Teaching with Minecraft -- For the Gifted, for Aspergers, for Autism, and for the Parents who wonder if Minecraft is actually useful

Today I am collecting stories and links relating to the use of Minecraft in educating those of us whom one of my friends (who self identifies) calls 'quirky'-- these include kids on 'the spectrum' -- aspergers, autism, gifted kids (who do, in fact, fall under the umbrella of  'special ed' kids). Kids with Add and ADHD are a whole 'nother category and OH! is there a debate of over that! Regardless, these kids find a common ground in Minecraft as the following articles demonstrate.  Parents and teachers can use this ground to direct and educate their students'interests.

1)How Minecraft taught my Nine year old son with Aspergers to Read and Write

2) Here is a site aimed at helping kids with Aspergers in particular through the development of IT skils

3) Here is a server that claims to be for Autistic and Asperger folks -- haven't vetted it, so cannot speak to it.

4) Here is another server dedicated to kids on the Autism spectrum.

5) Here is an article that turns the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder on its head.

6) Journey in a Gifted Classroom -- for Minecraft with Gifted kids

7) Why Minecraft is great for Gifted Kids

8)Tomorrow's Entrepreneurs are playing Minecraft today

9) Lesson plans for Gifted Kids Minecraft

Happy Crafting!