Flexible Learning Strategies and Gifted Education Blog
Welcome to the InterestEd Blog, a space for educators and families to find practical strategies, flexible approaches, and encouragement for meaningful learning. Here you’ll find ideas, tools, and insights drawn from my work as an educator, coach, consultant, and homeschool parent, with a focus on supporting gifted and advanced learners in ways that benefit all students.
Search by topic or keyword to find posts on gifted education, flexible learning, social-emotional development, and more.
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Not sure where to begin? Here are a few great places to start based on your needs:
For Homeschool Families
For Parents:
For Classroom Teachers
For Schools and Leaders
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Looking for ready-to-use resources? Many of these posts connect to practical tools, downloads, and classroom resources you can use right away. Explore the Resource Library for printable guides, templates, and student-friendly materials.
Latest Articles:
May News + Resources
The May edition of The InterestEd Insight includes classroom strategies, gifted education reflections, summer learning ideas, and resources for educators and families preparing for the transition into summer.
How to Support Gifted Students Without More Work
Looking for ways to challenge gifted learners without extra planning? These strategies help you add depth and complexity to what you are already teaching.
The Case for Going Deeper
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.
The Hidden Cost of Underchallenge in Schools
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.
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.