Have you ever wondered what “gifted” really means?

In a world where diversity is valued, identifying gifted learners can feel tricky, but it’s worth a moment of reflection to help serve them better. In this post, we'll delve into the multifaceted nature of giftedness, exploring types of gifted learners and showing how important flexible education is for these exceptional minds.

The journey begins with the identification of gifted learners. Gifted and talented programs (GTP) and Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) programs are designed to recognize and nurture the unique abilities of these learners. Testing and labels might be helpful for accessing certain programs and resource, but it's usually not necessary. Labels aside, the question remains: "Are they gifted though?" The answer lies in understanding the diverse profiles of gifted students.

Davidson Gifted's categorization introduces six types of gifted learners: the successful box checker, the challenging divergent thinker, the underground talent trying to stay cool, the dropout disillusioned with adults, the double-labeled individual with multiple exceptionalities, and the autonomous self-motivated learner.

Gifted learners often enjoy leveling up their learning. This learner is putting his knowledge of Roman Numerals to the test using a cipher to decode the answer to a joke in this self-paced course.

When you think “gifted”, your mind might jump to a nerdy kid who gets straight A’s. Don’t believe it. Giftedness extends beyond academic success. There are five key areas of giftedness according to Davidon Gifted: intellectual, academic, creative, artistic, and leadership. Acknowledging and nurturing these different areas is crucial for providing a well-rounded education to gifted learners.

The conventional question, "What grade are you in?" may not be as straightforward for gifted students. While standards of learning and a scope and sequence are helpful, flexibility is key, especially with gifted learners. These students may excel in one subject and struggle in another. Recognizing their ownership and allowing them choices in topics, learning methods, and timeframes is essential for their development.

Obsessions are common among gifted kids, driven by their lightning-fast thinking and insatiable thirst for knowledge. These obsessions, be it in reading, art, a book series, or a historical topic, can be channeled positively. Allowing them to become experts and guiding them on expressing their knowledge to help others is a constructive approach.

Free tools like Nearpod can help learners discovery answers in their insatiable thirst for knowledge! There are 1,000s of pre-made lessons, or you can make lessons from scratch. Learn how to use this free tool here.

In my work with gifted kids (my own kids, and my students) discovery, freedom, and choice are guideposts when I’m trying to make a topic or standard more palatable for the learner. One way I do this is through unit studies. They provide an excellent option for gifted learners to explore various aspects of a topic, and produce a interesting-to-them product to show their learning. For example, in a history class focused on World War II might expand into exploring novels, building Anderson shelters, studying the economics involved in rationing, delving into linguistics (French, German, and English), understanding geography (Swiss Alps), and examining interpersonal dynamics (spies). This huge range of topics is often learner-guided and self-paced, offering a holistic and satisfying experience for them.

Gifted learners are not only intellectually gifted but often possess a range of skills. Providing well-rounded projects with flexible options for expression is vital. Understanding their preferences, comforts, and zones of proximal development (ZPD) ensures growth without overwhelming them. Required outputs such as writing, speaking, and presenting to peers or authority figures, contribute to their holistic development. This might require baby steps to help them confront the fear of failure, but flexibility and creativity are key for the adult involved.

While necessary, some learners will resist formal writing assignments. By offering the option of typing assignments in a Google Doc, or using a digital journal like this one, learners and the adults working with them can eliminate some of the discomfort and inconvenience posed by traditional writing assignments. Learn how we use Docs to teach writing in this video. 

Unwrapping the gifted mind involves recognizing the diverse profiles, embracing flexibility, and providing choices and challenges. By understanding the unique characteristics of gifted learners and tailoring education to their needs, we can create an environment where their talents can truly flourish. Giftedness is not just a label; it's a journey of discovery, freedom, and choice.

Looking for self-paced classes that might meet your desire for rigor and academic output, while also giving your gifted learner the chance to work on their independence? Check out these courses on writing, Roman Numerals, and book studies!