This is the third and final post in a three-part series for gifted youth that focuses on independent summer enrichment and exploration. Are you plagued by the irony of a creative child bemoaning their complete and utter boredom with summer, or with free time in general? Creativity is not only innate — it can be developed, too. Gifted youth benefit from activities that enhance existing abilities and passions as well as those that develop creative attitudes and skills. … [Read more...] about Independent Summer Enrichment and Exploration: Express Yourself!
art
Is My Child Artistically Gifted?
The youngest artist-in-the-making I ever met was six years old. Carson Rutter arrived at my office carrying a folder of his work in one hand and holding his mother’s hand with the other. Drawings of cowboys dominated his portfolio. I asked him to tell me about them. With a critical eye, he told me how he had improved since those drawings were made and that their inspiration was The Magnificent Seven. Six other art teachers later evaluated Carson’s work as that of a middle-school student. "Where … [Read more...] about Is My Child Artistically Gifted?
Considering Non-Academic Extracurricular Activities for Your Child
Many parents wonder whether they should support their child’s involvement in sports teams, arts and music clubs, or other non-academic extracurricular activities. Even though most non-academic activities may not be directly associated with educational goals, students can learn valuable lessons from such experiences. Non-academic activities aid adolescents as they look for settings where they can interact with like-minded peers, form relationships with non-familial adults, and experiment with … [Read more...] about Considering Non-Academic Extracurricular Activities for Your Child
Spatial Ability: A Neglected Talent Domain
What is spatial ability? Spatial ability can be best defined as the ability to “generate, retain, retrieve, and transform well-structured visual images.” Some examples of great inventors who have used their high levels of spatial ability to innovate include James Watt, who is known for improving the steam engine and James Watson, co-discoverer of the structure of DNA. Nikola Tesla, who provided the basis for alternating current (AC) power systems, is said (or fabled) to have been able to … [Read more...] about Spatial Ability: A Neglected Talent Domain
Creativity and the Visual Arts
For budding creative artists, two excellent products are available. Silver Dolphin’s Fine Arts Studio Drawing, by Jim Bradrick, is a pencil drawing kit, while Chronicle Books’ Sumi-e: The Art of Japanese Brush Painting, by Shingo Syoko, uses ink as a medium. Each kit provides instruction for both beginning and experienced artists. … [Read more...] about Creativity and the Visual Arts
Lights! Camera! Action!
For teens and preteens interested in theater, film, and screenwriting, I recommend three books: Break a Leg! The Kids’ Guide to Acting and Stagecraft, by Lisa Friedman (Workman, 2002); Screen Teen Writers: How Young Screenwriters Can Find Success, by Christina Hamlett (Meriwether, 2002); and Attack of the Killer Video Book: Tips and Tricks for Young Directors, by Mark Shulman and Hazlitt Krog (Annick, 2004). … [Read more...] about Lights! Camera! Action!
The Advantage of Arts Education
Arts with the Brain in Mind, by Eric Jensen (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2001), details how schools can make arts education a core subject and how to integrate the arts into every subject. Jensen, who reviews what programs should be considered and how to implement and assess them, asserts that the positive effects of a fully implemented arts program include … [Read more...] about The Advantage of Arts Education
Musical Talent: Innate or Learned?
Are children born with an appreciation for music and the ability to demonstrate it? Or do they develop musical ability through early exposure and structured practice? The answer is both, according to Dianna Richardson, graduate of the Juilliard School and the Cleveland Institute of Music. … [Read more...] about Musical Talent: Innate or Learned?
Online Art Museums
Whether your children are budding art aficionados or just need a quick tutorial on Pablo Picasso, they can experience some of the world’s great art with the click of a mouse. While viewing art on-line can’t be confused with seeing it in person, the following Web sites make up for a lack of verisimilitude with great features that allow viewers to explore galleries, educate themselves about art history, play games, and, of course, shop. … [Read more...] about Online Art Museums
Identifying and Nurturing Talent in the Visual Arts
The youngest artist-in-the-making I ever met was six years old. Carson Rutter arrived at my office carrying a folder of his work in one hand and holding his mother’s hand with the other. Drawings of cowboys dominated his portfolio. I asked him to tell me about them. With a critical eye, he told me how he had improved since those drawings were made and that their inspiration was The Magnificent Seven. Six other art teachers later evaluated Carson’s work as that of a middle-school student. … [Read more...] about Identifying and Nurturing Talent in the Visual Arts