Encouraging the Talents of Your Child Through Center Programs

By: Joan Franklin Smutny, Director The Center for Gifted, a Northern Illinois University Partner

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - EducationCreativity is the highest form of mental functioning. The Center for Gifted, a Northern Illinois University Partner, subscribes to this significant statement made by the father of creativity in the U.S., Paul Torrance. The center’s seventeen programs this summer offer courses to bright, talented, children and young people, PreK-12 in sites around the city and suburbs. Bright, talented children need to be encouraged and enabled to grow in their talents through fresh opportunities to explore subjects in creative, challenging environments. The classes in the Center evoke an enthusiasm for learning and a desire to expand, artistic, cultural, and intellectual horizons.

Children and young people often have more talents than are recognized in academic school settings. Center programs held in the winter on Sunday afternoons and in the summer throughout Chicago are designed to enable children and young people to find their talents and abilities; to feel comfortable about expanding their talents; to feel encouraged and supported as they explore and discover new avenues for thinking and creating. Bright, talented Hispanic students, PreK-12, are increasingly attracted to Center programs. Half and full scholarships are offered to be supportive of participation. Parents are encouraged to call the Center for Gifted for scholarship forms and flyers that include and application form for admission. All programs are open. Courses include Creative Writing; Math Puzzles and Strategies; Edible Chemistry; Combustion and Pyrotechnics; Computer Lab I and II, LEGO Robotics I and II; Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans; Strange, Sturdy Sculpture; Musical Theater; Rainforest Expedition; World Cuisine, and Historic Games of Strategy and Diplomacy. Center programs can be found online at www.centerforgifted.org or parents may call the Center for Gifted at 847-901-0173.

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