Book review: Writing your own script by Corin Barsily Goodwin and Mika Gustavson

I was really pleased to receive a copy for review of the latest addition to the excellent Perspectives in Gifted Homeschooling Series.
It is ‘Writing your Own Script: A parent’s Role in the Gifted Child’s Social Development’ by Corin Barsily Goodwin and Mika Gustavson.
It is edited by Sarah J. Wilson and published in 2015 by GHF Press.

The timing of the arrival of the book was perfect as it arrived the day before the book was to be discussed during Twitter #gtchat. I found that it was packed with information but was still easy to read and understand and would be very helpful for parents.

The chapter titles reflect the staging of a play
1. Backdrop – What you should know about the gifted child
2. Setting the scene – Friendship and the gifted child
3. Casting – Finding the other players
4. Directing – The parent as guide
5. Showtime – Applying what you know
6. Reviews – Raspberries and applause
Epilogue: Take a bow

The first chapter describes aspects of giftedness that impact on building friendships such as Typical characteristics, Asynchronous development, Twice exceptionalities, Dabrowski’s Overexcitabilities, Introversion and Extraversion and Unusual interests.

The second chapter discusses developmental stages and levels of friendship and the third chapter addresses how to find potential friends. Chapter four shows the role parents can take in helping their children to build and maintain friendships and chapters five and six talk about some of the situations that will possibly be encountered.

The book can be purchased from GHF Press http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/ghf-press/

Graphics Lisa Conrad

The blog post about the session of Twitter #gtchat dedicated to discussion of the book can be found on the Global #GTChat Powered by TAGT blog at https://globalgtchatpoweredbytagt.wordpress.com/2015/10/14/writing-your-own-script-a-parents-role-in-the-gifted-childs-development/

The Storify transcript of the chat can be read at https://storify.com/gtchatmod/gtchat-writing-your-ownscript-a-parent-s-role-in-t

Twitterati Challenge

I am taking up the Twitterati Challenge to name my favourite Top 5 of ‘Go to’ Educators

The conditions of the challenge are posted on Mary Myatt’s bog at

http://marymyatt.com/blog/2015-05-03/the-twitterati-challenge

Here they are:

Started by by Ross (never known to nap) @TeacherToolkit – “In the spirit of social-media-educator friendships, this summer it is time to recognise your most supportive colleagues in a simple blogpost shout-out. Whatever your reason, these 5 educators should be your 5 go-to people in times of challenge and critique, or for verification and support”

There are only 3 rules.

1. You cannot knowingly include someone you work with in real life.
   2. You cannot list somebody that has already been named if you are already made aware of them being listed on#TwitteratiChallenge.
   3. You will need to copy and paste the title of this blogpost and (the rules and what to do) information into your own blog post.
   What to do?
   This what to do:
   1. Within 7 days of being nominated by somebody else, you need to identify colleagues that you rely regularly go-to for support and challenge. They have now been challenged and must act and must act as participants of the #TwitteratiChallenge.
2. If you’ve been nominated, please write your own #TwitteratiChallenge blogpost within 7 days. If you do not have your own blog, try @staffrm.
   5. The educator that is now (newly) nominated, has 7 days to compose their own #TwitteratiChallenge blogpost and identify who their top 5 go-to educators are.

So here are my choices

@cybraryman1  Jerry Cybraryman Blumengarten “I’ve got a page for that.”
Connected Educator-Speaker-Writer
Cataloging for education   #edchat moderator
Technology gives even the quietest student a global voice.
Jerry does indeed have a page of links for every educational situation.
Particularly useful are his pages about Twitter chats
http://www.cybraryman.com/ 

@gtchatmod Lisa Conrad Moderator of #gtchat
Lisa Conrad is the moderator and hostess for my favourite education chat #gtchat powered by Texas Association for Gifted &Talented.
Lisa conducts a poll to choose the topic for the chat or invites a guest expert, compiles a list of questions for the session and a collection of related links. After the chat she publishes a transcript using Storify and a blog post about the session which gives all the useful links which were shared.
http://globalgtchatpoweredbytagt.wordpress.com/

@GiftedHF Gifted Homeschoolers
Gifted Homeschoolers Forum supports families of gifted homeschoolers around the world through education, advocacy & community.
GHF not only support homeschoolers but also provide useful information about gifted and 2E student, online courses and conduct blog hops which provide great information and support.
http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/
http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/blogs/blog-hop/

@murcha Anne Mirtschin
Teacher of ICT accounting & business studies Hawkesdale P12 College. Passionate about virtual classrooms, online learning, rural education and global education
Anne connects teachers and students from all around the world by participating in global education projects, Twitter and Skype classroom connections. She also is the moderator and hostess of the Australia e-Series Tech Talk Tuesdays webinars using Blackboard Collaborate
https://murcha.wordpress.com/

@JoHart
Lecturer in VET (Lit, Num, IT) interested in all e-learning, virtual classroom lover Often delivering entirely online
Have also run e-learning projects
Jo provides great PD for teachers and everyone interested in education. She develops and presents e-learning projects and webinars which are great for building confidence and enthusiasm.
http://johart1.edublogs.org/

Thank you all for being great sources of information, support and encouragement!

Gifted Homeschoolers Forum celebrates 10th Anniversary

Gifted Homeschoolers Forum http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/  turns 10 years old on 18 November 2014

GHF serves the parents, teachers and professionals caring for gifted and 2E students and homeschooling families.

They provide an online community,
Website http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/
Information and resources about giftedness http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/resources/gifted/

Information and resources about 2E twice exceptional
http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/resources/twice-exceptional/
Information and resources about homeschooling http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/resources/homeschooling/#ghfresources
Monthly GHF Blog Hops http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/blogs/blog-hop/
Publications http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/ghf-press/
Brochures http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/about-us/gifted-children-brochures/
and online classes. http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/…/ghf-online-spring-2015-se…/
Corin Barsily Goodwin discussed the work of GHF as the guest of honour on Twitter #gtchat on Sunday 9 November 2014.
A review of the session complete with links that were shared can be found at http://globalgtchatpoweredbytagt.wordpress.com/2014/11/12/happy-10th-anniversary-gifted-homeschoolers-forum/

Best Blogs in the Gifted Community

The Best Blogs in the Gifted Community was the topic of a recent Twitter #gtchat session. It was an interesting discussion which was partly prompted by Tim Dracup aka Gifted Phoenix’ excellent investigation and blog post ‘How well does gifted education use social media?’
http://giftedphoenix.wordpress.com/2014/03/16/how-well-does-gifted-education-use-social-media/

The session was one of the monthly weekend chats which are held at a time which is suited to participants in the UK and Europe. For me in Melbourne, Australia the time was 7.00am on a Monday.
http://globalgtchatpoweredbytagt.wordpress.com/2014/03/22/new-feature-at-gtchat-monthly-weekend-chats/

Amongst the information shared was the correct form to use when citing blogs in academic papers
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

Several blog rolls and collections of blogs were mentioned including
Gifted Homeschoolers Forum http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/blogs/
Gifted Phoenix http://giftedphoenix.wordpress.com/

The Storify transcript of the session can be read at http://goo.gl/ws27BD

And the summary of the session including links to the blogs which were discussed can be found at the GT Chat Powered by TAGT blog
http://globalgtchatpoweredbytagt.wordpress.com/2014/03/25/best-blogs-in-the-gifted-community/

Gifted Resources Blog has been nominated in the Australian Writers’ Centre Best Australian Blogs 2014 Competition http://www.writerscentre.com.au/community/best-australian-blogs-comp/

Gifted Homeschoolers Forum

The Gifted Homeschoolers Forum (GHF) supports gifted homeschoolers in the United States and around the world through education, advocacy, community and support. GHF was founded by Corin Barsily Goodwin in 2004 to address a growing need for support and advocacy
GHF is served by the Board of Directors Corin Barsily Goodwin, Executive Director, Debbie Schwarzer, General Counsel, Anne Beneventi, Professional Outreach Coordinator, Eleen Kamas, PhD, Recording Secretary and Josh Shaine
It has a team of advisors and staff Mika Gustavson, Director, GHF Professionals, Tara Hernandez, Membership Director, Rebecca McMillan, Director of Online Education (GHF Online), Sarah Wilson, Editor-in-Chief, GHF Press, Wes Beach, Teen Advisor, Stephanie Hood, Charter/ISP Advisor, Martha Shaindlin, Marketing Manager, Cyd Dawson-Smith, Webmaster, Rev. Mona Chicks, Membership, Madeline Goodwin, General Assistant, Annette Holzman, Tax Manager, Carissa Leventis-Cox, Regional Contacts Coordinator and J. Marlow Schmauder, Professional Outreach.

The goals of GHF are:

• to link interested families with information and resources regarding educating a gifted child outside the traditional school system
• to provide gifted homeschoolers with the opportunity to network and exchange ideas and resources
• to increase awareness of homeschooling as a viable educational alternative for gifted children
• to advocate for gifted homeschoolers as needed
• to network with other education-related entities in support of these goals

Their website can be found at http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/

They provide excellent lists of resources

Resources relating to giftedness
http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/resources/gifted/

Resources relating to homeschooling
http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/resources/homeschooling/

Resources relating to Twice Exceptional (2E)
http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/resources/twice-exceptional/

Collection of articles
http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/resources/parent-and-professional-resources/articles/

GHF Online Courses

http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/ghf-online/
Gifted Homeschoolers Forum also provides outstanding and engaging online courses tailored to the needs of gifted and twice-exceptional students.
The semester or year-long courses are aimed at upper middle and high school level students. GHF Online is 2e friendly and is willing to work with families to make reasonable accommodation for the student’s individual needs.

Courses for 2013
http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/ghf-online/whats-new-for-2013/

GHF Courses were discussed during a #GTCHAT session and the review can be read at New Online Courses at Gifted Homeschoolers Forum
http://globalgtchatpoweredbytagt.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/new-online-courses-at-gifted-homeschoolers-forum/

GHF Press

GHF Press, created by Gifted Homeschoolers Forum gathers and shares information specific to the gifted and twice-exceptional community. They publish Perspectives In Gifted Homeschooling Series
http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/ghf-press/

Making the choice: When typical school does not fit your atypical child by Corin Barsily Goodwin and Mika Gustavson
http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/ghf-press/making-the-choice-when-typical-school-doesnt-fit-your-atypical-child/

A guidebook for parents considering homeschooling, Making the Choice discusses how to balance the emotional and academic needs of gifted and 2e children, their parents, and their families. In Making the Choice, Corin Barsily Goodwin, Executive Director of Gifted Homeschoolers Forum, and Mika Gustavson, MFT, demystify and de-mystify some of the perceived barriers to homeschooling. For those families wondering if this is an option they should consider, Making the Choice offers ideas, guidance, and encouragement to fully evaluate the option.

I am currently enjoying reading this book and intend to write a review shortly

Forging Paths: Beyond Traditional Schooling by Wes Beach
http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/ghf-press/forging-paths-beyond-traditional-schooling/

Traditional schooling may not provide your son or daughter with a satisfactory or fulfilling education. In Forging Paths: Beyond Traditional Schooling, you’ll read the stories of nine young people who took varying, nontraditional educational paths and succeeded in their chosen endeavors and vocations. Wes Beach, director of an unusual private high school, speaker, and author, prompts you to reconsider the idea that any highly successful career path must involve piling up gold stars in high school to gain immediate admission to a prestigious university in order to earn a degree which can cost more than most people earn in a year. Discover how passion, persistence, creativity and perseverance can lead to a life of satisfaction and even some traditional achievements!

I have received a copy of Wes Beach’ book and intend to write a review shortly

If This is a Gift, Can I Send it Back?:Surviving in the Land of the Gifted and Twice Exceptional by Jen Merrill
http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/ghf-press/if-this-is-a-gift-can-i-give-it-back-surviving-in-the-land-of-the-gifted-and-twice-exceptional/

Jen Merrill, author of the Laughing at Chaos blog, brings laughter, tears, and honesty to her latest book by GHF Press,If This is a Gift, Can I Send it Back?: Surviving in the Land of the Gifted and Twice Exceptional. Join Jen on her journey through discovery, understanding, and acceptance, as she copes with the challenges that only the gifted and twice exceptional can create. So, pull up a chair, pour a glass of wine, and start reading. You’ll swear Jen’s written about you!

I enjoyed reading Jen’s book and intend to post a review shortly

Jen discussed her book on #gtchat and the review of the session can be read at
If This is a Gift, Can I Send it Back?
http://globalgtchatpoweredbytagt.wordpress.com/2012/09/03/if-this-is-a-gift-can-i-send-it-back/

SOON TO BE RELEASED FEBRUARY 2013

Learning in the 21^st Century: How to connect, collaborate and create by Ben Curran and Neil Weatherbee
http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/ghf-press/learning-in-the-21st-century-how-to-connect-collaborate-and-create/

The world has transformed on an epic scale, but education has barely budged. How can you incorporate all the creativity technology has to offer into your learning experiences, even if your technological abilities are limited? How can online tools help students, especially gifted and twice-exceptional students, connect with others from around the block or around the world to collaborate on projects?

Ben Curran and Neil Weatherbee of Engaging Educators give you step-by-step instructions to get you started using technology in your learning experiences. Discover new online tools geared toward collaborating and creating. Try out projects specifically designed with these tools in mind. Create a positive and interesting online portfolio to share with college recruiters and potential employers.

Regardless of educational choice, Learning in the 21st Century: How to Connect, Collaborate, and Create will fill you with ideas and inspiration that will revolutionize how you approach learning.

I hope to read and review this book soon.

This book was discussed during a recent #GTCHAT with Ben Curran and Neil Weatherbee of ENGAGING ED and the review of the session can be read at
http://globalgtchatpoweredbytagt.wordpress.com/2013/01/29/learning-in-the-21st-century-how-to-connect-collaborate-and-create/