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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Popular Starting Points:
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:
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.