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!
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.
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.
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.
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.