Playing board games as a family fosters strong bonds while enhancing gifted children’s thinking skills. The article highlights several games like Zingo, Blokus, No Stress Chess, Scrabble, and Apples to Apples, which offer strategic depth and cognitive challenges suitable for advanced learners. Engaging family game time can also encourage valuable discussions and reflections.
Author Archives: Dr. Ann H. Colorado
Holiday 2025 Shopping Guide for Gifted and Advanced Children and Teens: Book Ideas
The article provides holiday gift ideas for families with gifted children, focusing on books that stimulate cognitive development and creativity. It highlights classic literature, emphasizing timeless themes and critical thinking, while suggesting a book-and-movie gift basket for added engagement. Additional resources for book selections are also recommended.
I’m Presenting at NAGC25: Leveraging Talent Development to Better Identify Underserved Gifted Students in K-2
Next week marks the National Association for Gifted Children’s Annual Convention (#NAGC25), where I will present a session with colleagues on addressing the underrepresentation of gifted students from diverse populations. We’ll share strategies implemented in our school divisions to improve equity in gifted identification and nurture potential in all learners.
Gifted Identification Series #15: Full Circle- Nature vs. Nurture
The series explores the nature versus nurture debate regarding giftedness, emphasizing that both innate abilities and supportive environments are crucial for developing potential in children. It highlights the importance of a thorough gifted identification process and the role of educators and parents in nurturing talents, affirming that giftedness thrives with intentional guidance.
Gifted Identification Series #14: Record-Keeping
Schools must maintain detailed records for students in the gifted identification process, similar to those for special education or English Learner programs. Each state and school division has specific regulations on record-keeping duration and protocols. Accurate records facilitate timely support for students when transferring between schools, ensuring continuity in services.
Gifted Identification Series #13: The Appeals Process
The post discusses the appeals process for parents whose children are deemed ineligible for gifted services. It likens this situation to questioning an unexpectedly high water bill. Parents are encouraged to advocate for their child by engaging in the appeals process, which involves meetings with school staff and providing additional information for reconsideration.
Gifted Identification Series #12: Determination of Gifted Eligibility, Gifted Services, and Parent Notification
The Identification/Placement Committee functions to determine a student’s eligibility for gifted programs and their appropriate placement based on academic needs. Meetings are facilitated by a gifted staff member who reviews data and ensures no pertinent information is overlooked. Parents are notified of decisions and can appeal if necessary.
Gifted Identification Series #11- The Identification/Placement Committee
The post discusses the Gifted Identification/Placement Committee in schools, detailing its composition which typically includes gifted personnel, teachers, and administrators, excluding parents. It emphasizes the importance of including specialists for special education or English Learner students to provide valuable insights. Future posts will cover determination processes and parent notifications.
Bonus Idea #6 for Summer Thinking Activities: Gifted Kids and Hobbies
This article suggests various hobbies for gifted kids to explore during summer, enhancing creativity and intellectual growth. Activities like drawing, coding, and gardening can keep their minds engaged and foster new skills. The author emphasizes the importance of hobbies in personal development and encourages parents to support their children’s interests.
Bonus Idea #5 for Summer Thinking Activities: Volunteering for Gifted Kids
Volunteering, often overlooked as a summer activity, is beneficial for children, especially gifted ones. It fosters leadership, learning, and fulfillment. Engaging in age-appropriate service activities, such as helping shelters or organizing community projects, can make volunteering accessible to younger kids. Involving them early can enhance their development and commitment.
Teaching for Talent 