Definition:"Gifted, creative, and talented... Terms applied to individuals with extraordinary abilities or the capacity for developing them."
The definition of a gifted/creative/talented individual is someone who has extraordinary abilities in one or more areas of performance. This can include different abilities in the arts, athletic, academic, music, and in any degree of something. Often times we can become envious of their “natural talent” yet many need help developing it. |
Learning and Behavioral Characteristics |
Giftedness is not completely or necessarily IQ based, but also by measuring the creativity levels (including those visually or artistically skilled). Some characteristics for students that are gifted are that they are more sensible to emotions and their reaction to emotions can be more intense. They can even have early language development and rapid/enjoy learning. Students can also think critically, abstractly, complex, logical, morally, and can empathize. A student may be very observant, inquisitive, and curious; though it may also affect them with depression, self esteem, or even by being a perfectionist. Other characteristics include risk-taking, humor, originality, open-minded, artistic, intuitive, intelligent, and may need time alone.
A student that is gifted can also have a disability. All gifted children are considered to be bright. I liked an example that I saw somewhere were it compared that a bright child knows the answer, while a gifted child asks the question. Just because a child gets an “a” in a class does not mean they are gifted. I’ve gotten good scores on many assignments and exams. It is very hard to determine whether or not someone gifted or not. Other Characteristics can be.... -Alterness -Early learning -Superior Language skills -Loves to learn -Keen observer -Good memory, problem solver -Logical, abstract thinking -Empathetic -Curious -Uneven mental development -Underachievement, not necessarily motivated -Perfectionism -Depression -Self-doubt and criticism -Quick mastery of the skills -Questioning attitude, they are the student that asks the question These are just a few examples and having them or not does not necessarily mean that a child is gifted or talented. |
Teaching Accommodations |
Play to the students strengths, especially if the child is not motivated. They often already know what you are going to teach so make them think more abstractedly and logically. Some students may need more advanced classes to be closer to their level of performance in a certain area. If a student is reading many years above their grade level, give them appropriate material to read according to their skill level. If a student is artistic, play to that strength and have them do an assignment that incorporates those elements into the project.
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REFERENCE:
Hardman, Michael L., Clifford J. Drew, and M. Winston. Egan. Human Exceptionality: School, Community, and Family. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2005. Print.
Hardman, Michael L., Clifford J. Drew, and M. Winston. Egan. Human Exceptionality: School, Community, and Family. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2005. Print.