Students who are visually impaired but receive adequate support at an early stage have a greater chance of progressing in their academics and future careers. In this research article, the author identified various practice guidelines that can help students with visual impairments achieve a successful transition into the world of work. To discuss…

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…

In this article, the authors offer offer five key strategies for developing a mutually supportive relationship with the teacher of your gifted child: (1) Share information about how your child thinks, feels, learns best, and any specifics that will help the teacher understand and support your child's learning needs at school; (2) Approach the…

This brief article offers tips for parents, caregivers, and teachers on how to nurture children's gifted and high-level development together to support and enhance learning. Tips relate to four "r"s: rationale, receptiveness to change, resourcefulness, and reassurance. [Note: An earlier rendition of "R We There Yet?" by Joanne…

In today's hyper-connected world, children's exposure to technology as a tool to communicate, learn, and socialize has increased exponentially. As teachers and parents recognize the demands for increased use of technology among young children, they should be able to identify and address the challenges associated with such exposure. Cyberbullying,…

Research indicates there may be a relationship between gifted learners and insomnia, fear, and anxiety. This article discusses current research on Dabrowski's overexcitabilities, asynchronous development, perfectionistic tendencies, and common fears of gifted learners. Suggestions for parents and teachers of gifted children are offered to help…

After-school activities....Those three little words can strike fear into any parent's heart. Extra-curricular activities are needed for resumes, college applications, to keep young ones occupied; they define many a child's life during pre-college years. Parents often rush to involve their children in as many activities as possible as early as…

Sports offer so many benefits to kids, from fun and fitness to responsibility and teamwork skills. With sports also come bumps and bruises--and one type of injury requires much more than an ice pack or a band-aid. Head trauma is one of the most common injuries sustained by young athletes, with more than 60,000 concussions occurring each year in…

Many people think it is taboo to talk about sex with children. Adults reinforce this belief when, for example, they use substitute words rather than "vagina" or "penis". They may be embarrassed to learn about children's sexual development or ask others for assistance. Although most people in US society are open about sexuality now, the topic of…

Many young people cannot remember a time before Instant Messaging (IM), cell phone text messaging, video conferencing, blogging, e-mailing, and MySpace and Facebook postings existed. Thanks to the ubiquitous nature of technology in the 21st century, digital natives are accustomed to seeing, and being seen, on a scale that was unimaginable by their…

Initiatives such as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) reflect America's recent emphasis on literacy and educational accountability. Policymakers have a heightened interest in educating children earlier and fostering brain growth, in part due to the increased awareness of research on brain development and the importance of the early years…

Although bullying is hardly a new phenomenon, highly publicized media accounts about bullying have raised the awareness of many people (Limber, 2003). Bullying can no longer be sloughed off as quiet, inconsequential kid stuff experienced by only a few victims who "probably deserved it anyway." It can no longer be considered the rite of passage…

On the surface, gifted children may appear to be well adjusted, but they are often highly sensitive, perfectionistic, and intense. They usually have an acute awareness of moral issues, with a unique perception of themselves and others and deeper feelings at an earlier age than their peers. Because of these intense qualities, they may suffer from…

This mixed methods study focuses on communication between teachers and parents in primary and secondary schools in northeast Texas. Based on data from surveys in 11 districts, received from 230 teachers and 171 parents, this study found statistically significant differences between teachers' and parents' perceptions of the classroom teacher's…

Hungarian pediatrician Emmi Pikler theorized that freedom of movement facilitates infants' development and learning. The self-education promoted by freedom to move gives an infant a lasting view of herself as a competent learner. Pikler's approach also emphasizes the importance of helping each child feel respected and secure. The author examines…