When my children were in middle school, almost all classes based on ability grouping were eliminated. Besides the educational rationale for this policy, it was designed, in part, to encourage children of all abilities to interact, "learn from each other" and develop friendships.Of course, this experiment in match-making failed miserably. Most kids...
In Search of Friendship and Finding Peers
Many theories have been put forward and research papers written about gifted children and how they approach friendship; but it’s not complicated. They seek out their peers. People who are most like them. They might be the same age; or not. They almost certainly share common interests and enjoy each other’s company.The idea that gifted kids are always...
Wired to Connect - Discipline Shouldn't Hurt
Across many studies of mammals, from the smallest rodents all the way to us humans, the data suggests that we are profoundly shaped by our social environment and that we suffer greatly when our social bonds are threatened or severed. When this happens in childhood it can lead to long-term health and educational problems. We may not like...
Top 5 Misconceptions about Gifted Students … and setting the record straight!
Many articles have been written about the misconceptions surrounding gifted students, but I want to address the top 5 which I feel are the most detrimental to the fulfillment of potential of gifted students.#5 Gifted students don’t do the work they’re assigned. It’s a waste of my time to differentiate.True. Gifted students often balk at work given...
What hidden emotions complicate parenting a gifted child?
What hinders parenting your gifted child? Yes, the usual...time, money, a limited school system, lack of support.But are there other hidden barriers that we, ourselves, create? Despite our best intentions, can underlying feelings interfere with our child's emotional well-being or academic success?Parents often experience emotions ranging from excitement...
Gifted as a Global Experience
Global Experience*“The emerging era is characterized by the collaboration innovation of many people working in gifted communities, just as innovation in the industrial era was characterized by individual genius.” – Irving W. Berger, chairman,...
Erupting Ice!
What happens when you mix water and baking soda and then freeze it? You get lovely ice blocks to stack and play with. So, then what happens when you spray vinegar on them?Cool science on a hot summer day. :)I wonder what happens if you add salt and sprinkles? "It looks like a rainbow swirl, mom!"I was out of food coloring that day but rainbow...
Dumbing Down America ~ An Interview with Dr. James Delisle
is the newest book from . He recently agreed to an interview with us about the book. GPS: For our readers who are not familiar with your work, can you tell us a little about your background in gifted education?Dr. Delisle: I began my career in...