Decades of research point to the value and importance of spatial skills and have demonstrated the malleability, durability, and teachability of spatial skills across the lifespan. Teachers and caregivers can apply this research in their classrooms or homes through a wide range of strategies. In this article, we offer specific, engaging activities…

Parents of gifted children are often faced with challenges as to how to process images, labels, and stereotypes of youth with special abilities. Just as books can provide healing for the troubled soul by reflecting on the stories of people experiencing similar challenges, cinema and video can help examine one's strengths and weaknesses while…

In a world in which individuals are judged on the basis of performance, parents can be lured into believing that their worth is measured by their child's achievements. Parenting is not a competition. This outdated mechanistic model fails to appreciate the unrepeatable, precious uniqueness of every child and every parent. Nothing is more important…

"Talent development" is a phrase often used in reference to the education of gifted children. Recently, it has been presented by researchers to refer to a specific approach to the delivery of gifted education services. Much of this discussion has been at the conceptual level, and there is a need for translation of the model into concrete…

The authors believe it's important to help gifted children recognize the emotions they experience. When gifted children are able to identify their emotions, they can ultimately gain control and regulate them. However, it's not always easy for children to identify or label how they are feeling on their own. They may need guidance to understand…

Gifted children are often highly sensitive to their surroundings and are able to readily identify potential solutions to challenges that imperil the environment in which they live. Many gifted children are strong advocates of sustainable living, caring deeply about the world around them and its health in the future. For this reason, parents and…

Finding an enjoyable, exciting, and engaging activity for gifted students can be a challenging balancing act. While parents want their children to become active and involved, they may face setbacks as they try to find the right fit, with some gifted children grappling with poor fine and gross motor abilities. While a high percentage of gifted…

"Educating Gifted Students in Middle School: A Practical Guide" (3rd ed.) helps educators with the challenging task of understanding and meeting the needs of gifted students in middle school. This revised and updated third edition: (1) Provides a rationale and framework that middle schools can use to fill the service gap for gifted and…

Beliefs about intelligence can affect how children approach school work and perform. It is why some gifted children tackle challenges with excitement while others feel threatened by challenges and avoid them. The mindset beliefs influence how the child views ego, effort, and errors. Those with a fixed mindset believe that their potential has been…

Upstander parents look, listen, and take action on behalf of their children, going the extra mile to ensure their children get the education they need and deserve. For gifted Black students, this attention and advocacy can be essential to help them reach their full potential and overcome the social and psychological barriers confronting them at…

Research shows that when children feel engaged with learning, they are more likely to flourish socially and academically and less likely to exhibit problem behaviors. Researchers have distinguished three different types of engagement: behavioral, emotional, and cognitive. Behavioral engagement focuses on participation in academic, social, and…

For many children, their artistic gifts may not be apparent until opportunity or exposure provides a spark. That's why parents and caregivers must understand the many ways they can ignite sparks, nurture artistic talents, and provide opportunities for gifted children to explore the arts. In many communities, opportunities outside of school abound.…

The need for language programs in schools is strong among gifted students, who need the depth and complexity provided by a world language program. Gifted students can benefit from exposure to global cultures, a deepened emphasis on conceptual learning, and an appreciation of issues that shape today's world. Second language learning carries high…

Schools are leveraging technology to enhance learning in the classroom at an exponential rate. According to "Education Week," public schools are spending nearly $3 billion per year on digital content and on average provide one computer for every five students. The typical classroom experience for many students now includes the use of…

There is more to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) education than simply "participating" in the arts. True STEAM means "integrating" the arts into STEM. In recent years, some educators have been reevaluating their STEM curricula and redesigning it to incorporate the arts. Others, such as the Rhode Island…