All Children Are Gifted - MYTH #2

by guest contributor Joy Arnett, Gifted Educator

MYTH:  All children are gifted

FACT: All children have strengths and positive attributes. But not all children are gifted in the educational sense of the word. The label "gifted" in a school setting means that when compared to others his or her age or grade, a child has an advanced capacity to learn and apply what is learned in one or more subject areas, or in the performing or fine arts. This advanced capacity requires modifications to the regular curriculum to ensure these children are challenged and learn new material. Gifted does not connote good or better; it is a term that allows students to be identified for services that meet their unique learning needs. (NAGC –http://www.nagc.org/commonmyths.aspx#all_children_gifted)

The best statement I ever heard on this topic was this - All children are talented. Not all children are gifted. All of us have at least one talent or something we are good at. Not all of us are gifted. Gifted means that we have an advanced capacity to learn or perform. One is not better because he or she is gifted. One just has a need for differentiated types of learning because of the way their brain thinks, learns and performs.

The gifted brain is actually shaped differently than a normal brain. I've also heard it described that a normal brain is like a two-lane highway. A gifted brain is like a 4-8-lane highway. The gifted brain can absorb information much faster and can retain more information than the normal or typical brain. Once again... this is not necessarily better just different.

A couple of my favorite books concerning the gifted child are, There are Those by Nathan Levy and Janet Pica which is a short and wonderful book that describes the gifted child beautifully.  Another fabulous book called Archibald Frisby, by Michael Chesworth, describes a gifted brain in such a fun and entertaining way.

Being a gifted child has its rewards and challenges. I'd like to share with you some thoughts from gifted children that I’ve collected over the years…

• "I do things to go along with the crowd--- like asking questions I already know the answers to, just so they will treat me like one of them."
• "Why do I have to be gifted? I was happier when I was normal."
• "I wish my teachers understood that being gifted doesn't mean I'm good at everything. Not even close."
• "You shouldn't have to prove your giftedness to your friends or teachers."
• "If I want people to understand me, I need to try to understand them."
• “Being gifted means I look at the world differently than some of my friends. It also means that some people are going to assume that I never have to work hard. And the truth is I work really, really hard at things. And, I hate it when, after working so hard, I don't do well."
• “Never think that because you are smart, you are a nerd.  You are whoever you want to be.”
• “My goal this year is to embrace my gift instead of keeping it on the down low.”
• “I really like being gifted. I mean, the work is more interesting in school, my friends and I all seem to get along, and things are just…good.  But I still have to remind myself to relax.  That part will probably always be hard.”
•  “Finally…I found other kids like me!”

Being gifted comes with responsibilities.  Five things that a gifted child must do are:

1. Recognize and accept that their level of intellectual or artistic ability is not shared by everyone…that they are, indeed different (most gifted children know they are different by the age of five).

2. Understand that they may need more time alone than other children do (and be supported by adults who understand this as well).

3.  Learn to build relationships with other people, many of whom do not share their abilities and interests.

4.  Learn how to use their abilities well, even when doing so sets them apart from many others.

5. Learn to take responsibility for finding ways to satisfy their intellectual curiosity and to express their creativity.

Are all children gifted?  No, but they are all unique and have a very special purpose in the talents and gifts they do have. It is our responsibility as teachers and parents to help all children discover their wonderful talents and gifts and to help them share those talents and gifts with their fellow man because that is where real happiness can be found.

Arizona Conference on "Gifted Matters"

AAGT' s 39th Annual Conference

February 7 & 8, 2013

Black Canyon Conference Center

Phoenix, AZ

The "Gifted Matters" place is at the AAGT Conference. 

Don't miss out!!!!  

LOCATION: Black Canyon Conference Center

9440 N 25th Ave  

Phoenix, AZ 85021 

Conference is nearly here and the schedule is online!!!!

Click Here to Find Schedule 

PARENT STRAND:  New this year!  Friday, February 8, 2013 introduces our new Parent Strand at the conference. At least one Breakout per Session will feature a Parent Focused presentation. A special "Parent Strand Rate" of $95 is offered. To get this rate, Register Online as a Student since parents are always learning!  Pay by personal check or personal credit card. Contact jjackson@arizonagifted.org with questions.

Check www.arizonagifted.org and AAGT Facebook for conference updates!!!!

Keynoters:

Thursday, 2/7/13    8:30am

Linda Kreger Silverman, Ph.D.

The Unique Inner Lives of Gifted Children

Thursday, 2/7/13     3:30pm

Erik M. Francis, M.Ed., M.S.

21st Century Teaching and Learning: More Than Computers and Common Core

Friday, 2/8/13     8:30am

Tamra Stambugh, Ph.D

The Core of Common Core: Adjusting for Gifted Learners

  

Friday, 2/8.13    3:30pm

Jean Watts, M.Ed.

A Look Back; The View From Here!

FEATURED SPEAKERS:  Dr. James Webb, Dr. Paul Beljan, Carolyn Coil, Janet Aaker Smith, Dr. Susan Jackson, Dr. Dina Brulles

The Parent Strand on Friday, 2/8/13 is going to be amazing! Share the opportunity with parents in your community!

Click Here to Register Online Now! 

  

Contact officemanger@arizonagifted.org or jjackson@arizonagifted.org with questions.

  

 

Gifted Kids Will Do Fine On Their Own - MYTH!

By Stephanie Newitt

I would like to share with you my own journey to discover the importance and criteria of good and appropriate gifted education.  Along the way, we will dispel a common myth.

I graduated from college over 15 years ago with bachelor degrees in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.  As I reflect on my undergraduate studies, I do not remember a single class addressing the needs of gifted learners.  Then I was blessed with children of my own.  All four of my children are identified as gifted, though they are gifted in different ways with different strengths, intensities and yes, even deficits.  

Myth: Gifted kids will do fine on their own.  

Can gifted students really achieve their potential without the mentorship of someone who understands their intellectual, social and emotional development?   

Truth:  Gifted children need highly qualified teachers who not only can take academic subject matter to new depths and breadths, but also teachers who understand that gifted children do not develop intellectually, socially and emotionally as typical students do.  

The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) poses this question – 

Would you send a star athlete to train for the Olympics without a coach?  Gifted students need guidance from well-trained teachers who challenge and support them in order to fully develop their abilities. Many gifted students may be so far ahead of their same-age peers that they know more than half of the grade-level curriculum before the school year begins. Their resulting boredom and frustration can lead to low achievement, despondency, or unhealthy work habits. The role of the teacher is crucial for spotting and nurturing talents in school. [i] 

It is not appropriate for a teacher to say to a gifted child, “When you finish your worksheet you can attend your gifted pull-out class.”  This was a true experience and it sent the message that gifted services are not needed, but are optional for gifted students - a fallacy.  Exceptional learners who are gifted learn and process information in an atypical fashion.  Worksheets do not promote learning, especially if the worksheets are about material that the gifted student has already mastered.  To achieve their potential gifted students require teachers and environments appropriate to their learning needs.

About four years ago I withdrew my children from my neighborhood school because there was a lapse in teachers with training in gifted education and my children were struggling.  Where was I to send my children, ages six and ten, to school?  I began asking questions.  I began visiting schools.  I had a degree in education, but in so many ways I felt lacking.  I began attending local conferences sponsored by the Arizona Association for Gifted and Talented (AAGT).[ii]  I began reading.[iii]  I learned that I too am gifted and that my husband is gifted, but we felt we were lacking in our ability to serve our children’s gifted needs.  

By the end of the summer I found a public school in Gilbert that had highly qualified teachers.  There was no bussing.  I began driving my children 25 minutes one way to school each day.  Some thought I was crazy, but I had to follow my gut.  At the beginning of my child’s 6^th grade year, I was concerned about his adjustment to a new school with all new friends.  It did take a few months, but academically he was being challenged by teachers who held him to a higher standard.  They understood his “Need to Read” and channeled it, directing him to appropriate literature for his high reading level.  They understood his struggles as well.

As we – the teachers and I – worked together to consistently hold him accountable to this higher level of learning of which he was capable, I saw unexpected growth.  Naturally more of an introvert, he began growing socially.  He was feeling more confident in himself.  As he rose to the appropriate academic standards that were commensurate with his intellectual abilities, he did more than just fine.  He thrived.  For the first time in his elementary school experience he thrived.  Socially he felt more confident than ever before.  Emotionally he was more at peace.   

Was the drive worth it?  To me it was.  I knew that my attitude would make or break this transfer experience.   I worked hard to keep a positive outlook about this transfer and it helped my children with their transition.  I had not fully understood how my older gifted son would grow in every area when his academic needs were met.   I was amazed.   And my younger son?  He had a phenomenal Cluster teacher who absorbed the training she received and worked with her gifted students.  My youngest son did well also.  The three of us look back fondly at our Year of Adventure.  

After one year at this far away school, my oldest finished 6^th grade and moved on to junior high.  I had learned the questions to ask and so for my younger child I found another GPS school closer to home.  Would I have kept my younger son at this school?  Yes, if it had been 15 minutes closer to home compared to 25.  The new school is only a ten minute drive.  

When I look for educational opportunities in which my gifted children can succeed, I ask the following questions:

1.  Are teachers of gifted education students highly qualified in their field with training in gifted education?  I learned that the more highly gifted a child is, the more training the teacher should have.
2. Does the school principal understand the reasoning behind gifted education and support its appropriate implementation and teacher training? 
3. Is there a means for teachers to document and communicate to parents that the student is receiving gifted services commensurate with his/her strengths and weaknesses?

If all three are in place then I know there is a very high chance for growth – beyond academics.  But I have learned that academics is the key.  If the academic or intellectual needs of the gifted child are not being met, all other aspects of their life will also be impacted.  Gifted students need highly qualified teachers who have been trained in gifted education.

---

[i]  The National Association for Gifted Children - http://www.nagc.org/commonmyths.aspx#don%27t_need_help

[ii] Arizona Association for Gifted and Talented hosts two conferences per year – one in February and one in the fall.  Find out more by visiting their website - http://www.arizonagifted.org/conference/

[iii] A list of books that have helped me understand the needs of gifted children –

• Parenting Gifted Kids: Tips for Raising Successful Children. James R. Delisle, Ph.D
• Academic Advocacy for Gifted Children: A Parent’s Complete Guide.  Barbara Jackson Gilman, M.S.
•  Living with Intensity.  Susan Daniels, Ph.D. & Michael M. Piechowski, Ph.D.
• You can find additional helpful books listed on our website:  http://gilbertgifted.org/gifted101.html#10

Gifted Ed. Work Study Presentation

The results from the Gifted Education Vision Committee will be presented at next week's work study to the GPS School Board.  GPS Educational Services will be presenting to the School Board on Tuesday, 12/18 at 6pm at the GPS district office, located at 140 S. Gilbert Rd. 

GPS Educational Services was tasked by GPS last spring to develop a vision statement to guide GPS gifted education for grades K-12.  The Vision Committee was formed and has worked since August on this collaborative effort.  We invite you to come fill the room to show the school board that Gifted Education is valued in GPS. 

We also invite you to stay for the School Board meeting at 7pm where it is expected that the members of the School Board will vote on the information presented in the work study.

GIFTED EDUCATION NEWS ELERT!

Results of GPS Gifted Vision Committee to be shared

Many of you know that a Gifted Education Vision Committee was tasked by GPS last spring to develop a vision statement to guide GPS gifted education for grades K-12.  The committee has concluded and we want you to know GSG will be the first to hear the committee's results.  At our meeting this Thursday after our guest speaker, and in place of having a Parent Mentor/New Parent breakout session, Patty Rogers, GPS Curriculum Director, will share the Vision Committee's results.  This will be your opportunity to ask any questions. 

The formal work study presentation to the school board will be on December 18th, so please mark your calendars and come to the district office on 12/18. We will announce the time of the work study as soon as we have it.  Also, usually during work study presentations audience questions are not received, though 3 minute comments are permitted. 

We look forward to seeing you this Thursday at Pioneer Elementary, 7pm, and again on 12/18 at the GPS district office conference room.  Please spread the word.

Calendar Items

• www.gilbertgifted.org • Helping the gifted to soar! •

Gilbert Supporters of the Gifted

Reminder to attend the GSG Guest Lecture 

Thursday, November 15^th  

Pam Ingram, gifted educator, will speak on  

Study Skills and the Gifted Learner

Mark Your Calendars for Future Meetings:

• Thursday, February 21, 2013 – Shari Murphy, gifted educator, will speak about the Twice Exceptional Student (2e), children who are both gifted and learning disabled.
• Thursday, April 11, 2013 - DeeDee Aboroa, gifted educator, will speak about Underachievement, a common issue for gifted students.

All Meetings will be held at 

the Pioneer Elementary School library in Gilbert  

(1535 N. Greenfield Rd, near the SE corner of Greenfield and Baseline)

Meetings will be 7-8pm, 

with a breakout session at 8:00 for new parents and 

Gifted Parent Mentors.

November Meeting

 • www.gilbertgifted.org • Helping the gifted to soar! •

 

Gilbert Supporters of the Gifted

Quarterly Meeting

Thursday, November 15th at 7:00 PM

Pioneer Elementary Library

(1535 N. Greenfield Rd, near the SE corner of Greenfield and Baseline)

Featuring  

Pam Ingram

Study Skills and the Gifted Learner

Gifted children approach learning differently than typical students.  What are the study skills that are difficult for gifted learners to develop?  What are ways to help them develop these skills so they are successful in their educational pursuits?  Come learn some ways to meet some of the academic needs of your gifted child.

Pam Ingram coaches teachers of gifted students at Meridian, Playa del Rey, Settlers Point, and Oak Tree elementary schools.  As a counselor in Colorado Springs she coordinated the gifted program at her elementary school. Then as Educational Director she was responsible for the district gifted program.  After moving to Arizona, she has taught in GPS as a Primary ALP teacher and as an ALP Coach for primary grade teachers.

8:00pm breakout session:  New Parents with Gifted Parent Mentors