In attempting to balance the requirements of social structure and the empowering initiative of creativity in children, numerous obstacles must be confronted, including insecurity; fear of uncertainty; ritualistic problem solving; dogmatic, dichotomous thinking; inner resourcelessness; lack of playfulness; restricted affect; forcing premature…

This article describes several books published by Free Spirit Publishing which help gifted students to understand their giftedness. The books deal with such issues as parental pressure, teasing of peers, perfectionism, stress, underachievement, personal autonomy, self-esteem, lying, and strategies for success in school. (JDD)

A survey of 73 parents, most having gifted children, examined perceptions of the development of leadership abilities. Parents identified: leader characteristics; their children's strongest and weakest areas of leadership skills; methods for encouraging leadership development; school opportunities for leadership experiences; the role of teachers,…

The article distinguishes between gifted, creative, and talented and describes child development as involving five "roots," consisting of genetics, bodily nourishment, self-concept, environment, and acculturation. (DB)

A special education professor who has written curricula for gifted/talented students and developed programs for underserved students answers questions concerning identification of students, including handicapped students, for gifted programs; the purpose of differentiated curricula for gifted/talented students; types of curriculum modifications;…

This article examines characteristics of the young creative child, offers suggestions to encourage the development of creativity, and reviews potential problems associated with creative children. Suggestions include giving freedom and encouragement, using appropriate questioning techniques, and providing opportunities for creative thinking. (JDD)

Parents should encourage schools serving the gifted to establish a futures studies curriculum and should instill positive attitudes about the future in their children. Exercises to help develop foresight and perspective regarding the environment, technology, and human dignity are provided. (JDD)

The experience of the University of Southern Mississippi in sponsoring "The Parenting the Gifted Children Conference" is described. Discussed are needs assessment, conference format, selection of speakers, budget, public relations, conference evaluation, and physical facilities. Included are a sample evaluation form, a conference…

This reprinted 1979 article presents 11 steps in establishing a course for parents of gifted children and offers suggestions on operationalizing the course plan. A model 10-week course is described that covers the overall scope of gifted education, including identification procedures, characteristics, parenting techniques, programs, curricular…

Fifty-four gifted junior-high students were surveyed to explore their feelings about being gifted, perceptions as to why they do well, the challenge of schoolwork, feelings concerning their classmates' and teachers' views of them, male versus female respect, and preferences among school-based programing options. (JDD)

Suggestions are offered for parenting a gifted child. Suggestions focus on how to deal with certain characteristics of gifted children, such as a high energy level, super sensitivity, tendency to challenge family traditions and rules, and unwillingness to accept parental authority. (JDD)

Despite problems encountered by the characteristics of rural education districts, successful and appropriate programs to teach gifted students can thrive by utilization of nontraditional techniques for student identification and by delivery of services through acceleration, technology, advanced placement classes, mentors, community resources, and…

The article focuses on giftedness in preschool-age children, including: the importance of early identification of giftedness, identification methods, techniques for providing a nurturing environment in the home, needs of parents of gifted children, and school programs for serving the gifted. A bibliography of relevant books and periodicals is…

This interview with James T. Webb, clinical psychologist and coauthor of "Guiding the Gifted Child" (1982), focuses on ambivalent messages communicated to gifted/talented children, balancing parental attention among gifted and less gifted siblings, teaching social skills, underachievement, benefits of special programing for emotional development,…

Long-documented gaps between male and female performance on tests of spatial mathematics ability are discussed. Possible explanations are offered, and suggestions are put forth for cultivating spatial relationships ability in girls through sports and other activities. (PB)