1st Edition

Parenting Gifted Children 101 An Introduction to Gifted Kids and Their Needs

By Tracy Ford Inman, Jana Kirchner Copyright 2016
    184 Pages
    by Prufrock Press

    This practical, easy-to-read book explores the basics of parenting gifted children, truly giving parents the "introductory course" they need to better understand and help their gifted child. Topics include myths about gifted children, characteristics of the gifted, the hows and whys of advocacy, social and emotional issues and needs, strategies for partnering with your child's school, and more. Parenting Gifted Children 101 explores ways for you to help your child at home and maximize your child's educational experience with strategies that are based on research, but easy to implement. Each chapter—from parenting twice-exceptional students to navigating the possible challenges that school may hold for your child—contains resources for further reading and insights from more than 50 parents and educators of gifted children.

    Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented 2017 Legacy Book Award Winner - Parenting

    Acknowledgements Introduction: Tips For Reading This Book Chapter 1 What Does Gifted Mean? Chapter 2 What Are The Myths About Gifted Children? Chapter 3 What Does A Gifted Child Look Like? Chapter 4 What Are The Social And Emotional Needs Of Gifted Children? Chapter 5 What Should School Look Like For My Child? Chapter 6 What Challenges Might School Hold For My Child? Chapter 7 How Can I Communicate And Partner With My Child’s Educators? Chapter 8 What Can I Do At Home To Help My Child? Chapter 9 What Does It Mean To Be Twice Exceptional? Chapter 10 Where Can I Find More Information? References Glossary About The Authors

    Biography

    Tracy Ford Inman has devoted her career to meeting the needs of young people, especially those who are gifted and talented. She has taught at both the high school and collegiate levels, as well as in summer programs for gifted and talented youth. This Who's Who Among American Educators was a Kentucky Teacher of the Year semifinalist in 1992, and now serves as Associate Director of The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green.

    Inman has presented papers at both state and national levels and has been a writer and editor for The Challenge, an award-winning news magazine of The Center for Gifted Studies. At Western Kentucky University, she earned a bachelor's degree in English in 1986, secondary teacher certification in 1988, a master's degree in education in 1992, and an endorsement in gifted education in 2001.

    Jana Kirchner, Ph.D., is an educator with 30 years of experience. She has served as a school district instructional supervisor, an assistant professor at Western Kentucky University, a social studies consultant, and a high school social studies and English teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in educational leadership from the University of Louisville. Kirchner coauthored Inquiry-Based Lessons in World History, vols. 1 & 2 and Inquiry-Based Lessons in U.S. History: Decoding the Past with Andrew McMichael and Parenting Gifted Children 101 with Tracy Inman. She provides professional development on social studies strategies and inquiry topics with JK Consulting (janakirchner.com). 

    Overall, this book is an enjoyable read and a must-have for families new to the world of parenting gifted children. The stories and statistics offer an easy way to explore and maximize your gifted child's development. This book also provides numerous resources, both at the end of each chapter and at the end of the book, for those looking for additional information. As the authors wisely advise, “You're reading this book in order to better understand your child and better help him in life's journey. The most powerful tool you can have in your advocacy toolkit is knowledge” (p. 13).,Davidson Institute for Talent Development, 7/13/16
    GATE students definitely need to be challenged, and I challenge parents and educators to share this book with school and district personnel, including gifted education committees so we can all be informed. If your school doesn't have such a committee, begin one. Help your student be in the know as to her rights, as well. After all, as the authors point out, the gifted are our future doctors, lawyers, technicians, writers, dancers and, I hope, teachers. Be an advocate for your child and begin by getting this book into the right hands.,Dr. Mary Langer Thompson,MiddleWeb, 12/8/16
    Any parent with a child who has been identified as gifted would benefit from reading this book and learning more of what they can do as a parent to help.,Gifted Child Today, 6/21/17