Should gifted five-year-olds skip kindergarten and enter the first grade? Or can they benefit from developmental activities like storytelling, block building, painting, music, and finger plays in kindergarten? … [Read more...] about Go to the Head of the Class?
Social & Emotional
Geometric Building Sets
We have researched and tested three products: Zometool, Roger’s Con-nection, and Plato’s Glo-Mobile. With feedback from children and teachers, we have ranked the sets, taking into account the critical thinking skills challenged; the range of ages and abilities served; the directions and supporting materials available; children’s engagement with the products; product options; and cost and availability. The most comprehensive of the sets is Zometool. The 484-piece Explorer Kit consists of hard … [Read more...] about Geometric Building Sets
Hearing the Music
The Music Within It’s Tuesday morning, and instead of hearing classroom noise or school bells indicating it’s time to change classes, our 14-year-old daughter Niki is in her room playing electric guitar and singing one of her new songs. Music is not just a hobby for Niki; it is her life. She has had several songs copyrighted, she solos at coffeehouses, she’s made a few demo tapes, she performs with an adult contemporary band, she offers piano lessons, and she recently completed enough songs for … [Read more...] about Hearing the Music
It’s About Playtime
There are many ways to show love, but few are as effective as giving a preschool child the gift of time—time spent interacting, playing, or just being together. Although gifted children are great at amusing themselves like all children, they also need to connect with those who love and care about them. Parents play an important role by spending high-quality time with their children. … [Read more...] about It’s About Playtime
Many Kinds of Minds: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences
In 1983, Harvard psychologist Dr. Howard Gardner introduced a theory that expanded the boundaries of what constitutes intelligence. Critical of the way intelligence was measured, Gardner sought to redefine the concept by incorporating recent findings from neuropsychology. He put forth the view that the intelligence quotient (IQ) does not adequately encompass the vast array of human abilities and that it misses important areas of intelligence. … [Read more...] about Many Kinds of Minds: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Help Your Child Find the Flow
The next time you see your child engrossed in a video game, watch carefully. Notice the look of intense concentration. Except for the occasional gasp of excitement or exasperation, he or she is silent and may remain that way for hours, enraptured. … [Read more...] about Help Your Child Find the Flow
Depression and Gifted Children
Although there is no evidence of higher rates of depression and suicide among intellectually or academically gifted students, depression is epidemic among children and adolescents in general. As many as 10 percent of children suffer from depression before age 12. Rates of depression are higher now than they have ever been, and they are expected to continue to increase. … [Read more...] about Depression and Gifted Children
Should I have my exceptionally bright four-year-old tested?
Parent Question: My four-year-old is exceptionally bright. Should I have my child tested? If so, when? Do you recommend a particular test? Expert Answer: By all means, have your child assessed. … [Read more...] about Should I have my exceptionally bright four-year-old tested?