Barbara Klein, Ed.D.

Summer is the best time for gifted children to nourish their inner lives and develop their talents and passions. The structure of school and the responsibility of homework is critical to the gifted child’s cognitive, social and emotional development, but the free time of summer is also essential. Spontaneous experiences create a more integrated sense of self. Exploration with old and new friends develops confidence. Playful experiences enhance creativity. Thus non-programmed time will deepen the interior life of the bright child.

Children need a break from their routines, and parents can provide these experiences by not over-scheduling the summer break and by involving their children in open ended experiences where they can explore the world from their own totally unique vantage points.