There is a myth that some people are creative and others are not. However, all children are born creative. They love to explore, ask questions, and are incredibly imaginative. Parents are key in nurturing their child's creativity in the early years. This article offers resources and strategies parents can use at different ages and stages (newborn,…

Precocity in the very young should be a valid topic of discussion in parental and educational circles, yet too frequently those conversations are slow to occur or are absent altogether. Many parents and educators remain silent about raising and nurturing precocious preschoolers, and author Leigh Ann Fish believe that the silence is due to a lack…

Schools seem firmly rooted in the emphasis on computational mastery, and seldom seem to have time to develop other areas of mathematical thinking, such as real-world problem solving and the application of mathematical concepts. All too often, children seem to do well in math in the early grades because they easily memorize the facts and the…

Sometimes it's not easy for highly creative children to "comply" with a regular curriculum, even at the preschool age. They are wired to explore, experiment, build, imagine, and create. If forced at a young age into a diet heavy on rote learning and directed work, they may struggle. It's not that these children can't do the work, it's…

Many gifted preschoolers are self-taught readers. This was confirmed by more than 200 parents in a 2011 study at Oregon State University focusing on young children's reading experiences. The purpose of the study was to determine how parents of gifted children and gifted students perceived the children's learning-to-read process, their early school…

Some gifted children suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs a child's functioning. For a diagnosis of ADHD, children under the age of 17 must display at least six symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity in at least two different settings (school and home, for example),…

The passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in December 2015 is an exciting development for parents, teachers, school leaders, and others who believe U.S. schools should meet the needs of high-ability students. The ESSA revised and reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), previously known as the No Child…

Unfortunately, there are many students that feel "stupid" in classrooms all around the country. They know they are gifted, but their ADHD and co-occurring conditions can make them feel isolated and alone. This is hard not only for the children, but for the parents who may feel powerless in helping their child know how special he or she…

Today's youth are connected across the street and across the globe in a web of communication like no other generation before. Generation Z, also known as Centennials, are considered "mobile-natives" and are even more technologically savvy then their Millennial predecessors. Nearly three-quarters of children own or have access to a…

"Twice-exceptional," also referred to as "2e," is a term used to describe gifted children who have the characteristics of gifted students and give evidence of one or more disabilities as defined by federal or state eligibility criteria. These disabilities may include specific learning disabilities (SpLD), speech and language…

There are many ways families can incorporate well-being practices into family life. Concerns over grades, getting homework completed, and managing busy schedules can be overwhelming for parents and children. In addition to making plans for their child's educational goals, parents should consider setting well-being goals to create a happy and…

For many children, their artistic gifts may not be apparent until opportunity or exposure provides a spark. That's why parents and caregivers must understand the many ways they can ignite sparks, nurture artistic talents, and provide opportunities for gifted children to explore the arts. In many communities, opportunities outside of school abound.…

Many parents and teachers are not aware that specific ingredients (such as communicating clearly, providing constructive feedback, setting goals, conducting self-assessments, and accepting failure) are required at home "and" school to help gifted students succeed. Following are ways parents can support their child's teacher in building…

When students earn good grades and high praise without having to make much effort, they may not learn the values and skills needed in order to be productive, caring citizens who contribute positively to the world. Some of the most important concepts for a successful life may not be taught to gifted children early in life because they are not…

Parents may gain insights from scholarly research on giftedness that can assist them in making key decisions affecting the education, future, and well-being of their child. The article looks at studies that focus on parents of gifted children and some of the issues they encounter. The research addresses such issues as: (1) Parents' role in talent…