Perhaps as a toddler, your high-potential child was constantly engaged in her surroundings, absorbing information and making unexpected and exciting connections. When she reached school age, she was likely excited to spend all day, every day learning. Then, reality hit. Teachers spent the entire day teaching other students to stand safely in line,…

What parent doesn't hope to give their children "the world," and at the earliest possible age start their journey in becoming responsible global citizens? Through play, children as young as 3 years old can assume active roles in learning important cultural-historical concepts. At home, parents can provide cultural information and…

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…

The author shares that her journey with gifted homeschooling was filled with folly and a slow learning curve. By sharing some of the struggles and insights she faced, the author hopes others will benefit or find solace in knowing they are not alone when their square peg children do not fit into round holes. In this article the author discusses:…

When parents and teachers help gifted kids use the metaphor "learning through different lenses," amazing things happen: Horizons open up. Ideas are focused. Thoughts are magnified and clarified. They see the big picture. Metaphoric thinking offers new and exciting ways to see the world. Viewing the world through different lenses provides…

What should parents of gifted young learners expect to see in the early grades? How can parents be supportive, yet advocate for their child's needs? After 25 years of working with parents of young children, the author offers some candid advice: Be kind, be gentle, and be relentless in the pursuit of challenge for the child. In this article the…

Parents and grandparents are always looking for new ways to engage their kids and grandkids in meaningful, enriching educational activities. While there is evidence that playing games can increase numerical fluency, research also shows that parental involvement outside of school is one of the best predictors of student achievement and that games…

In this article, the author presents pointers for--and perspectives on--pathways to productivity. The following pathways are presented and described: (1) Planning and Preparation; (2) Proper Programming; (3) Play; (4) Pay Attention; (5) Possible Problems; and (6) Practice and Persistence.

Knowledge of English/language arts, mathematics, and the sciences are considered important in the development of gifted children. Familiarity with the arts--music, the visual arts, dance, creative writing, and theatre--is, for many, a more difficult proposition. Budget cutbacks have marginalized the art offerings in numerous school districts…