When Gifted Kids Don't Have All the Answers

This book focuses on ways teacher can support the social and emotional needs of gifted students. Chapter 1 describes the general characteristics of gifted students and some problems associated with those characteristics. Chapter 2 suggests some ways to improve the identification of gifted students and answers common questions about identification. The next chapter considers emotional dimensions of giftedness such as super sensitivity and perfectionism as well as the special needs of gifted girls, gifted students from ethnic and cultural minorities, and gifted children with physical and learning differences. The fourth chapter considers the role of teacher of the gifted and offers strategies for creating a supportive classroom environment. Chapter 5 examines the difference between self-image and self-esteem and specific issues gifted children and adolescents face that set them apart. Underachievement is addressed in the sixth chapter and is distinguished from "selective consumerism." Chapter 7 offers a series of group discussions to help students explore and understand the "eight great gripes of gifted kids." The final chapter considers ways to create a classroom in which gifted students feel welcome, wanted, and able to be themselves. Throughout, the book offers first-person stories, classroom-tested activities, and suggested resources. (Individual chapters contain references.) (DB).