When students finish early, the typical response is to give them more work or move them ahead. But deeper learning doesn’t always require acceleration. In this article, I share a simple strategy teachers can use to extend thinking within the same task, along with a free classroom resource.

Curriculum is not neutral for gifted learners. When challenge and autonomy are missing, the long-term cost shows up in motivation, identity, and sustained engagement with learning.

When my daughter admitted that she wasn’t sure she liked her advanced math class because it felt hard, I realized she might be experiencing true academic challenge for the first time. That car ride led to a conversation about why struggle matters in learning, especially for gifted students, and how growth often happens in the space just beyond what feels comfortable. This post explores the zone of proximal development through a real parenting moment and offers insight for educators and families navigating productive challenge.

Words shape how we see giftedness. This family-friendly guide explains 20 key terms every parent and teacher should know — and includes a free printable PDF glossary to help you understand and support gifted learners with confidence.

Gifted and Distractible by Julie Skolnick offers an empathetic, research-informed look at twice-exceptional learners. It’s packed with strategies for parents and teachers to support gifted kids who also struggle with focus, regulation, or organization.

A fresh, ready-to-go Choice Board Toolkit designed for busy teachers who want to build student ownership and engagement through flexible learning options.

Discover ten lessons from homeschooling that can help classroom educators bring more flexibility, curiosity, and authentic learning into their classrooms.

Includes a free on-demand webinar and downloadable teaching tools.

The Summer 2025 edition of the InterestEd Newsletter is here! This issue includes personal updates, gifted education insights, and practical teaching tips for curious minds.

I’m excited to share that I’ll be presenting at the 2025 WATG Conference on Gifted Education! My session explores what schools can learn from homeschooling gifted students—especially around flexibility, curiosity, and student-led learning.

This Fourth of July, try a simple curiosity challenge that blends art and reflection. Encourage kids to design a flag for the future—and spark meaningful conversations about creativity, values, and identity.

Discover how student choice empowers gifted learners to take ownership of their education. This post explores how to design meaningful choice boards that balance structure and flexibility — and includes a link to a downloadable, editable Canva template for teachers.

Rest is not wasted time—it is where creativity and reflection take root. Learn how “doing nothing” can help gifted kids process emotions, strengthen imagination, and grow with balance.

The Creative Writing Passport journal is officially here! Designed for grades 5–8, this creative writing companion helps students grow as writers through engaging prompts, challenges, and self-discovery.

This essential guide helps families and educators understand the joys and challenges of raising gifted children, offering practical strategies for connection, advocacy, and emotional well-being.

This essential resource explores the emotional world of gifted learners with practical strategies for supporting well-being, motivation, and growth.

Smart but Scattered is an insightful guide to building executive functioning skills for children who struggle with focus and organization—especially gifted learners. Learn how to turn frustration into growth with practical, research-based tools.

Gifted learners think deeply and feel deeply. This guide explains key concepts like emotional intensity and asynchronous development and offers practical ways to create inclusive, caring environments.

Gifted students often hold themselves to impossible standards, equating their worth with flawless performance. This post explores why perfectionism is common among gifted learners and how educators and parents can help them develop a healthier, more resilient mindset.

Discover how the SCAMPER framework transforms creative writing for gifted students. Learn to apply it in your ELA classroom and explore the classroom-ready Story Rewrite Challenge, available in printable and editable formats.

Learn how to support gifted students’ emotional and social needs with practical strategies for home and school. Includes a free downloadable “5 Tips for Success” poster.