The Gifted Student
How to Support your Gifted Child
Giftedness
Your child has been identified as "gifted", but what does that really mean?
When looking up the definition of giftedness, you may find that many people disagree on a working definition. Some experts believe giftedness is a developed competence in a specific area, while others believe giftedness is an aptitude for learning. However, the most common definition for giftedness is a child who has an exceptional aptitude for learning and a competence in a specific area. Below is the NAGC (National Association of Gifted Children) definition.
NAGC's Definition of Giftedness:
“Gifted individuals are those who demonstrate outstanding levels of aptitude (defined as an exceptional ability to reason and learn) or competence (documented performance or achievement in top 10% or rarer) in one or more domains. Domains include any structured area of activity with its own symbol system (e.g., mathematics, music, language) and/or set of sensorimotor skills (e.g., painting, dance, sports).” -
You can learn more about the NAGC and their viewpoint on giftedness at http://www.nagc.org/resources-publications/resources/definitions-giftedness#sthash.i09gFGA3.dpuf
Helping Your Gifted Child at Home
- Supportive environment that encourages children to always chase their dreams. “If your dreams don’t scare you, then they aren’t big enough.”
- Interest in the area the child seeks out to pursue – if there is not an initial interest from a parent then it is important for families to show their support by asking questions to show they are interested.
-Provide the opportunity for children to become independent.
-Loving environment where children aren’t afraid of failure.
For more information on helping your child at home visit: http://giftedkids.about.com/od/nurturinggiftsandtalents/tp/simplenurture.htm
Does Giftedness Equal Success in School?
Here is the NAGC's response to the question: Do all gifted children get A's?
Myth:
That student can't be gifted, he gets poor grades.
Truth:
Underachievement describes a discrepancy between a student’s performance and his actual ability. The roots of this problem differ, based on each child’s experiences. Gifted students may become bored or frustrated in an unchallenging classroom situation causing them to lose interest, learn bad study habits, or distrust the school environment. Other students may mask their abilities to try to fit in socially with their same-age peers and still others may have a learning disability that masks their giftedness. No matter the cause, it is imperative that a caring and perceptive adult help gifted learners break the cycle of underachievement in order to achieve their full potential.
- See more at: http://www.nagc.org/resources-publications/resources/myths-about-gifted-students#sthash.IiSlDfEp.dpufA parent speaks about her experiences raising three gifted children.
SENG
Gifted children have different emotional needs that others. The SENG website provides information and resources for supporting the emotional needs of your gifted child.
National Society for The Gifted and Talented
Develop Your Child's Growth Mindset
Contact Information
Email: emma.schneidmuller@woodford.kyschools.us
Website: schneidmuller.edublogs.org
Location:
Phone:
Twitter: @eschneidmull