Gifted Learners Characteristics Giftedness is a greater awareness

Gifted Learners: Characteristics

Giftedness is. . . a greater awareness, a greater sensitivity, and a greater ability to understand transform perceptions into intellectual and emotional experiences. —Annemarie Roeper (2000) 2

Characteristics • Not all gifted students will have all characteristics • Some students will have some of the characteristics but may not be gifted • Both positive and negative manifestations 3

Characteristics Learns new things quickly Grasps math concepts easily Has extensive vocabulary; background knowledge Grasps big-picture concepts, connections Intuitive Thinks creatively 4

Characteristics Great sense of humor Curious Variety of friends Observant Complex games, fantasy, nonfiction Perfectionistic 5

Asynchronous Development Conflicting messages from others Difficulty with interaction Asynchronous Development Uneven development Uneven cognitive abilities 6

Heightened Multifaceted Sensitivity Giftedness: Two Types of Characteristics Cognitive advanced comprehension efficient information processing Affective excellent memory heightened sensitivity heightened selfcriticism emotional intensity (Mendaglio, 2003) 7

Intellectual Emotional Imaginational Developmental Potential: Overexcitabilities Psychomotor Sensual 8

Intellectual Strong Curiosity; desire to abundance know of and to questions understand Desire to learn 9

Sensual Enriched perceptions of and reactions to sensory experiences May involve one or more senses Sensory experience may be viewed as too intense Seeks sensory outlets for tension 10

Heightened excitability— neuromuscula r system Intense physical activity Difficulty relaxing Psychomotor Need for movemen t Rapid speech Less sleep 11

Emotional Deep attachment Intense joy and exuberance Strong empathy and compassion Concern with death, fears, anxieties, depression 12

Imaginational Rich imagery, visualization, inventive Difficulty in separating real from imaginary Vivid dreams Fantasy; imaginary playmates 13

Tips Remember they are children first Appreciate their interests Validate their sensitivities Give opportunities for them to be together 14