Dashing Into December!
Oh What Fun It Is To Create!
December Gifted and Talented Newsletter!
Challenging Minds and Making Memories!
Building Leadership Skills!
STEM-tastic!
Watch Dogs In The House!
Authentic Audience Presentations
Using our Brainfocals!
Pentomino Construction
Researching Korea
For The Trip Around The World
With Cinderella!
Structure Challenge!
Leonardo da Vinci Parachute Construction!
PARENTING GIFTED CHILDREN
The Unique Inner Lives of Gifted Children
By Dr. Linda Kreger Silverman
“Why are you so sensitive?”
“Why is everything so important to you?”
“Why does it have to be perfect?”
These are among the most common indictments of the gifted. Why, indeed. The answer should be “because I’m gifted.” These are the personality traits that distinguish the gifted from others. To be gifted is to be different. That’s the nature of the beast. So the next time you hear—in a saccharin tone of voice—“All our children are gifted,” it’s OK to cringe. All children are a gift to the world—each child is unique and a blessing, but to say all children are gifted is akin to proclaiming, “All our children have dyslexia” You can’t sweep away developmental differences with political ideologies.
Giftedness is asynchronous development in which advanced cognitive abilities and heightened intensity combine to create inner experiences and awareness that are qualitatively different from the norm. This asynchrony increases with higher intellectual capacity. The uniqueness of the gifted renders them particularly vulnerable and requires modifications in parenting, teaching and counseling in order for them to develop optimally. (The Columbus Group, 1991)
The definition of giftedness as asynchronous development was strengthened by parents who were struggling to meet the needs of their children. Stephanie Tolan described the gifted as an “amalgam of many developmental ages.” They appear to be different ages in different situations.
Kate…may be six while riding a bike, thirteen while playing the piano or chess, nine while debating rules, eight while choosing hobbies and books, five (or three) when asked to sit still. How can such a child be expected to fit into a classroom designed around norms for six year olds?
While many are now aware of the concept of asynchrony, one facet of the definition has been overlooked: intensity. Asynchrony is much more than uneven development; it also involves emotional intensity, complexity and depth. The turbulent inner lives of the gifted can best be understood through the lens of Dabrowski’s theory of Overexcitabilities.
Give your child the quiz below and see if you can discover which overexcitabilities they feel challenged by.
The Kids’ Guide to Overexcitabilities
Psychomotor Overexcitability
Do you have lots of energy?
Do you love movement?
Do you love fast games?
Do you talk a lot?
Do you have trouble sitting still?
Do you bite your nails?
Sensual Overexcitability
Do you love to touch things?
Do you love food?
Do you love music?
Do you love sunsets?
Do you love shopping?
Do you hate the tag on your clothes?
Imaginational Overexcitability
Can you picture things vividly?
Do you have a great sense of humor?
Do you like to invent things?
Do you love fantasy?
Do you worry a lot?
Do you like to stretch the truth?
Intellectual Overexcitability
Are you are very curious?
Do you love to read?
Do you love learning?
Do you want everything to be fair?
Can you concentrate for long periods of time?
Do you always want to be right?
Emotional Overexcitability
Do you care a lot about other people?
Do you love animals?
Are you very sensitive?
Do you try to be and do your best?
Do you get easily frustrated?
Are you shy and nervous sometimes?
Another key insight to consider is extraverstion and introversion. Introversion appears to increase as a function of IQ. While 60% of a school for the gifted rate themselves as introverts, 75% of the exceptionally gifted rate themselves as introverts (Silverman, 1998).
Try having your child take the following quiz!
The Kid's Guide To Being An Extravert Vs. An Introvert
Do you need time to adjust to new situations ____
Or do you adjust to new situations pretty easily?____
Do you rehearse things in your head before you say them out loud?____
Or do you just say whatever comes into your head?____
Do you long for just one really, really close friend?____
Or do you like having lots of friends?____
Do you keep your feelings to yourself?____
Or do you share your feelings easily with others?____
Do you hate everybody looking at you?____
Or do you love having lots of attention?____
Do you like to do one thing at a time?_____
Or do you prefer to do many things at once?____
When someone asks you a question, do you need time to think?____
Or do you think fast?____
Do you need time by yourself?____
Or do you need to be with people all the time?____
Do you learn by watching others?____
Or do you learn by doing?____
Do you find it easy to concentrate?____
Or are you easily distracted?____
Are you quiet in large groups?____
Or do you talk no matter how many people are there?____
Do you hate going to parties?____
Or do you love going to parties?____
A concept that facilitates self-understanding is the appreciation of perfectionism. As perfectionism correlates strongly with giftedness, it must serve a positive function. Yet, it has been disparaged throughout the psychological literature. I have found that all gifted individuals are perfectionists, and all introverts are perfectionists. A gifted introvert is a perfectionist squared. While it is commonly accepted that perfectionism stems from a deep well of inadequacy, I believe that in most of the gifted population it originates from a desire to do one’s personal best. Individuals with high Sensual OE are attracted to beauty, and they may spend endless hours making something beautiful. They do so out of their own aesthetic needs rather than to please others and gain approval.
According to the NAGC, here are some perfectionist behaviors and ways to manage them.
Healthy Perfectionism
· Doing the best you can with the time and tools you have–and then moving on
· Setting high personal standards with a gentle acceptance of self
· Managing behaviors to not interfere with daily life
Unhealthy Perfectionism
· Emphasizing and/or rewarding performance over other aspects of life
· Perceiving that one’s work is never good enough
· Feeling continually dissatisfied about one’s work–which can lead to depression, anxiety, and other physical symptoms
· Feeling guilty if not engaged in meaningful work at all times
· Having a compulsive drive to achieve, where personal value is based on what is produced or accomplished
Tips for Parents & Teachers in Managing Perfectionism
· Watch for signs of unhealthy perfectionism and intervene if necessary
· Adults should model a healthy approach and be aware of their own predispositions toward compulsive excellence
· Refrain from setting high, non-negotiable standards
· Emphasize the effort and process, not the end-result
· Do not withhold affection, support, or encouragement if goals are not met
· Teach your gifted child to manage perfectionistic behaviors and focus on positive self-talk
The gifted have rich, turbulent inner lives, laced with idealism, self-doubt, perceptiveness, sensitivity, moral imperatives, and a desperate need for understanding, acceptance and love. They feel everything intensely and see electrically charged layers of meaning.
Gifted children need to be recognized as a special needs group, like any other exceptionality. They are wired differently and must come to terms with their unique traits. Unfortunately, they are the only exceptionality that can pretend to be like everyone else.
Unfortunately, they are the only exceptionality that can pretend to be like everyone else. Some learn early in life to hide their giftedness so that they are more acceptable. Elizabeth Drews’ (1972) wrote, “Our children are taught to don masks before they recognize their own faces. They are made to put their tender, pliable forms into prefabricated shells” (p. 3).
Developmental advancement can be a positive experience in an environment where individual differences are not only accepted, but celebrated!
We have been called to help gifted children appreciate themselves, to follow their own paths, and to develop into emotionally healthy adults. Society needs their passion, their idealism, their creativity, their sensitivity, their problem-solving abilities. They are our future. We who cherish them have been entrusted with guiding and guarding the future of our planet. With our help, their gifts will become blessings to themselves and to the Universe.
Dr. Linda Kreger Silverman
Stay Warm This Winter with Hot Cocoa & A Great Read for Gifted Learners!
IGNITE THE IMAGINATION!
Winter Break. . . Make It A "Gifted" One!
Abalone
Blokus
Brain String
Chaos
Color Sticks
Dizios
Gravity Maze
Iota
IQ Twist
Linja
Q-Bitz
Quirkle
Quirkle Cube
Sets
String Railway
Swish
Tetris Stress Blocks
Tic Tac Ku Red and White
Zertz
Apps for the Gifted Learner
Geo Bee Challenge
Hidden Object: Mystery Estate
Hidden Object: Mystery Guardian
Kookie Tangram
Minecraft. . . yes, it challenges the imagination, ha!
Pegland
Scratch (online)
Simple Physics
Unblock
X Construction
ACTIVITIES FOR THE GIFTED & TALENTED LEARNER
STEM Challenge: The Tallest Building
Supplies: Stack of Index Cards, Masking Tape
Build the tallest tower possible using only index cards and masking tape. Experiment by molding the cards into different shapes for stability! The possibilities are endless!
Supplies: Solo Cups
Create the tallest tower possible only using solo cups!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Dash Out In December To . . .
Below are some upcoming events that may be fun for your family. Please note that these events are not associated with nor supported by Frisco ISD.
Perot Museum presents IMAX Wonders of the Arctic
This event occurs Daily from 11/22/2015 to 01/14/2016
Location Name: The Hoglund Foundation Theater @ Perot Museum
Location Address: 2201 N. Field Street Dallas, Texas 75201-1704 Click for Google Map
Description: The Arctic has always been a place of mystery, myth and fascination. Wonders of the Arctic 3D centers on the ongoing mission to explore the Arctic and the compelling stories of the many ventures into this captivating place. The film continues to explore the state of the Arctic today by visiting the polar bear capital of the world, interacting with ice scientists, and joining a beluga biologist expedition. Underlying all these tales is the crucial role that ice plays in the northern environment and the changes that are quickly overtaking the people and animals who have adapted to this land of ice and snow.
Tuesday, Dec 1, 2015, 10:00 AM
Perot Museum of Nature and Science, North Field Street, Dallas, TX, United States
ICE!
It's the 11th annual freeze fest at the Gaylord Texan Resort presents hand-carved ice creations from The Nutcracker, plus 2 million lights, lavish holiday displays that include larger-than-life decorations. Enjoy Milk & Cookies with Mrs. Claus and ICE! featuring Frosty the Snowman.
New This Year: A live ice carving zone. Watch a masterful ice carver create amazing sculptures before your eyes.
Nov 13, 2014 through January 3, 2015.
Gaylord Texan 817-778-2000 for more details and packages.
Friday, Nov 13, 2015, 02:00 PM
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX, United States
Skate The Square
This event occurs Daily from 11/27/2015 to 01/03/2016
Cost: $10 to skate with or without rental skates per person, ($8 with a group of 11 or more)
Ages: All Ages
Location Name: Frisco Square
Location Address: southwest corner of Main Street and Coleman Blvd, Frisco
Description: Enjoy the festive lights while you skate through the holiday season on the outdoor rink returning for its second year. Public Sessions, Corporate & Group bookings, as well as private ice rental will be available daily, weather permitting. Come join us by skating the rink as we bring in special guests for exhibitions and performances throughout the season! Mon - Thu: 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm Fri - Sun: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Tuesday, Dec 1, 2015, 04:00 PM
Frisco Square, Coleman Boulevard, Frisco, TX, United States
The Trains at North Park
This event occurs Daily from 11/21/2015 to 01/03/2016
Cost: $7/Adults; $3Children (ages 2 - 12) and senior citizens (age 65 and older) Under 2 - Free
Ages: All Ages
Location Name: NorthPark Center (Level Two between Barneys New York and Nordstrom)
Location Address: 8687 N. Central Expressway Dallas, Texas 75225 Click for Google Map
Description: The most elaborate toy trains exhibit in Texas, The Trains at NorthPark includes trains rolling across 1,600 feet of track on a journey across America. Cityscapes include downtown Dallas, with the beautiful Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, the State Fair of Texas and the Cotton Bowl; New York City’s Times Square and Grand Central Terminal; Washington, D.C. with The White House; New England’s fall foliage; the Grand Canyon, Route 66, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and various other highlights. The exhibit encompasses more than 4,000 square feet of train themed environments, with all the trimmings of the holiday train travel experience—steam engine and coach cars, a ticket booth and a train station as well as interactive features. More than 80,000 people visit The Trains at NorthPark each season as part of their holiday tradition. The Trains at NorthPark™ hours: Mon - Sat @ 10am - 9pm; Sun @ 12pm - 6pm; Thanksgiving Eve @ 10AM - 6PM; Thanksgiving & Christmas Day -Closed; Christmas Eve @ 10AM - 4PM; New Year's Eve @10AM - 6PM; New Year's Day @ 12PM - 6PM
Tuesday, Dec 1, 2015, 10:00 AM
NorthPark Center, North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX, United States
The Wildest Weather in the Solar System 3D
This event occurs Daily from 09/19/2015 to 01/03/2016
Cost: $6 plus the price of admission to the museum
Location Name: Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Location Address: 2201 N. Field Street Dallas, TX 75201 Click for Google Map
Description: In this spectacular National Geographic film, you'll witness the most powerful and mysterious weather phenomena in our solar system — from a relentless hurricane that’s raged on Jupiter for more than 400 years, to the electrical storms of Saturn’s “Storm Alley,” where lightning strikes are 100 times more powerful than those on Earth. Travel alongside a fictitious planetary spacecraft whose journey begins at the sun and continues to the outer reaches of our solar system.
Tuesday, Dec 1, 2015, 10:00 AM
Perot Museum of Nature and Science, North Field Street, Dallas, TX, United States
IMAX Robots
This event occurs Daily from 11/22/2015 to 12/18/2015
Location Name: Fort Worth Omni Theater
Location Address: 1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth, TX 76107 Click for Google Map
Description: Today's robots are nothing short of astonishing. Those coming in the not-too-distant future are simply revolutionary—and they are becoming eerily like us. What does it take to make a humanoid robot—a robot that can do anything we can do without the benefit of a human brain? How close are scientists to replicating some of the particularly challenging human characteristics? (Think fingers and toes.) Why are we even attempting to create humanoids in the first place? ROBOTS answers these questions and more as it showcases the latest developments—the successes and failures—of robotics around the world. ROBOTS s a fascinating and fun look at what makes us human, how far machines can really go to look and act like us, and how humanoids are already changing our world.
Tuesday, Dec 1, 2015, 10:00 AM
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, Gendy Street, Fort Worth, TX, United States
Eyellussions!
**THIS EVENT RUNS NOVEMBER-DECEMBER!!!
Event Begins at: 10:00AM
Cost: $8/Person; $6.50/Seniors (age 60+); Under 3 are Free
Ages: All Ages
Location Name: Sci-Tech Discovery Center
Location Address: 8000 N. Dallas Parkway Frisco, TX 75034 Click for Google Map
Description: New Eyellussions Exhibit! Eyellusions is a Victorian-themed time-traveling exploration of the wonderful and vast world of illusions. The all-star team of scientific consultants responsible for explaining the neuroscience behind magic, the show breaks down the science behind misconceptions and make-believe by using original and interactive displays.
Tuesday, Dec 1, 2015, 10:00 AM
Sci-Tech Discovery Center, Dallas Parkway, Frisco, TX, United States
Dinosaurs Live!
Admission: $0-9
Stephanie Jennings
972-562-5566
http://www.heardmuseum.org/
Included in general admission Encounter the 46-foot T-Rex and eight new life-size animatronic dinosaurs along the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary’s nature trails at the 9th annual Dinosaurs Live! Life-size Animatronic Dinosaurs at the Heard Exhibit. Field trip and birthday party options available. Please note that we are unable to animate the dinosaurs when temperatures drop below 45 degrees.