Resources · 08-23-2013
I've found that one of the best ways to communicate with children is to listen (actually this applies to adults too). Some gifted children can be sensitive to barriers to effective communication such as sarcasm, interruptions, and condescension. Gifted or not, child or adult, everyone can benefit from the following ten principals of good communication. They are paraphrased from the countless communication tips found in the book, A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children by James Webb, Janet Gore,...
Museums · 08-21-2013
A few years ago, my fifth grade gifted and talented students completed a fun museum research project. Specifically, we sent letters to museum directors asking for input about one object, artifact, work of art, or a creative selection from their museum's collections. The selection could be a personal favorite, possess significant cultural relevance, be a "best" example of its kind, tell a story, promote a new idea, or expose students to a new experience. The purpose of the project was to provide...
Resources · 08-13-2013
A few years ago, I asked a group of gifted and talented fifth grade students to respond to the following question, “What could teachers do to make school more interesting?” They were passionate about answering the question. Sometimes in the conversation about educational policy, we overlook the student perspective. I've provided a sampling of their responses and clarified educational terms within parentheses. Don’t limit our imaginations. Don’t waste as much of our time. I don’t like...
Activities · 08-10-2013
Because they come in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials, buildings are a source of fascination for many children. The following activity, Name That Building, is a fun way to introduce upper elementary aged children to six of the world’s most famous buildings.
Creativity · 08-07-2013
For many East Coast residents, Montreal is a day's drive. This fabulous city provides the opportunity to experience international travel without crossing the Atlantic - I feel the same way about quaint Quebec City. Wandering its cobblestone streets is like spending time in a small European town. Bienvenue! Fresh air, natural beauty, science, and plenty of creativity can be found at the Montreal Space for Life (Espace pour la Vie). Its Botanical Garden, Insectarium, Biodome, and Planetarium form...