Educational Insights & Strategies
Welcome to the InterestEd Blog — a space for educators and parents to find practical ideas, flexible strategies, and inspiration for joyful learning. Here you’ll discover tips, planning tools, and insights drawn from my work as an educator, coach, and homeschool parent, with a special focus on gifted and advanced learners.
Looking for something specific? Search by topic or keyword to find articles on topics like social-emotional learning, advocacy, growth mindset, literacy, and much more!
Book Recommendation: Gifted and Distractible
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 Take on Choice Boards
A fresh, ready-to-go Choice Board Toolkit designed for busy teachers who want to build student ownership and engagement through flexible learning options.
Lessons from Homeschooling to Support Gifted Students
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.
Summer 2025 InterestEd Newsletter: Growth, Learning, and Inspiration
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.
Exciting News: I’ll Be Presenting at the 2025 WATG Conference on Gifted Education
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.
A Fourth of July Curiosity Challenge: Design a Flag for the Future
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.
Differentiation Through Choice: A Classroom Strategy
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.
Why ‘Doing Nothing’ Is Still Productive
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.
Now Available: Creative Writing Passport!
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.
Book Recommendation: A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children
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.
Book Recommendation: The Social and Emotional Development of Gifted Children
This essential resource explores the emotional world of gifted learners with practical strategies for supporting well-being, motivation, and growth.
Book Recommendation: Smart but Scattered
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.
See Them. Support Them. Stretch Them.
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.
Letting Go of Perfect: Tools for Helping Gifted Learners Thrive
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.
Using SCAMPER to Spark Creativity in Gifted Writers
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.
Helping Gifted Kids Thrive: Strategies for Support at Home and in School
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.
The Inner World of Artistically Gifted Students: Understanding Their Social and Emotional Needs
Artistically gifted students experience the world with remarkable depth and sensitivity. This post explores the emotional and social traits that shape their creative lives—like perfectionism, self-expression, and the need for supportive environments—and includes a free downloadable chart for educators and parents.
Beyond the IQ Score: A Challenge to Rethink Gifted Identification and Support
Gifted identification should go beyond IQ testing. Explore how nonverbal assessments, portfolios, and holistic approaches can reveal the full potential of gifted and twice-exceptional learners.
The InterestEd Insight: March 2025 Newsletter – Education Resources & Updates
The March 2025 edition of The InterestEd Insight includes updates on Laura’s GT certification journey, new creative projects, and fresh resources for educators and homeschool families.
Takeaways from this month’s edition
• Flexibility and curiosity are at the heart of every effective learning space
• Educators benefit most from practical, easy-to-use tools that save time
• Professional growth should feel inspiring, not overwhelming
Choosing the Right Homeschool Approach
Choosing the right homeschooling approach doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Explore eight major homeschool methods, discover their benefits, and learn how to find your family’s best fit.