What can we do to meet their needs?

Gifted Truth or Consequences!Gifted students are social isolates by nature

and prefer to be alone. You can tell a gifted student by the grades and

classroom performance. Gifted students are at risk of

underachievement. Gifted students will make it on their own. Peer tutoring is a form of differentiation. Perfectionism is the result of a pushy parent. Accelerating students causes social problems.Gifted kids are all egotistical and elitist.

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Gifted students are those who:Acquire and retain information quicklyAre able to conceptualizeAre inquisitive; Question everythingHold high expectations of self and othersPossess sensitivity; empathyPossess high energy; alertness; eagernessPossess large vocabularySeeks cause-effect relationshipsIs independent; nonconformingPossess strong sense of humor; See humor in unusual

placesIs creative; inventive; seeks new way of doing thingsRequires mental stimulation; Enjoys problem-solvingHave diverse interests

What’s bad about being good?Learns Quickly

Impatient with others; Impatient with self; Fails to learn Task PersistenceHigh Expectations of Self and Others

Perfectionistic; Difficulty tolerating mistakes; May become depressedHigh energy; Alertness; Eagerness

Frustration with slow pace; May be seen as hyperactive; Needs stimulationHeightened sensitivity; Empathy; Desire for acceptance

Sensitive to criticism; Takes on the problems of others; Heightened sense of rejection

Diverse interests and abilities; Versatility

Appears “flighty”; Frustration with lack of time; Inability to choose among options; May become over-extended

What’s a parent/teacher to do? Provide appropriate challengeTeach problem-solving skills; active listeningTeach accountability; don’t provide false rescueSupport diverse explorations of interestsTeach task commitment and perseveranceTeach executive function skillsProvide peer group of “kindred spirits”Provide instruction and materials at appropriate levelAddress skill gapsTeach leadership skillsBe alert to symptoms of underachievement and addressUse goal setting (short and long term) to establish

perspective

Pay attention to:Uneven developmentPeer relationsNegative self-talkPerfectionismDepressionAvoidance of risk-takingExpectations of othersMultipotentiality

You can make a difference in the areas of……..School and community culture & normsAwareness and understanding among

healthcare communityParent networking on behalf of gifted

studentsEducational responsivenessAppropriate opportunities available beyond

the school