Two forms of writing can be particularly valuable in helping gifted children gain an appreciation of the range of uses for writing. One is the response journal. Allowing a child the privilege of writing as he or she wishes, to express feelings and ideas in a journal, encourages in-depth thoughtfulness about print and text. Your child can decide if he or she will allow you to read and respond to the journal writing. In making this decision, your child exercises ownership of the writing process.
Poetry is another form of writing that has great potential for the gifted child.
The many dimensions of poetry give us leave to explore the elasticity of the English language. There is no better way for your child to learn the joy of literacy than to realize through poetry writing that he or she commands the language, and not vice versa. By creating independent learning centers, you allow your child to exercise his or her talents, set conditions for autonomy, and provide potential for linking reading and writing with the real world. You can use centers to give free rein to your child's creative impulses and ideas. Centers at home can be appropriate for many ages, from six to eight to young teenagers.