Every gifted child is different, and every situation concerning whether or not to test will vary, even among siblings within the same family. Deciding to test or to not test depends on each individual case and its specific considerations.
When giftedness is not recognized as a human trait, but is regarded as a prodigious intellectual benefit, it can become a burden. When giftedness is tied to and measured by academic achievement, then giftedness is misunderstood. When the expectation of a gifted person is academic and professional success, then giftedness can cause anxiety and distress. Giftedness is a life experience, not an educational experience. Giftedness is not what one can achieve, but who one is.
For gifted children or any child, the realization that their exuberant engagement in the classroom is unacceptable can result in significant negative emotional and educational responses. Many gifted children who have had negative experiences in the classroom due to their intense approach to learning have developed a growing disinterest in school, academic underachievement, and the loss of their love of learning. Reversing these emotional and educational consequences can be a steep, uphill battle once a gifted child has been shut down in school.
Shaming any child damages their self-esteem, delivers a significant blow to their self-confidence, and impacts their motivation to succeed in school. Once shut down and shamed, avoiding any display of their exhilaration for learning becomes the only path forward for many gifted students.
“Shame is a real and potentially devastating emotion, impacting each of us at one time or another. A sense of worthlessness and an urge to hide or cover…
You’re the parent of a gifted child, or maybe all of your children are gifted. If you are just starting out on this journey, you may not as…
When most of us think of gifted children, we automatically think of high-achieving students—the smart ones. I think this misperception began in our schools. Well, I am not…
Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development-CTD is a resource-rich program for gifted children. They offer online programs, summer programs, weekend programs, service-learning programs, and an active online community…
There are many ways to get there from here. The Traditional K-12 Path For as long as most of us can remember, the only path to our education…
A few months shy of three years ago, without a thought to the future or a plan in my head, I guilelessly created my blog, Crushing Tall Poppies….
Crushing Tall Poppies
