Even during periods of social distancing and isolation, children and adults find ways to forge friendships and connections. Online social circles are widening, schooling has become more tech-oriented, and support systems of all kinds continue to fine-tune online offerings (such as exercise sessions, arts programs, mindfulness instruction, resource sharing, and children’s play … [Read more...] about Why Community Matters for Children AND Adults
Quarterly Themes
Young, Gifted and Black: How an All-Boys School Uses Gifted Strategies for all Scholars
Are all of the scholars at Valiant Cross Academy, which serves young men in middle and high school, truly academically and intellectually gifted? Consistent with national trends, about 10 percent of the scholars score in the top percentile on achievement and intelligence tests. Yet, the school leaders provide gifted services to ALL 150 scholars.. On Dexter Avenue in … [Read more...] about Young, Gifted and Black: How an All-Boys School Uses Gifted Strategies for all Scholars
I’m Not Gifted. I’m Just Weird.
The first date with Devin* was at a coffee shop, and over the next week, we decided to meet for dinner. We went to a restaurant that’s part of a large US chain. We opened the slightly unwieldy menus. “My oh my, what to order.” He used a funny, silly voice. “I think I’ll order the kreplach.” I peered over the menu. “Did you just speak Klingon?” Devin didn’t smile. Then … [Read more...] about I’m Not Gifted. I’m Just Weird.
Urgent, Paralyzed Possibility
My continuing search for information was often debilitating, mired in ambiguity and desperation to find clarity not for myself but for my students and my own children. Questions that started to plague me included some of the following: Does learning disabled mean broken? Does an affinity for aesthetic beauty and art become void when paired with dyslexia? What about a need for … [Read more...] about Urgent, Paralyzed Possibility
Gifted, Empathic, Emotionally Intense, and Highly Sensitive
Trusting my ability to read other people and their situations is something I need to accept and honor. As I look back on meaningful, traumatic, or momentous occasions where I intuited the situation or the person correctly, I should be confident in my empathic ability. If I’m honest, my empathy crosses over into the unknown, and my fact- and science-based thinking doesn’t set … [Read more...] about Gifted, Empathic, Emotionally Intense, and Highly Sensitive
The Pretty Twin: How a Haircut Shed a Disheveled Layer and Unboxed a Level
Cutting my hair was not only freeing; it was symbolic. I lopped off excess layers, shed who I tried in vain to be, and leveled up toward Me. Now comfortable in my own skin and confident in my abilities, I am somehow different from who I thought I was yet simultaneously exactly the same. I typically cut my hair only once every two and a half years to give to Wigs for Kids, an … [Read more...] about The Pretty Twin: How a Haircut Shed a Disheveled Layer and Unboxed a Level
Impacts of Giftedness on Daily Life, Education, and Social Settings
These experiences demonstrate that giftedness is not linear, success is not guaranteed, and support at many levels is essential. Following the journeys of two entirely different experiences, my recommendations for parents and teachers are to believe in your children, look beyond the struggles to see a child’s strengths, and support them where they are, not where we wish them to … [Read more...] about Impacts of Giftedness on Daily Life, Education, and Social Settings
Blue Diamond
I have faith that our combined internal compasses will lead us to the next blue diamond as a family. I understand and accept that we will travel over mountain passes and through storms. I also know along the way we will find spectacular sunrises and sunsets and maybe even a few perfect turns in knee deep powder. I will remember that day always. We (my husband, son, and … [Read more...] about Blue Diamond
Front-Runners
These are unprecedented times. As the coronavirus wreaks havoc across the globe and things become increasingly difficult, we look to leaders for hope and inspiration. We don't know who they might be or from whence they might come. They are raised variously and have wide-ranging experiential backgrounds, yet they develop a passion to be at the forefront of the fray. What drives … [Read more...] about Front-Runners
Lonesome Town: How This Gifted Girl Unapologetically Navigates Friendship
For gifted people, alone is part of the gig. That's just math. There are fewer of us out there. But alone and lonely are two separate words for a reason. I can be lonely in a crowded room. And I can be quite happy and alone with myself for extended periods of time. What I had to learn is that popularity is for prom queens and yearbook autographs. Popularity might get you … [Read more...] about Lonesome Town: How This Gifted Girl Unapologetically Navigates Friendship