Gifted Children At Home *NOP

by Janice Baker, Kathleen Julicher, Maggie S. Hogan

Did Buford Jr. talk at 9-months old? Is little Sally teaching herself to read at 4-years-old? Is your child a perfectionist? Has he created a new foreign language? Does she have an early interest in morals and life? Congratulations! Your child is likely gifted in some area. If you have a gifted child in your homeschool, this 152-page softcover might be able to replace your aspirin bottle. Veteran teacher-moms Janice Baker, Kathleen Julicher, and Maggie Hogan teamed up for Gifted Children at A Practical Guide for Homeschooling Families in order to answer the myriad of questions parents of gifted children often ask. This practical "how-to" book charts some ups-and-downs you may experience along the way as you raise your special child or children. The 18 chapters plus introduction and appendix include topics like curriculum, activities, "Computers", discipline, "Record Keeping", "Preparing for High School and College", contests, techniques, and even a thorough discussion on whether you should try to homeschool a gifted child. The trio of authors shares comments from parents, from gifted children, inspiring quotes, and many, many resources for your further research. Eight reproducible forms at the end of the book mean ease of planning. The book is encouraging, conversational, and usable. Originally published by The Gifted Group Publishing, Gifted Children at Home now is published by Bright Ideas Press.

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2007

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first homeschooling book I've read. I found it a little strange. I didn't know what to make of this observation about school-based gifted programs:

"We've witnessed and heard of many New Age techniques being used in gifted programs. Don't underestimate their danger on impressionable minds. Lots of mother earth worship, visualization techniques, and an emphasis on humanism. Some are subtle; some our downright blatant."

What?

This book might be a good way to brainstorm about how to help your gifted child, but there are a lot better sources out there.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

The authors are parents of gifted children, which means this is an anecdotal book. Much of their advice is based on their experiences with their own gifted children. I found some of their advice to be odd (beware of new age teachings in public gifted classrooms), but appreciated the chapter on apprenticeships (though, it was rather short). I wouldn't recommend this book in its current form, as it contains a lot of outdated material.

[Danielle Friedrich · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is obviously dated...copy write 1999. But there was great logistical advice for timing of standardized tests to allow for more scholarship opportunities. The book also encouraged me to not fear homeschooling a college bound child through high school.

[Lexi Zuo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Super dated book. Not very helpful at all.