (Read, Interrogate, Tell, and Explore) are outlined. (Contains 6 references.) (CR)

This article discusses survey results indicating teachers are not reading books for pleasure. The benefits of having teachers who know a vast repertoire of literature are discussed, along with strategies for encouraging reading in teacher education programs, including mentioning authors in class discussions and asking students about their favorite…