Thinking Outside the Box Understanding Your Gifted Child Developed by Charlene Mutter, Coordinator Curriculum, Assessment & Staff Development

Myths About Giftedness Myth Gifted children are physically weak and socially inept. Gifted children do everything well. Fact Gifted children as a group tend to be healthy and well adjusted. Some are gifted in many areas, others in only one.

Myths About Giftedness Myth Giftedness is a stable trait, evident in all periods of life. Gifted children are born that way and will succeed because of their innate giftedness. Fact Some last the lifespan, others can fade in adulthood. Gifted children are born with a potential to excel, but if their potential is not nurtured at home and in school, it can fail to develop.

Definition of Giftedness From the United States Office of Education (1972) “Giftedness is potential or demonstrated achievement in any one of six specific areas or a combination of two or more…”

Areas of Giftedness  General intellectual ability  Specific academic aptitude  Creative or productive thinking  Leadership ability  Visual or performing arts  Psychomotor ability

Definitions of Giftedness (Part 2) The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) provides the following definition of giftedness:  Someone who shows or has the potential for showing an exceptional level of performance in one or more areas of expression  Some abilities are general such as leadership and the ability to think creatively  Some abilities are specific and evident only in particular circumstances, such as a special aptitude in mathematics, science or music

NAGC Definition (continued) The term giftedness provides a general reference to a spectrum of abilities without being specific or dependent on a single measure or index. Generally about five percent of the student population (about three million children) are considered gifted.

Expanded Definition of Giftedness… Think outside the box Explore the complexity of a problem Are accelerated in their subject of strength Enjoy the novelty of a problem Dig deep below the surface to find answers Gifted children are those who often:

Gifted students also often: Achieve mastery in 1-2 repetitions Have intense curiosity Have high motivation Naturally use higher level thinking skills Have acute sensitivity

Howard Gardner’s Seven Intelligences Intelligence Logical- mathematical Linguistic Musical Career Choice Scientist, mathematician Poet, journalist Composer, violinist

Howard Gardner’s Seven Intelligences Intelligence Spatial Bodily-kinesthetic Interpersonal Intrapersonal Career Choice Navigator, sculptor Dancer, athlete Therapist, salesman Motivational speaker

Portrait of a High Achiever Knows the answer Is interested Has good ideas Understands ideas Completes assignments Grasps meaning Listens with interest Absorbs information Is receptive

Portrait of a Gifted Student Asks the question Is curious May have unexpected ideas Constructs abstractions Initiates projects Draws inferences Demonstrates strong opinions Manipulates information Is critical

In the classroom the high achiever will… Complete all homework on time Be organized Work neatly Be concerned about format and project requirements Control group projects Maintain perfect attendance Strive for an A Follow all the rules

The gifted student often will… Forget to complete assignments Focus on a unique aspect of an assignment or project Be disorganized Ask deep questions about a topic Spend hours on research and minutes on presentation Not care about the grade Challenge the rules

How do I know if my child is gifted? Remember, only about 3-5% of the population are identified as “gifted” in any particular area. Keep in mind that children can be gifted in a variety of ways. Recognize that intellectually gifted children are not always high achievers.

Consider the evidence… How does your child seem to stand out or excel compared to others of their age? Look at a variety of data including standardized tests, district assessments and grades Examine your child’s projects, essays and class work over time Consider special gifts and talents in the arts Observe your child’s choices… books they read, projects they select, activities Listen to the child’s questions, ideas, requests, etc.

Other thoughts… Most importantly, keep in mind that whether technically gifted or not, ALL children have talents and abilities; help your child to find their special gifts and nurture their talents and interests.

How can I help my child? Check on class work and projects Ask probing questions and listen to answers Take trips to the library, museums and local festivals Attend concerts, plays and special events

How can I learn more? Attend parent meetings and seminars Join the National Association for Gifted Children ( Join the California Associaton for the Gifted ( Read journals Attend conferences

Even More Resources… Gifted Child Quarterly ( Gifted Child Today ( EPGY Educational Program for Gifted Youth ( epgy.stanford.edu/) epgy.stanford.edu/ Center for Talented Youth at the Johns Hopkins University ( The Gifted Child Society (