Giftedacademy

10/12/2025

📢 Proud moment!

After two years of waiting, revising, and resubmitting, my latest research article — the final piece of my PhD — has officially been published in Gifted Child Quarterly, one of the most renowned journals in the field of gifted education.

The article describes the intervention I developed and tested with underachieving gifted boys in secondary education:

➡️ how their motivation, engagement, and perception of their own underachievement showed meaningful positive change,
➡️ and why this specific approach works.

For me, this is a personal milestone; for the field, I hope it represents a step forward in supporting young people who struggle despite their potential.

You can find the article here (for those with access; if not, feel free to PM me for a PDF):

Promoting Engagement and Motivation and Reducing Perceived Underachievement of Gifted Male Adolescents: A Mixed-Methods Single-Case Experimental Study
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/00169862251388967

Grateful that this work can finally make its way into the world. 💛

Plain Language SummaryHow One-On-One Counseling can Help Gifted Male Adolescents Who Struggle in School Feel More Motivated and EngagedNot all gifted students do well in school. Some highly intelli...

24/11/2025

📣 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: 𝗮 𝗙𝗔𝗤 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀!

Every week we receive questions about giftedness — big ones, small ones, practical ones and many that feel very familiar to a lot of people.
That’s why we created a brand-new FAQ page where we answer the most common questions clearly, briefly and to the point.

👉 What is giftedness?
👉 How do you recognize it?
👉 Do you always need testing?
👉 What about underachievement?
👉 And much more!

You can find everything here: https://www.hoogbloeier.be/en/faq

💬𝗜𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀, 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 — 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗲𝘁?
Feel free to tell us!

We’re not aiming to be exhaustive (that would be impossible 𝘢𝘯𝘥 unhelpful), but we’re happy to add questions that are relevant to 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 people.

23/10/2025

🎓✨ 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱? 𝗜𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀.
Gifted children are often curious and quick learners, yet they can still struggle with academic motivation. Why? Because motivation isn’t just about ability—it’s built on autonomy, competence, and connection.

💡 𝟯 𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗿𝘆):
1️⃣ Autonomy – Let them choose their path. Allow freedom within structure: "Want to start your science project today or tomorrow?"
2️⃣ Competence – Celebrate growth. Rewatch early attempts, build a portfolio, praise effort over outcomes.
3️⃣ Relatedness – Show genuine interest. Ask about their passions. Be present. Be curious.

🚫 Warning: Pushing for high grades or perfection can backfire. Kids under pressure may develop anxiety, fear of failure, or burnout. Instead, shift focus to how they learn, not what they achieve.

📂 𝗧𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀:
– Keep a portfolio of their projects
– Break big goals into small wins
– Say: “I loved how you kept going” vs. “Great job getting an A”
– Ask: “What did you learn?” after a setback

🧠 Confidence grows when kids see progress and feel in control. Motivation thrives when curiosity is respected and effort is celebrated.

💬 Want to support your gifted child’s motivation? Focus less on perfection, more on the process. That’s how bright minds shine long term. 🌱

Read on: https://www.hoogbloeier.be/en/blog/how-can-parents-support-the-academic-motivation-of-gifted-children

16/10/2025

🧠✨ 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀? 𝗬𝗲𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁.

Some children speak in full sentences by age two, ask deep questions about the universe, or build complex LEGO structures inspired by documentaries. These aren’t just “bright kids”—they may be gifted.

🌱 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻?
– Rapid language & motor development
– Early interest in reading, numbers, science
– Hyper-focus on topics of interest
– Sensitivity, perfectionism, or social struggles

Gifted children aren’t just “ahead”—they often feel differently, too. They might get frustrated if their drawings aren’t perfect or feel isolated when peers don’t share their curiosity about dinosaurs or planets. 💬

💡 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽?
– Ask deep, open-ended questions
– Celebrate effort, not just results
– Provide books, puzzles, science kits
– Allow creative freedom (without rigid goals)
– Create relaxing routines to reduce pressure
– Offer choices to support autonomy
– Seek peer groups or enrichment programs
– Work with gifted education specialists if needed

🎨 Whether they’re building, painting, coding, or questioning the stars—gifted kids need both stimulation and understanding. Recognizing these early signs can help them flourish socially, emotionally, and intellectually.

Let them wonder. Let them explore. Let them grow.

Read on: https://www.hoogbloeier.be/en/blog/very-young-gifted-children-insights-for-parents

09/10/2025

🧠✨ 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗺𝘀𝘆? 𝗜𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗗𝗖𝗗.

Some gifted kids don’t fit the typical “bright and thriving” image. They’re quick thinkers… but struggle with buttons, shoelaces, handwriting, gym class, or simply sitting still. Is it ADHD? Autism? Sometimes, the answer is: DCD – Developmental Coordination Disorder.

🚸 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗗𝗖𝗗?
It’s a motor coordination disorder that affects fine and gross motor skills. Think: trouble with writing, dressing, cutting, catching a ball, or pouring a drink without spilling.

🧩 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱 + 𝗗𝗖𝗗 = 𝗧𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗲-𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹
These children often compensate cognitively but feel frustrated when their motor challenges overshadow their talents. Their difficulties are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed as ADHD or autism.

✏️ 𝗔𝘁 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹
Handwriting is hard. Organizing materials takes longer. Sports feel like torture. These children are often exhausted, misunderstood, or even seen as “lazy” or “disruptive.”

❤️ 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴
DCD can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal. Many kids avoid tasks they find hard and hide behind clownish behavior to cover up their struggles.

🏫 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀
✔ Recognize their strengths
✔ Let them type instead of write
✔ Offer extra time
✔ Use adaptive tools
✔ Focus on effort, not perfection
✔ Provide psychoeducation and support

Let’s look beyond the clumsiness and see the hidden brilliance behind these kids. Because being smart doesn’t always come with neat handwriting—or shoelaces.

Read on: https://www.hoogbloeier.be/en/blog/smart-but-clumsy-the-hidden-impact-of-dcd-on-gifted-children

02/10/2025

🚀 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗚𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

Gifted learners often crave challenge. They process information faster, think more abstractly, and thrive when they can dive deep. When regular education doesn’t meet their needs, acceleration—moving faster through the curriculum—can be a powerful tool.

📚 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?
It can mean skipping a grade, early secondary entry, or just advancing in one subject (like math or languages). It doesn’t have to be “all or nothing.”

💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝘀𝗮𝘆?
Meta-analyses show accelerated students:

- Achieve better academically
- Have equal or better psychological well-being
- Are more motivated and confident

🧠 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝘆𝘁𝗵
“But what about their social life?”
Studies show gifted students often feel more connected in advanced groups, where peers share their curiosity, interests, and thinking style.

🎓 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀
Acceleration reduces boredom, boosts engagement, and lets students learn at a level that matches their abilities. It's not just academic—it supports well-being, motivation, and long-term success.

💬 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿
Not every gifted child is ready to skip a grade. It takes careful observation, didactic testing, and collaboration with parents, teachers, and specialists. Sometimes, subject-based acceleration is the best start.

✨ Acceleration is not just an educational tool. It’s a way to recognize talent, boost potential, and invest in the future.

25/09/2025

🕒 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗞𝗶𝗱𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁

“We’ve all been there…” That school task, report, or article that just doesn’t get done. Not because you can’t—but because you don’t 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕. Parents often recognize this frustration in their teens: last-minute cramming, missed deadlines, endless procrastination.

This may not just be “laziness”—but a skill gap in 𝘁𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, one of the brain’s 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. It’s the ability to start a task without delay—even when it’s boring, hard, or unfamiliar. And the good news? It can be trained.

🎯 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀?

🔹 Start small. Break vague tasks like “study math” into doable parts: “read intro (p.6), learn definition (p.8), do 2 exercises.” Clarity fuels action.

🔹 Use visual cues. Task lists, pictograms, or timers help kids plan and start, especially if they feel overwhelmed.

🔹 Let them choose. Ask where, when, and how they want to begin. Autonomy boosts buy-in.

🔹 Practice through play. Strategy games like Dobble, Catan, or Roadblock train planning, setup, and follow-through.

🔹 Be patient. Some kids seem to dawdle endlessly. Show empathy, check instructions, help organize, and—if needed—start together.

🔹 Teach reflective steps. Use Meichenbaum’s bears: “What do I do? How will I do it? I do it. I check. What do I think?”

🧠 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝗴𝗲-𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲?
Preschoolers should shift focus on cue. By 5–7: follow 2-step tasks. By 8–11: up to 4 steps and simple homework routines—with occasional reminders.

👉 Task initiation is a life skill—not just a school one. When we guide children with structure, empathy, and practice, we empower them to start, persist, and succeed.

Read on: https://www.hoogbloeier.be/en/blog/task-initiation

22/09/2025

🌱 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻: 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Gifted kids don’t just need more 𝒄𝒐𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆 —they need more 𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈. According to Self-Determination Theory (Ryan & Deci), three key needs fuel their motivation and well-being:
✨ 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆 (freedom to choose)
✨ 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 (feeling capable)
✨ 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 (feeling accepted and understood)

👪 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀?
Here are simple, research-backed ways to parent with growth and motivation in mind:

🔹 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆:
Let your child choose how to approach a project, solve problems independently, or create their own schedule. Offer freedom within structure (e.g., “Do you want to do homework now or after dinner?”). Ask reflective questions: “What went well? What would you do differently?”

🔹 𝗙𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲:
Challenge them at their level (not just their age). Focus on effort and process, not perfection: “You really kept going, even when it was tough.” Encourage talent development—whether it’s chess, music, programming, or science—and let them share their knowledge with others.

🔹 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀:
Truly listen—even when their ideas are complex or abstract. Show interest in what excites them. Surround them with peers who share their passions. Show empathy when emotions run high. Remind them: they’re loved for who they are, not just what they do.

💡 Parenting with autonomy, trust, and connection plants the seeds of lifelong self-awareness and inner motivation.

Read more on: https://www.hoogbloeier.be/en/blog/growing-from-within-motivating-the-upbringing-of-gifted-children

18/09/2025

♟️𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲! 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

Did you know chess can be a 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐𝒐𝒍 for gifted students? It sharpens critical thinking, boosts self-regulation, and teaches patience, perseverance, and empathy. But… the 𝒘𝒂𝒚 it's taught makes all the difference.

🧠 Gifted students often dislike rigid, step-by-step methods. They thrive on a top-down approach—starting from patterns and strategy, then zooming in on details. The popular Steps Method can feel too repetitive unless adapted.

✅ 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀:

• Differentiate by level with themes that span beginner to advanced (using Bloom’s taxonomy).
• Mix up the format: relay chess, mirror chess, queens vs pawns, and online puzzles.
• Encourage peer coaching and game analysis: let students explain their strategy or critique famous games.
• Use film (🎬 Queen’s Gambit, Geri’s Game) or digital games like Troyis to spark enthusiasm.
• Add storytelling and creativity: create laminated cards with openings or chess riddles.
• Practice reflection: What went well? What would you do differently next time?

♟️ 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗸𝗶𝗱𝘀:

• It fosters independence and deep focus
• Encourages emotional growth through losing, winning, and trying again
• Provides intellectual challenge with endless complexity

👀 Tip: Use diagrams as 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒗𝒆, not as direct instruction. Let curiosity lead!

With the right approach, chess becomes more than a game—it becomes a training ground for resilience, critical thinking, and self-awareness.

Read more on: https://www.hoogbloeier.be/en/blog/checkmate-for-gifted-students-enriching-learning-through-chess

15/09/2025

🧠 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 & 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗜𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱

Gifted people often think deeply, but does that make them more moral? Not necessarily. Research shows that while gifted individuals 𝒄𝒂𝒏 reason more abstractly about moral issues, it doesn’t always translate into ethical action (Tirri, 2009; Freeman, 2009).

✨ 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
🔹 Gifted individuals often score higher on moral reasoning tests—but that doesn’t guarantee morally sensitive behavior.
🔹 Empathy, social context, and personal values matter just as much as intellect.
🔹 Talents can be used for good… or not. Ethical development must be nurtured alongside cognitive growth (Ambrose, 2009).
🔹 Creativity adds power—but without a moral compass, it can be misused (Runco, 2009).

🚫 𝗠𝘆𝘁𝗵: 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱 = 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹
✅ Fact: Morality isn’t automatic. Gifted people, like anyone, can face ethical struggles or even misuse their talents.

💡 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀:
✔ Reflect on how your actions impact others
✔ Use intellect + empathy to solve problems
✔ Seek experiences that challenge your ethical thinking
✔ Know that mistakes are part of moral growth

👉 True giftedness includes how you use your abilities. Be curious—but also kind. Question deeply—but also act wisely. Morality isn’t about how smart you are, but how you choose to show up in the world.

Read more on: https://www.hoogbloeier.be/en/blog/the-complexity-of-morality-and-giftedness

11/09/2025

🧠 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆: 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺

Gifted students don’t just need 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 work—they need 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒇𝒖𝒍 challenges. Without proper stimulation, they risk boredom and underachievement. So what does the research say?

✨ 𝟭. 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲
Adapt your lessons to student pace, interests, and depth. Offer choice in topics or formats (poster, story, debate), and allow students to move quickly through basics and dive deep into complexity (Callahan et al., 2015).

✨ 𝟮. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
Gifted learners thrive when they set their own goals. Encourage independent projects, guided reflection, and ownership over the learning process (Mooij, 2013).

✨ 𝟯. 𝗙𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆 & 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆
Open-ended tasks with multiple solutions help students think critically and develop original ideas. Let them co-design parts of the curriculum (Kanevsky, 2011).

✨ 𝟰. 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀
Gifted students want their learning to matter. Connect it to the real world—like reducing plastic waste or redesigning a playground—to boost relevance and engagement (Callahan et al., 2015).

✨ 𝟱. 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲
Gifted learners must feel part of the group. Offer group work based on interest, not ability, while also allowing for solo depth work (Mooij, 2013).

✅ 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄:

Start with an interest survey
Give options in assignment format
Add bonus materials for deeper exploration
Use open-ended questions: “How would you…” or “What if we…”

🎯 Gifted students flourish when we combine flexibility with real challenge. With a few targeted strategies, you can meet their needs—and energize your whole classroom.

Read on: https://www.hoogbloeier.be/en/blog/how-can-you-best-teach-gifted-children-research-based-tips-for-teachers

21/08/2025

🧠 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗹𝗲?

In therapy with gifted children, adolescents or adults, perfectionism often takes center stage. But not all perfectionism is the same.

There are 𝘁𝘄𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 to this trait:
✔️ Adaptive perfectionism = healthy striving, intrinsic motivation, perseverance
⚠️ Maladaptive perfectionism = fear of failure, self-criticism, avoidance, and emotional exhaustion

🔎 Gifted clients tend to score slightly higher on adaptive perfectionism, but underachievement and fixed mindset can push them toward the maladaptive side — leading to anxiety, procrastination, or burnout (Mofield & Peters, 2019).

🎯 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗱𝗼?
- Normalize & provide psychoeducation
- Use cognitive restructuring to challenge rigid beliefs
- Foster self-compassion and growth mindset
- Try behavioral experiments with “good enough” performance
- Apply ACT or MBSR to embrace imperfection
- Involve the client’s environment to reinforce realistic expectations

💬 For gifted clients, perfectionism doesn’t have to be a pathology. With the right guidance, it becomes a tool for excellence and meaning — without the cost of well-being.

Read more on: https://www.hoogbloeier.be/en/blog/perfectionism-in-gifted-clients-challenge-or-obstacle