The Road Less Traveled

A bright student... • Follows directions; copies and memorizes well • Prefers logical, step-by-step explanations • Is mature for his/her age • Performs at the top of the group • Does very well in a traditional classroom environment • Usually fits in well with peers • Tends to be satisfied with his/her performance A gifted learner... • Is independent and self-directed; creates new ideas and techniques • Understands things intuitively; often makes mental “leaps” • Is asynchronous; can be highly sensitive and intense • Is beyond the group • May struggle in a traditional classroom environment • May have trouble fitting in with peers • Can be highly self-critical The main difference between bright and gifted children is that gifted children are  more . More intuitive, more sensitive, more intense, more out-of-sync. In this case, "more" does not always mean "better." Gifted learners often struggle to find acceptance within their schools, their communities, ...

#1: "You should be making all A's." Yes, some gifted children are capable of making straight A's—especially if they're gifted in math, science, or English. However, not all gifts are academic. Plus, gifted kids can also have learning and attention issues. These kids are called "twice-exceptional." #2: "You don't need help. Just figure it out on your own." Shaming gifted kids when they ask for help is not productive. It teaches them that asking for help is a sign of weakness. It also teaches them that if they need help, they must not be smart or capable. Both of these lessons can be harmful and are difficult to unlearn. Even as an adult, I have trouble asking for help because I was taught to be independent and pick myself up by my own boot straps.  #3: "You're overreacting." Gifted kids may respond to things in unexpected ways. That's because they often notice things that others don't. As a result, it...

Giftedness and intensity are two sides of the same coin. Gifted people's intensity is what leads to asynchrony, or uneven development. We're ahead of our years in some ways, yet certain skills are lagging behind. Gifted people tend to be exceptionally passionate and have strong interests. As a result, we can have trouble fitting in with others who just don't "get it." Kazimierz Dabrowski, a psychologist, originally came up with the idea of "gifted over-excitabilities." While I agree with his ideas, I don't like to call them over-excitabilities because that suggests that there's something wrong or "too much" with gifted people. Instead, I prefer the term "intensities," which I feel is more accurate.  Types of Intensities:  • People with physical intensity tend to be active and high-energy. They like to be involved in many things. They can come across as restless or impatient. They're often sensitive to light, sound, t...

As humans, we naturally want to label things (and people). We’re wired to notice patterns and lump together similar people, objects, ideas, etc. And you know what? Despite what our politically correct culture would tell you, labeling isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Of course nobody is defined by any one label. Of course we shouldn’t reduce people to stereotypes. But... Labels still matter. Labels, when they’re accurate, can be quite useful. If you’re short, I know you might need help reaching things on high shelves. If you’re left-handed, I know not to give you the right-handed scissors. If you have a learning disability, I know to be extra patient with you in certain areas. And if you’re gifted or twice-exceptional, I know that your mind works similarly to mine. Labeling isn’t necessarily a better-than/worse-than statement. It just is what it is. When I point out that one can of soup is tomato and the other is chicken noodle, I’m not saying that tomato soup is better. I’m just...

Myth #1: Everyone is gifted.  Fact: While everyone has unique talents and traits, not everyone is considered “gifted.” Gifted people think about and process things differently than others do. Giftedness is a real, observable trait—just like height and hair color. Is everyone tall? Does everyone have red hair? Obviously not. And not everyone is gifted. Myth #2: Gifted people are rare or unusual.  Fact: About 10 percent of the population is considered gifted. And many more people may be at least somewhat gifted without receiving the label. Like many things, giftedness is on a spectrum. Myth #3: Gifted students always do well in school and don’t need any special help.  Fact: Gifted people tend to have unique challenges in school. They often need special support. Some gifted people do very well in school, especially if they have supportive parents, friends, and teachers. However, without proper support, gifted children are at risk of acting out, dropping out, or m...

When people hear the word "gifted," they tend to make a lot of assumptions. They assume that gifted children are mature, high achievers, and talented in every subject. Also, there's an underlying belief that gifted children have it easy and will do just fine on their own. However, those assumptions are false. There are many ways to be gifted, and all gifted children (and adults) are different. Academically gifted children most closely match the stereotype of the gifted child. They excel in language, history, science, and/or math. Children who are gifted in the visual/performing arts tend to have good coordination and/or creative expression. They excel in areas such as painting, dancing, playing an instrument, or playing a sport. Socially/emotionally gifted children are good at reading people's emotions, and they have good insight. They tend to excel at leading and influencing others. However, giftedness is more than just talent, and not all gifted students are hig...