Developing and maintaining friendships is an important aspect of any child’s development. However, for many gifted kids this can be a struggle. The second friendship article offers some talking points that may be helpful when discussing friendship with a gifted child. We include both articles to show a variety of views on friendship. Differences of opinion don’t always signify one being right and the other wrong, but rather differing values of what is important. … [Read more...] about How do I know if my child is in with the right peer group?
peer groups
Finding True Peers
Developing and maintaining friendships is an important aspect of any child’s development. However, for many gifted kids this can be a struggle. Using the term “true peers,” the first of the friendship articles discusses the struggle gifted kids may have in forming and maintaining friendships. For gifted children, true peers are probably not the same chronological age as gifted children; gifted children often seek friendships with older children. … [Read more...] about Finding True Peers
If Only I Had Known: Lessons from Gifted Adults
One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had in my years working for TIP’s summer programs has been the opportunity to see gifted kids be in an environment where they can be themselves and to be with people who are like them. Too often, gifted students struggle to find peers who share their age or geographic location. The internet and programs like TIP offer opportunities for gifted students to connect with peers. However, the first step needed to take advantage of such opportunities is the … [Read more...] about If Only I Had Known: Lessons from Gifted Adults
Harnessing Gifted Girls’ Emotional Strengths
Gifted girls encounter unique challenges, particularly during adolescence. With our help, they can learn to transform adversity into opportunity. The keys are information and communication. Here are six springboards for conversation and personal growth that concern gifted adolescent girls. … [Read more...] about Harnessing Gifted Girls’ Emotional Strengths
Revealing True Potential: A Great Beginning for the Gifted
The Children’s Mental Health Foundations and Agencies Network recently released A Good Beginning: Sending America’s Children to School with the Social and Emotional Competence They Need to Succeed. The monograph summarizes two papers commissioned by the organization. … [Read more...] about Revealing True Potential: A Great Beginning for the Gifted
Educating with the Harkness Table
Whether it’s English or mathematics, at Phillips Exeter Academy we call all of our classes Harkness classes and our teachers Harkness teachers. Harkness identifies a table you will find at the center of every class, both literally and figuratively. Harkness Tables are oval and seat a dozen students and a teacher, but they are much more than places to sit. Classmates learn by discussing their thoughts and ideas rather than just by taking notes. Teachers participate in discussions and guide … [Read more...] about Educating with the Harkness Table