Shared experiences through school-hosted events, such as family literacy events, can afford opportunities to support and extend academic learning while fostering positive home-school relationships. This article describes the importance of developing primary-grade students' literacy skills through a talent development lens and explains several ways…

The first part of this article considers the challenge of supporting pupils to write creatively about the natural world. It examines a text by a gifted young writer: "Diary of a Young Naturalist" by Dara McAnulty. It asks what the challenges might be for pupils who may be motivated to model their writing on McAnulty's, but have limited…

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,…

This article begins with vignettes that demonstrate how talent potential can (and does) manifest differently in different children. While some children display talent in one or more academic fields, other children demonstrate creative, intellectual, or artistic aptitudes. Regardless of their field or domain of talent, all children can benefit from…

Kenyan parents want their children to have an education that will maximize their full potential, and they are prepared to make tremendous sacrifices to ensure their children get that education. However, the best schools cost far more than most families can afford, and even the most humble local schools require parents to pay for school fees,…

This paper begins a discussion of the importance of moments of inspiration, or as they are commonly called "mountain top experiences", in the development of the Self, as defined by Annemarie Roeper. In considering the spiritual nature of gifted children, a long overdue discussion, the concept of Self or self-awareness is often reflected…

The Parallel Curriculum Model (PCM) lends itself to considering curriculum development from different angles. It begins with a solid Core Curriculum and can then be extended through the Curriculum of Connections, Practice, and Identity. This article showcases a way of thinking about the creation of a PCM unit by providing examples from an…

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…

This paper presents a number of general principles and guidelines for the development of an emotional intelligence training program designed to foster emotional abilities in gifted students. The presented guidelines underscore the need for EI theory-driven program planning geared to the needs of gifted students; integrating activities into routine…

Summer vacation is right around the corner! However, just as quickly as summer approaches, it also passes in the blink of an eye. This time of year, both parents and teachers face the same dilemma: Should high-ability kids stay busy with summer projects, courses, sports, camps, and travel...or should they be allowed to completely unplug with no…

The need for a shared vision concerning exemplary curricula for academically advanced learners must be a priority in the field of education. With the advent of the Common Core State Standards adoption in many states, a new conversation has been ignited over meeting the needs of students with gifts and talents for whom the "standard"…

Author Lori Flint, has a PhD in educational psychology/ gifted and creative education and is a board member for the North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented. She advocates for students of all ages and abilities, especially the underdogs. She begins this article with a discussion of the origins of creativity in the world of education…

Individuals with spatial strengths have preferences for visual ideation, holistic reasoning, and innovation. With the emphasis on verbal skills, American schools rarely provide opportunities for children to excel in these areas. Standardized assessments used to judge achievement do not value reflective thinking and innovation; therefore, students…

"Using the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts With Gifted and Advanced Learners" provides teachers and administrators examples and strategies to implement the new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) with advanced learners at all stages of development in K-12 schools. The book describes--and demonstrates with specific examples…

School and life achievement patterns for girls and women differ from those of boys and men. While girls have made dramatic progress in school, they need to be inspired to connect to lifelong achievement. Both research and clinical work at the Ohio-based Family Achievement Clinic find that more boys than girls underachieve in school. There is much…