This episode of the Backpack Podcast focuses on creativity. What is creativity? How can you cultivate creativity in your gifted student? Dr. Rhoda Rosen, Associate Director of the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern, provides these answers and practical ways for parents and teachers to support their student's creative process.

CTD Backpack, through Center for Talent Development (CTD), is a worldwide online community for gifted students and their families. Members of CTD Backpack for parents are able to engage with their peers and experts in the field of gifted education, access weekly content tailored to the needs of parents of gifted students, and learn about latest opportunities provided by CTD. Our Backpack students enjoy the opportunity to collaborate with our worldwide network of fellow gifted students, work on their online learning pathways, and earn digital badges through our informal learning activities. Students can also access weekly discussions and resources on STEAM topics. With one yearly membership, your entire family will receive access to CTD Backpack for both parents and students.

Note: Complimentary access to Backpack is provided to families registered for a Center for Talent Development program. For those not participating in a program, CTD Backpack is available through a paid membership, which includes access to CTD Backpack for parents and all students within your immediate family.

Find out more at: http://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/program/ctd-backpack

Kathleen Nilles, passionate parent advocate and Manager of Parent Services and Communications at the National Association for Gifted Children, stops by the show to provide her 5 back-to-school tips for parents of gifted children.

To find out more information and become a member of our Backpack community, go to http://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/ctd-backpack.

In this episode Dr. Paula Olszewski-Kubilius, the Director of the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern, discusses the link between grit and the talent development model, by examining Angela Duckworth’s new book, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Dr. Olszewski-Kubilius also provides strategies for purposeful academic practice and suggestions on how to find the right balance between being demanding and supportive with your students.

Genius Hour, also known as 20% time, has been made famous for creating innovation within large companies like Google. Our guest Lindsay Zilly, a technology instructional coach in Orland Park, is here to discuss her experience in implementing this strategy both in the classroom and at home.

This episode features Dr. Megan Foley Nicpon, Associate Director for Research and Clinic at the Belin-Blank Center, discussing twice-exceptionality and how parents can help meet the needs to a twice-exceptional learner.

This episode features Dr. Paula Olszewski-Kubilius, Director for the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University, discussing how to work with your school to meet the needs of your gifted student.

This episode feature our interview with Robert Zubek his a game designer for Cityville and Farmville 2. Robert talks to us about the game design process and answers your questions. All questions in this episode were generated from the CTD Backpack for Students community.

For more information about Backpack, go to http://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/ctd-backpack.

This episode features our interview with Dr. Shane Larson, a member of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, the group of scientists who discovered gravitational waves. All questions in this episode were generated from the CTD Backpack for Students community.

For more information about Backpack, go to http://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/ctd-backpack.

This episode features the CTD Backpacks interview with Dr. Michael Smutko, professor, astronomer, and manager of operations of the Dearborn Observatory at Northwestern University. All questions in this episode were generated from the CTD Backpack for Students community.

This episode feature Dr. Paula Olszewski-Kubilius, Director for the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University, discussing her Top Ten Skills to Cultivate in Your Gifted Child. (Part 2)