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Gifted kids attending gifted programmes find gifted companions – and that’s a big plus. For maybe the first-ever time, they don’t need to feel lonely or weird or a nuisance. They can be real, be themselves, make wacky jokes, feel they fit in, use long words, find friends. But, important as this is, a gifted programme needs to be more than that. A gifted programme should also be a place where that young gifted mind is stretched and challenged, where intellect and imagination c

Want a course that’s totally practical? A course that meets real classroom needs? A course that’s high interest each step of the way? Of course you do! Our super-compact four-module course tackles that tricky problem, the kid you can’t quite figure out but Mum says they’re gifted. Who’s right and what can you do about it? Here’s a course with planning ideas that work for that child – and for the rest of the class! You'll work with experienced tutors alongside you every step o

What are the implications of this statement? Is it true? What does it mean? Why does it happen? A key factor for gifted children is that they experience life with greater intensity. This isn't a choice, and it can't be learned. It's the way they're made. It applies whether they're gifted intellectually, creatively, ethically - whatever. It means that in their key areas, they think more deeply, feel more acutely, than most of their peers. It isn't actually a gift - it can make

Asking the right questions ... helping gifted students choose their future

Want to beat the heavy sighs when you ask the kids to "write a story about what you did in the holidays"? Here's a suggestion! (PS It uses the simple strategies we teach in our courses which you could learn too). ((PPS This is for all kids, but Q 10 is the one to design to appeal to the ones that ask tricky questions!)). Post Holiday Gloom…. 🙁 Don’t want to have to write a story about what you did in the holidays? Here’s a few different ideas for you to try – have fun! Fi

Gifted children have a very odd problem. Because their perceptions are so sharp and their creative minds so fertile, their concept of what they want to write or build or draw or make tends to be highly detailed and intricate. And that concept sets the standard by which they judge whatever they do produce. But physical skills often don't match the complicated vision the child has in their head. The design just doesn't work. The frustrated child may end up in tears, have an ou

The Listener wants to know! This is a question that’s very rarely asked. We’re copying in below this request from journalist Paulette Crowley. If this hat fits you, she’d love to hear from you! Hello, I’m a journalist writing for the NZ Listener and I’d like to speak to an adult who is gifted for a column called What it's like to live with [... in this case, being gifted]. The way the column works is, I interview the person about their experience of living with giftedness, an

Refreshed, updated and full of Zing! Our Gifted Intensive! THE course for the very busy classroom teacher! Four modules packed full of practical teaching ideas Help throughout from an expert tutor Resources to use and keep All online - access to suit your busy schedule PS Not sure if you've got a gifted student? Chat to us - we can help. PPS Every school has them - sometimes hiding in open sight! For a prospectus and enrolment form, check our Online Course page😉

The Ministry of Inspiration is the wonderful title for the gifted programme run in Nelson by Amy Cornelisen and her troupe of dedicated helpers. Committed to providing STEM programmes for rural youth, it offers events such as the INSPIRE Festival, NZ Aquabots and summer camps, and more. And now the Nelson Chamber of Commerce have recognized the valuable work of this programme with a special award - the Impact on the Community Award! In Amy's words, this is "epic" - almost uni

Here are a few of the sites that we recommend: NEW ZEALAND SITES www.giftedchildren.org.nz The site for the New Zealand Association for Gifted Children . Publishes the very informative Tall Poppies magazine plus New Zealand’s own online professional journal Apex . www.learningnetwork.co.nz The best New Zealand source for resources in gifted education with excellent online ordering facilities, plus the centre runs professional development courses and other activities. www.gif

We have never had any generally accepted definition of giftedness in this country. But without a definition, how can we be sure we are making valid decisions for our gifted learners? Do overseas definitions fit our needs? Māori bring a different and rich perspective to this issue: how is this reflected in what we do? What does all this mean when it comes to shaping a valid definition for our use here? Our answer: "Giftedness is grounded in the extraordinary intensity with