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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Challenging the Myth that 'All Students Are Gifted'
Not every child is gifted in the educational sense—and that’s okay. Learn why recognizing and supporting gifted students’ unique needs ensures equity, engagement, and true growth for all learners.
A Fresh Start for the New Year in Gifted Education
Start the new year with a fresh approach to gifted education. Discover how to foster independence, risk-taking, and reflection to help gifted learners thrive in 2025.
How to Foster a Growth Mindset in Gifted Learners
Gifted learners often excel quickly but struggle when faced with challenges. Discover practical strategies for fostering a growth mindset to help students build resilience, embrace effort, and view learning as an ongoing journey.
Creating Holistic Learning Environments
Holistic learning nurtures the whole student—intellectually, emotionally, socially, and creatively. Learn how simple classroom and homeschool practices can help students grow with curiosity, balance, and confidence.