2. The Gifted Child
I was not born gifted like
many people think. I have
developed talents that
have exceeded average
students my age.
Please challenge the
gifted myths and provide
me with the emotional
support and creative
learning environments
where I can thrive and
reach my full potential.
3. My Feet
While everyone takes
small steps through
their development, I
take giant leaps. I
reach the finish line
early and can’t wait to
run the next race.
4. My Legs
My learning is a hike and I am a passionate
ranger. I often take the complex path and can
many times find a better way. I am always
curious and I ask endless questions that lead me
in new directions.
5. My Digestive System
I thrive on challenging
curriculum just as my
body craves healthy
food. I digest
information quickly
and dislike repetition.
6. My Elbow
Just as a joint in my
elbow needs
cooperation from the
muscular and skeletal
systems; to reach my
full potential, I need
time to have
cooperative learning
opportunities with
other gifted students.
7. My Arm
My arms are my defense
ready to protect me. Like
my arms, I often resist
doing the work that is
assigned. Sometimes I
choose to complete my
work in a carefree sloppy
way. I rebel against the
routine and predictability.
I resist taking directives.
8. My Hands
I am super sensitive. I can receive even a touch
of criticism and become very upset. I need my
parents and my teachers to handle me with care.
9. My Mouth
My mouth is a leaky levee;
amazing words spilling
out. Sometimes I can’t be
stopped and I dominate
discussions.
Jokes slip through and I
am the class comedian,
but it is just my
sophisticated sense of
humor with a taste of my
immaturity leaking out.
Remember, I am just
trying to fit in.
10. My Ear
My ears are my radar
searching for abstract
and obscure ideas. I
overflow with my
ideas. I have so many
ideas that many of
them never get
developed. I am an
idea generator.
11. My Eyes
My eyes are spotlights
searching out unusual and
diverse relationships. I
have a hard time moving
my spotlight until I am
done searching. Many
times my teacher thinks I
am off topic but really I am
just needing a few minutes
more for my detailed hunt
for knowledge.
12. My Muscles
My thought process is my muscle, flexible and
ready to be worked. Although it looks like I am
disrespectful when I want to do it a different way I
am really trying to work my muscles.
13. My Heart
My heart is bursting with emotion and passion.
Please let me pursue my passions. Remember
that I don’t have to be “perfectly well rounded”.
Don’t forget that I worry about disappointing you.
I feel like I have to be perfect in your eyes.
14. My Brain
My brain is a full
length movie and I
can’t stop watching.
My daydreams take
over my body. When
school is not
challenging I escape
to my movie in
surround sound.
15. My Nerves
I infer and connect
concepts just as my
nerve cells instantly
transmit feeling and
actions. I often make
mental leaps that my
peers can’t.
16. The Gifted Child
Support me by being
respectful of my unusual
questions and listen to my
ideas. Show me you value
me. Don’t discourage my
curiosity because you think it
is silly.
I need a special educational
program. Don’t think that I will
just pick up what I need in the
regular classroom. Don’t only
focus on No Child Left Behind,
or I will be lost.
17. Resources Used:
Growing Up Gifted by Barbara Clark
Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom by Susan Winebrenner
High Achiever, Gifted Learner, Creative Thinker by Bertie Kingore, Ph.D.
Fostering Academic Creativity in Gifted Students by Paul E. Torrance and
Kathy Goff
Competing with Myths about Social and Emotional Development of Gifted
Students by Tracy L. Cross found at www.sengifted.org
99 Important Topics about the Social and Emotional Needs of the Gifted an
interview with Carol McGaughey found at www.sengifted.org
www.hoagiesgifted.org
www.gifted.uconn.edu
www.dirhody.com - Article by Stephanie Tolan
