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Gifted Children: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Introvert
Contrary to what most people think, an introvert is not simply a person who is shy. In fact, being shy has little to do with being an introvert!
Extrovert
Most people believe that an extrovert is a person who is friendly and outgoing. While that may be true, that is not the true meaning of extroversion.
Meaning of IQ Test Scores
Your child takes an IQ test. You get the scores back. What do they mean? A child's IQ score, or Intelligence Quotient, provides an indication of his or her reasoning ability. The Intelligence Quotient is basically a person's mental age divided by his or her chronological age.
Traits of Gifted Children
To the trained eye, it can be fairly easy to spot a gifted child. Even to the not-so-trained eye of a parent, it's easy to notice that a child is not quite like other children. However, parents often question what those differences mean. They know their child is smart, but gifted? Looking at a list of gifted traits or characteristics is a quick first step in determining whether a child is gifted.
Intrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic motivation refers to motivation that comes from inside an individual rather than from any external or outside rewards, such as money or grades.
Extrinsic Motivation
Extrinsic motivation refers to motivation that comes from factors outside an individual. The motivating factors are external, or outside, rewards such as money or grades.
Is My Child Gifted?
"Is my child gifted?" That is a question many parents ask. Parents looking for an answer to that question need to consider several different factors.
Intelligence
We all talk about intelligence, but what exactly is it? Simply put, it is the ability to learn.
Gifted Child at a Glance
Describing a gifted child is difficult because not everyone defines "gifted" the same way. Nevertheless, it is possible to provide a general description of typical gifted children.
Problems of Gifted Kids
The characteristics of gifted children often lead to social and emotional problems that can affect their emotional and social development. To understand your gifted child completely, it's a good idea to see how your child's giftedness can influence his or her behavior.
Gifted Traits in a Young Child
How old does a child have to be before he or she exhibits characteristics of giftedness? Gifted traits show up in toddlers. In fact, some of them can be seen even in infants!
Overexcitabilities
Gifted children are often described as intense. Polish psychologist Kazimierz Dabrowski identified five of these intensities, which he called "overexcitabilities" or "supersensitivities."
Testing Gifted Children
When parents first realize that their child might be gifted, they wonder about testing. Should I get my child tested? Where can I go for gifted testing? Does it matter who does the testing? How much does it cost?
Developmental Milestones
The advanced development of gifted children is easier for parents and others to understand if they are familiar with typical childhood development.
Top Toys for Gifted Toddlers
Like all gifted children, gifted toddlers need plenty of intellectual stimulation. They also need opportunities to exercise their imaginations and to learn about and explore the world. These toys will provide your toddler with those opportunities and stimulate intellectual development.
Top Ten Toys for Gifted Kids
Gifted children can quickly tire of the typical children's toy. They need toys that challenge them to think and hold their interest. The games and toys here are ten of the best for gifted children. They are truly smart toys for smart kids!
IQ
People talk about IQ all the time, but what exactly is an IQ? The term IQ stands for "Intelligence Quotient," and refers to a person's cognitive ability.
Coping with Intense Emotions
Many gifted children are extremely sensitive. They seem to take everything to heart and get extremely upset by words and deeds that other children can ignore or get over quickly. How can parents help their emotionally sensitive children cope with these intense emotions?
Building Sets for Gifted Kids
Many gifted children love to build various kinds of structures. They may start out building towers out of simple wooden blocks, and progress to building complex structures from houses, boats and cars to structures that exist only in their imaginations. Give your gifted child a chance to stretch his or her imagination with a variety of construction sets. Here are ten of the best!
Gifted Kids and Language
One characteristic of gifted children is advanced language ability, which means these children reach developmental milestones relating to language earlier than developmental charts would indicate. This means that gifted children tend to talk earlier, have larger vocabularies, and use longer sentences than non-gifted children.
Gifted Children - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Gifted Children guide site.
Asynchronous Development
More and more people refer to gifted children as having asynchronous development. What exactly does that mean? Asynchronous development is the uneven development of the cognitive, physical, and emotional domains.
Good Gifted Programs
Whether your child is already in school or about to start, you will want to evaluate what your child's school has to offer. In order to do that, you need criteria. The elements described here are the elements of a good gifted program. Use them as criteria for evaluating any school you are considering for your child.
Find a Tester for Your Child
You think your child may be gifted, but you aren't sure. Or maybe you know your child is gifted, but you're having trouble convincing the school. In either case, you want to have your child tested, but you aren't sure how to get your child tested. Where do you go? Who should do the testing?
Make Snow Globes
Almost everyone enjoys snow globes. Why not have your child create a unique snow globe that reflects his or her interests and obsessions? How about a snow globe with a dinosaur?
Definitions of "Gifted"
Defining what it means to be gifted is extremely difficult. Numerous definitions have been suggested, but none of them seem to capture the essence of giftedness in a way that satisfies everyone. Defining what it means to be gifted is extremely difficult. Numerous definitions have been suggested, but none of them seem to capture the essence of giftedness in a way that satisfies everyone.
Dual Exceptionalities
Characteristics of giftedness that are similar to those of another condition like ADHD can cause gifted children to be misdiagnosed. Asking certain questions can help parents and others determine whether a child is gifted, has ADHD, or both.
Motivating Gifted Children
Parents of gifted children are often surprised and dismayed when the children underachieve in school. Learning disabilities in gifted children can sometimes lead to underachievement, but quite often it is simply a lack of motivation. What can parents do to motivate their gifted children?
Self-Contained Classroom
A self-contained classroom is one in which the students share similar academic requirements.
Arguing with Gifted Children
Gifted children, especially the verbally gifted ones, are often compared to lawyers: they argue as if they are in court. The case they are usually arguing is their own. They argue about rules, about punishment, discipline, bedtime, dinner. Basically, they'll argue about nearly anything they don't like or they want to avoid. Although they can make excellent arguments, it's important for parents to make sure they remain in charge.
Signs of Giftedness in Infants
Can infants show signs of being gifted? What are those signs?
Understanding Underachievement
Parents of gifted children are often surprised and dismayed when their children underachieve in school. The key to helping an underachiever succeed is understanding the causes of underachievement.
Gifted Babies
When do signs of giftedness first appear? Some people believe giftedness first becomes apparent sometime after a child starts school. However, it is actually possible to recognize giftedness even in infants.
Emotional Overexcitability
The emotional overexcitability is one of Dabrowski's supersensitivities common in gifted children.
Top Ten Games for Gifted Kids
Gifted children enjoy many of the same games, like Monopoly, that other children enjoy. However, their love of learning and need for challenge means that they will enjoy games where they can learn, show off their knowledge, and be challenged. Here are ten great games for gifted children.
Early Entry into Kindergarten?
Gifted children are often ready to begin school at age 4, but most of the time laws require children to wait until they are at least 5. Schools can usually waive the requirement, but they tend to discourage early entry. Is early entry into school a good idea for gifted children?
Help Your Gifted Child Sleep
A commonly noted characteristic of gifted children is their need for less sleep than other children. What is not so commonly noted, but commonly occurs, is the difficulty many gifted children have getting to sleep.
Inattentiveness of Gifted Kids
A common myth of gifted children is that they are eager and attentive students. The truth is that they are often inattentive and appear to be distracted.
Uneven Gifted Development
One very frustrating aspect of parenting a gifted child is their uneven development, known as asynchronous development. It is frustrating and sometimes confusing for parents because these children don't always act their age - their chronological age.
Quick Test for Giftedness
You don't know what to make of your child. His behavior is puzzling and frustrating. Sometimes you wonder if he has ADHD, ODD, OCD, sensory integration disorder, or some other disorder or syndrome. You wonder if he has a learning disability. Or maybe, you think, he is lazy and irresponsible. Maybe, however, your child is gifted. Find out in this simple test of giftedness.
Top Ten Books for Gifted Kids
Some books are just so perfect for gifted children they can't be passed up. Here is a list with ten of the best.
Gifted Kids and Homework
The last thing most parents of gifted children think their kids will have problems with is homework. Unfortunately, homework problems are among the most common problems parents have to deal with. While learning disabilities can account for some of the problems gifted children have with homework, they don’t account for all or even most of the problems. The main homework problem among gifted children is that they simply don’t do it. What can parents do to solve the homework problem?
Homogeneous Grouping
Homogeneous grouping is a method of placing students in various classrooms.
Cartoons for Gifted Kids
Gifted children enjoy animated movies as much as other children do, but the one they like best are the ones that feature the characteristics they admire like loyalty, honor, friendship and courage. Here are ten of the best animated movies for gifted children.
Bossiness in Gifted Children
No child is perfect and most parents know their child is no exception. One fairly common fault of gifted children is bossiness. This fault can be rather puzzling to parents when it exists in a child who is otherwise sensitive to the needs of others.
Psychomotor Overexcitability
The psychomotor overexcitability is one of Dabrowski's supersensitivities common in gifted children.
Heterogeneous Grouping
Heterogeneous grouping is a method of placing students in various classrooms.
Do Abilities Even Out?
One of the obstacles parents of gifted children encounter when trying to get more appropriate learning materials and instruction for their children in school is the argument that “everything evens out by third grade.” They are told that although their children are advanced in kindergarten or first grade, by third grade the other children will have caught up. Is that true? Do Abilities Even Out in Third Grade?
Summer Camps for Gifted Kids
Gifted children love to learn and that love of learning doesn't stop during the summer months. Luckily, parents can send their children to summer camps meant especially for gifted children or, because of their special focus, appeal to gifted children.
Intellectual Overexcitability
The intellectual overexcitability is one of Dabrowski's supersensitivities common in gifted children.
Ways to Nurture Gifted Kids
"Is my child gifted?" That is the question asked most often by parents of gifted children. After that question, the most frequently asked question is "How do I nurture my gifted child?" Here are five simple answers to that question.
Video Games and Gifted Kids
Are video games bad for children? Not necessarily. In fact, video games can have some definite benefits. Gifted children often find game play intellectually stimulating and educational.
How to Nurture a Gifted Kid
Finding out your child is gifted inevitably leads to the question of what to do about it. Some parents worry that they will do the wrong things or that they aren't smart, talented, or educated enough to provide what their child needs. However, all it really takes is a little understanding and creativity.
Test Ceilings
IQ test scores of gifted children are not always accurate because of test ceilings, sometimes called the ceiling effect. What exactly is a ceiling effect? What is the definition of a test ceiling?
Top Ten Toys for Gifted Babies
Signs of giftedness appear early, as early as infancy. Like all gifted children, gifted babies need stimulation, both sensual and mental. These toys will provide your infant with the stimulation he or she needs.
Things Gifted Kids Do and Say
If you're the parent of a gifted child, your child enjoys playing, argues with siblings, and resists completing chores, just like any other kid. However, there are some things gifted kids do and say that you are pretty sure other kids don't say and do.
FAQ - Gifted Program Score?
Your child has been denied entry into your school's gifted program because his or her test score wasn't high enough. Does the school have the right cut-off score? Find out in this FAQ.
Pretend Toys for Gifted Kids
Gifted children love to use their brains and exercise their imaginations. Whether your child is one with a highly developed imagination or needs to be encouraged to use his or her imagination, these toys are sure to be a big hit.
Science Toys for Gifted Kids
If you're like the parents of many gifted kids, you've got at least one shelf (or closet) full of toys your child lost interest in -- or had no interest in to begin with. Stop filling those shelves and closets and get your child some toys they'll love. Toys that fit into that group of toys are those that allow children to explore science.
Shy or Introverted?
People often mistake introversion for shyness, but they are different. What is the difference between these two traits?
State Gifted Associations
Find a state or organization or association for parents and teachers of gifted children.
Talking with the Teacher
All children, even gifted children, can encounter problems in school. When this happens, the child's success can be helped or hampered by the relationship between the child's teacher and parents. Learn how to discuss school issues with your child's teacher in ways that can help your child.
All About Introverts
Contrary to popular opinion, introverts are not asocial, nor are they friendless loners who lack social skills. They simply have different social needs and preferences.
Little Adults
We’ve all heard of child-like adults, adults who have the heart and spirit of children. Gifted kids are the opposite; they are adult-like children, who often seem to think and act like adults. More importantly, they sometimes feel like adults. This feeling can lead to frustration for both the gifted child and the adults around them.
Sensual Overexcitability
The sensual overexcitability is one of Dabrowski's supersensitivities common in gifted children.
Should You Homeschool?
Gifted children do not always find school challenging enough for them. Parents will often try to supplement school work with additional learning activities at home, but eventually they wonder if homeschooling might not be the best option. Parents who are considering homeschooling should take some time to think about the decision and what is required.
Buying Toys for Gifted Kids
How often do parents see what they think is the perfect game or toy for their gifted child only to find that the child is less than enthusiastic? Or maybe the child is excited about the new toy, but the excitement fades after a few hours of play. Buying toys for gifted kids can be tricky. Learning to apply the appropriate criteria will allow parents to buy smart toys for their smart kids!
Cooperative Learning
Cooperative learning is a method of instruction that has students working together in groups, usually with the goal of completing a specific task.
Imaginational Overexcitability
The imaginational overexcitability is one of Dabrowski's supersensitivities common in gifted children.
Traits of Introverts
Do you worry because your child has few friends, is quiet, and is not outgoing? Are you always encouraging your child to make new friends, talk to the other kids and spend less time alone? All parents worry about their children, but if your child is an introvert, you may be worrying unnecessarily.
Challenging Gifted Toddlers
Parents of gifted toddlers and preschoolers worry that their children may be bored and wonder what they should do about it. The fact is that gifted toddlers are usually very easy to keep challenged, stimulated, and always learning.
Books on Parenting Gifted Kids
Parents of gifted children soon discover that most books on parenting don't seem to apply to their children. These parents need books specifically about parenting gifted children. Here are ten of the best books available. They range from beginner books with basic information to more detailed books. Some focus more on school issues, while others focus more on personal issues. One is even directed at grandparents of gifted kids! The more parents read, the better they will understand their kids.
Movies for Gifted Kids
What child doesn't enjoy watching a good movie? Gifted children are certainly aren't any different, but some movies may be more appealing to them than other movies. Here are ten good movies for gifted kids.
What is Underachievement?
Underachievement occurs when a child's performance is below what is expected based on the child's ability.
Liking Your Gifted Child
One of the most common pieces of advice parents get is to love their children unconditionally. However, that's not always enough. Sometimes what we need to let our children know that we not only love them, we also like them.
Are All Children Gifted?
Well, notice that everyone-is-gifted never initiates a conversation. No one comes up to you in the lobby and says, "By the way, I think everyone is gifted!" Everyone-is-gifted is always a response. It occurs during a conversation when someone has been discussing giftedness, and a look of discomfort spreads over another person s face, and then we hear the inexorable words: "Well, I think everyone is gifted in their own way."
Verbally Gifted
The term verbally gifted is used to refer to children who have strong language skills.
Pull-Out Program
A pull-out program is one in which gifted children are taken out of their classroom for one or more hours a week and given additional instruction.
Underachieving Gifted Students
There is perhaps no situation more frustrating for parents or teachers than living or working with children who do not perform as well academically as their potential indicates they can. These children are labeled as underachievers, yet few people agree on exactly what this term means.
Language Learning
Language learning is natural. Babies are born with the ability to learn it and that learning begins at birth. All children, no matter what language their parents speak, learn language much the same way. This learning takes place in three basic stages.
Bright or Gifted?
The number one question asked by parents of advanced children is whether their child is gifted or "just" bright. They also may question whether their child is gifted if he or she is not excelling in school. How can we understand the difference between high achievers and gifted children? Or are they the same?
Hothouse Children
Hothouse children are children whose parents push them into learning more quickly and earlier than is appropriate for the cognitive age of the children.
Understanding Gifted Children - Chart Comparing High Achievers, Gifted Learners, or Creative Thinkers
The number one question asked by parents of advanced children is whether their child is gifted or 'just' bright. They also may question whether their child is gifted if he or she is not excelling in school. Here is a chart that can help parents understand the differences, not only between high achievers and gifted children, and also between gifted and creative learners.
Tell Teacher Kid is Gifted?
When summer winds down and school is about to start, parents of gifted children begin to wonder whether they should say anything to the teacher about their child's abilities or wait and see if the teacher recognizes the abilities on his or her own. What's the best approach?
Calming Gifted Kids Fears
Gifted children may have wonderfully vivid imaginations, but those vivid imaginations can lead to some pretty intense fears. What can be done to calm those fears?
Gifted Teens and Career Choice
Many gifted teens worry about the future because they are interested in so many subjects and think that every one of them as a potential career. They may become stressed as they wonder what career path to follow. They may have a hard time choosing a college because they can't decide on a major, or they may switch majors often once they get to college because everything is interesting and they can't make up their minds. If your gifted teen has trouble focusing on a career, how can you help?
Existential Depression
Existential depression occurs when one confronts issues of existence such as life, death, disease, and freedom.
Snow Painting
Snow painting is a great winter activity for kids. It is a unique way to nurture artistic talent or introduce kids to the joy of artistic creation.
Breaks from School
Sometimes the stress of going to school every day gets to be too much for gifted kids. They want to learn and can get frustrated and even depressed when they aren't able to do that in school. If you notice your child suffering from school, consider a Mental Health Day.
Differentiation
Teachers often use differentiation in order to accommodate the needs of gifted children. It allows teachers to provide a faster-paced and more in-depth instruction for gifted children by altering the lessons created for the majority of children in the classroom.
Holiday Activities for Kids
Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hannukah, it's always fun to bake cookies or engage in other holiday activities with your children. Here are some great ways for you to spend time during the holiday season with your children. If you're busy, you can find some activities, like coloring or online games, for your children to do on their own.
Gifted Moral Development
Polish psychologist Kazimierz Dabrowski devised the only existing theory of moral development. Like theories of physical or intellectual development, this theory is comprised of progressive levels of moral development. Although it has five levels, few people make it past the third level. Some people, in fact, are stuck between levels three and four and are mistakenly identified as neurotic.
Gifted Children and NCLB
The No Child Left Behind law was enacted to improve education in the United States. Too many children were not learning and would not be able to meet basic proficiency requirements. Many people believe NLCB is helping, but how does this law affect gifted children?
Buying Books for Gifted Kids
What's the best way to choose a book for a gifted child? Learn the criteria to consider when trying to make a good choice.
Ability Grouping
Ability grouping is a method for grouping children within a classroom.
Globally Gifted
The term globally gifted is used to refer to children who are evenly gifted, or gifted in all or most areas, usually in both math and verbal.
Giftedness-Nature or Nurture?
Many people believe that it is possible to create a gifted child by providing the right instruction and nurturing. Is it really possible to create a gifted child? Or are gifted children simply born that way?
Premature Birth and Giftedness
Evaluating the development of a preemie who is also a gifted child can be difficult. For one thing, even though signs of giftedness can be seen in infants, those signs will probably not appear until quite some time after the baby's birth. In addition, because preemies often experience developmental delays, the signs can be even harder to spot.
How to Throw a Science Party
Does your child love science? Why not throw a science birthday party? It satisfies gifted children's love of learning as well their desire to have fun at a party!
Gifted in Math
The term mathematically gifted is used to refer to children who have strong math skills.
Gifted Stress
Almost everyone needs help managing the stress in their lives, even children. Gifted children, possibly more than most, need help because they are so often intensely sensitive. Here are ways to help gifted kids manage the stress in their lives.
Gifted Child Portfolio
It is sometimes difficult for parents of gifted children to get their child's academic needs met. Keeping a portfolio of your child's work that illustrates his or her abilities can help.
Gifted Kids - Nurture or Push?
Parents of gifted children often feel an almost overwhelming sense of responsibility after learning their child is gifted. They want to be sure they are doing everything they should be doing to nurture and support their children, yet they worry that they might be pushing their children.
Fall Fun
Fall is a beautiful time of year. It is also a great time for kids to learn some science, spend time with the family, and have other kinds of fun!
Boredom and Misbehavior
Does your child misbehave in school? It could be that he or she is bored.
Unconventional Occupations
Gifted teens are often seen as misfits, kids who are different, who march to the beat of a different drummer. So why should we try to force them into restrictive occupations; that is, occupations that require conformity? Instead, parents might want to help their gifted teens explore unconventional occupations.
Is It a Cheetah?
Gifted children are not always high achievers. In fact, underachievement among gifted children is a serious problem. But is an underachieving gifted child any less gifted than one who achieves? Stephanie Tolan answers this question in her article "Is It a Cheetah?"
Help for Fussy Gifted Babies
Even in infancy gifted children need mental stimulation. It's not always hard to provide it.
Kindergarten Language Arts
What will children learn about reading and writing in kindergarten? What are they expected to know at the end of the kindergarten year? While the goals may vary somewhat from state to state, there are some typical expectations.
Gifted Kids - - Less Sleep?
Moms of infants and toddlers often look forward to their kids' naptime since it's a time for them to rest or get some work done. Some children, though, don't seem to take naps. In fact, they don't seem to need much sleep.
Recycle Old Jigsaw Puzzles
Gifted children love jigsaw puzzles. They also love a challenge, so when the puzzles become too easy, the children lose interest. Don't throw those old puzzles away, though! Renew your children's interest in those old puzzles with these tricks.
Cheap Fun for Gifted Kids
When we are on a tight budget, it can be hard to find interesting and challenging summer fun for kids, perhaps especially for our gifted children who may get bored easily. However, with a little thought and sometimes just a little planning, we can find plenty of activities. Here are just a few suggestions for summer fun.
Nurturing Young Gifted Kids
A common problem parents of young gifted children face is trying to convince educators that their child needs more challenging work. Educators often believe that these kids are too emotionally immature to be advanced when the kids are simply displaying typical uneven development.
Talking About Giftedness
Parents often wonder if they should tell their children they are gifted. They are afraid that their children might become conceited and develop socialization problems. The truth is, gifted children often already have socialization problems and learning about giftedness can help them.
Getting Gifted Kid's Attention
Gifted kids often seem to be in their own little worlds. They can be so engrossed in an activity or thought that they seem to be unaware of the world around them. If this sounds like your child, you are no doubt frequently frustrated. However, there are some tricks you can use to help your child pay attention and keep you from getting frustrated.
Ways to Foster Creativity
Academically gifted children, those whose exceptional abilities are in school subjects like language and math, are generally the focus of gifted programming in schools. What about creatively gifted children? What can be done to foster the creativity of these children?
Cluster Grouping
Cluster grouping is one method schools use to meet the academic needs of gifted children.
Summer Programs for Gifted
Summer programs are not only fun for gifted children, they can also provide the challenge these kids need; they can nurture the children's interests or introduce them to new ones; and they can give the kids a much needed opportunity to spend time with other gifted children. But how can you find those programs and how do you know which programs are good for your child?
Gifted Children - Articles
An index of articles for the Gifted Children guide site.
Dual Exceptionality
Children with dual exceptionalities are those who are gifted and also have some type of disability.
Gifted Children and Space Camp
The universe is a fascinating topic for many gifted children. These children learning about our solar system as well as the Milky Way and other galaxies. They may be intrigued by the constellations and love to gaze at the stars. Space Camp is an ideal place for children who love outer space and children as young as seven can attend.
Gifted Children - Profiles
An index of Profiles for the Gifted Children guide site.
Nurturing or Pushing?
Parents are rightfully proud of their child's abilities and talents. They are also right to provide opportunities that will nurture those abilities and talents. But when does nurturing become pushing?
Fostering the Love of Reading
Some gifted children have already begun to read by the time they are two years old. What can parents do to foster and encourage this ability? Here are some easy and inexpensive activities to have fun with an early reader. They can be used with older children as well.
Guide To Gifted Children
Book Review: A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children. Parents of gifted children, like many parents, look for parenting books to help them understand their children and be the best parents they can be. This book is one of the best available for parents of gifted children.
Gifted Kids Volunteering
Many gifted children are exceptionally sensitive. They are sensitive to the way they are treated, but also to the way others are treated. Their heightened sensitivity can lead to existential despression. They may feel overwhelmed by a sense of hopelessness and helplessness. Volunteering to help others is a good way for them to see that even one person can make a difference.
Gifted Parenting Polls
How do your views and opinions match up with those of other parents of gifted children? Find out by taking one or more of the polls. These polls range from questions about ADHD to supersensitivities to wish lists for teachers.
Hyperlexia
Hyperlexia is a syndrome characterized by an intense fascination with letters or numbers and an advanced reading ability. It is one of the disorders on the autism spectrum.
Private Schools for Gifted Kid
When gifted kids aren't being challenged in the public school system, their parents may look to private schools as an alternative. But which private schools offer good programs for gifted kids?
Mensa
You've no doubt heard of Mensa, but do you know what the organization actually is? Is it no more than people with high IQs and big egos? This description gives you the answer.
Visit the Library
Parents of gifted children are always looking for ways to nurture their children's abilities and feed their need for intellectual challenge and stimulation. One free resource is frequently overlooked -- the local library. Here's how to make the most of visits to the library.
Gift Wrapping for Gifted Kids
Why spend money on expensive wrapping paper for gifts when your gifted children can create their own? All you need are some plain paper and some crayons, paint, or colored pencils, and any other art supplies you'd like. Whether your gifted child is artistic or not, this is a great way to encourage a child's artistic expression.
Taking Things Apart
Does your child seem to be more interested in taking things apart than in putting them together? Do you feel you have to hide all your mechanical possessions to keep them from being taken apart?
Never-Ending Questions
Why? Why? Why? Why? Trying to answer the never-ending questions a gifted child asks can be exhausting and frustrating. Fortunately, there are some strategies that can help.
Literacy Skills
What are literacy skills? They are all the skills children need to be able to read and write.
Gifted Kids and College
Whether your gifted child is an underachiever or a perfectionist with straight A's, he or she will need to know what to do to prepare for college. This article will provide a basic understanding of what kids need to focus on as well as what colleges are looking for.
Kindergarten Math
What will children learn about numbers and math in kindergarten? What are they expected to know at the end of the kindergarten year? While the goals may vary somewhat from state to state, there are some typical expectations.
FAQ - Stop Worry About Death?
Some gifted children seem preoccupied with death and dying and getquite upset when they think about it. What can you do to comfort them and help them understand?
Family Fun Nights
These days it seems that everyone is busy, even kids. If your family members seem to be going in different directions all the time, you might want to set aside some time every week or so for special family fun nights. Here are some ideas for those special nights that your family will enjoy -- even if your family members don't have super busy schedules.
New Year's for Gifted Kids
Making New Year's resolutions is probably the most widely known New Year's tradition. But did you know that another tradition comes from the belief that the way in which we spend the New Year will be the way we spend the entire year? For this reason, many people spend quality time having fun with and enjoying the company of friends and family. Here are some ways for gifted children and their families to have fun on New Year's Eve!
Lessons from American Idol
Few people would classify the hit television show American Idol as educational programming, but it is. It can help us teach our gifted children some very important lessons in life.
Grade Skipping
Grade skipping is the practice of placing a child in a grade level past the one he or she should be moving into based on age. For example, a child in first grade may be moved into the third grade, thereby skipping second grade.
If Dr. Seuss had a gifted kid
Can you imagine what Dr. Seuss might say if he had had a gifted child? Mary Beth Northrup could imagine it and wrote a poem in Dr. Seuss style that parents of gifted kids will surely identify with.
How to Start a Parent Group
Are you interested in starting a group for parents of gifted children but don’t know how to begin? You must consider several factors, including the kind of focus you want for your group (support or advocacy), the format for your meetings, and a place to hold them.
What is Multipotentiality?
Multipotentiality refers to the quality a person has to excel in more than one area. It is usually used in reference to gifted children who have a wide range of abilities and talents.
Raising a Gifted Child
What is it like raising a gifted child? This article provides one mom's stories of her experiences.
Making New Year's Resolutions
If making resolutions is not a tradition in your household, you might consider starting the tradition. Making resolutions, particularly the right way, can be a wonderful way to teach gifted children to make realistic goals and plan ways to reach those goals.
Help with Picky Eaters
If your child is a picky eater, you are certainly not alone! Why are some children so picky about what they eat and what can you do about it?
Gifted Kids and Computers
Computers aren't just for writing papers and playing games. Researchers found several benefits of computer use in programs for gifted children.
Dumbing Down
Dumbing down is a term used to refer to the hiding of natural intellectual abililities.
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