Board games are back! For tons of fun this holiday season, I recommend three strategy games that stimulate critical thinking and provide hours of enjoyment for the whole family. All are suitable for gifted children. … [Read more...] about A Strategy for Fun
games
Build-Your-Own Robot
For hours of entertainment and intensely complex critical thinking, robotics are ideal. Three good choices for robot building kits are LEGO MindStorms Robotics Invention System, TAB Electronics Build Your Own Robot Kit, and MOVIT Robotic Arm Trainer. For help in evaluating these kits, I consulted an expert, Ken Boone (no relation of mine), instructor of the Duke University Talent Identification Program’s popular summer robotics course. … [Read more...] about Build-Your-Own Robot
Now I See!
Need some fun and challenging games for spring break? Visual thinking games may be the answer. Dozens are available, but I have chosen for evaluation some of the more unique and challenging ones. … [Read more...] about Now I See!
Can You Dig It?
Need a worthwhile, hands-on activity for your children? Archaeological excavation kits might be just the thing. … [Read more...] about Can You Dig It?
Form, Function, and Fun
Architectural design kits are among the more sophisticated manipulatives on the market today. Look for kits that reinforce principles of geometry and physics, require attention to detail (symmetry, balance, and aesthetics), and allow for creative exploration. … [Read more...] about Form, Function, and Fun
A Whodunit Holiday
If mystery games are on your children’s wish list, you might want to consider the following, all of which I recommend. … [Read more...] about A Whodunit Holiday
The Inside Story
Gross anatomy doesn’t have to be gross anymore. Three-dimensional, interactive anatomy software allows for intricate, in-depth study of the human body with the click of a mouse. … [Read more...] about The Inside Story
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
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