By Eric O'Neal, Duke TIP Intern and NCCU Graduate Extracurricular activities in school are a great way to build teamwork skills, stay active and build friendships. I, in particular, participated in multiple sports, from track to wrestling. They personally helped me overcome a lot of issues in my life, especially dealing with my introverted nature, and made me feel part of a team. As well as personal benefits, I was able to use many of my extracurricular experiences to aid in my social and … [Read more...] about Extracurricular activities and how they benefited me
stress
Prodigies and Time Management
Best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell says that it takes a decade of intense practice – roughly 10,000 hours – to achieve mastery in any field. So, how does this apply to gifted students? Do gifted students from different countries actually invest their time differently in accruing those 10,000 hours needed to become masters of their field? And, in comparison, how do students in the US fare? As researchers of how academically gifted students develop talent, we recently surveyed academically … [Read more...] about Prodigies and Time Management
The Social and Emotional Transition to Middle School
Middle school introduces new opportunities for gifted adolescents to form rewarding relationships and develop their own identities. It can also present challenges to gifted students as they encounter new social structures and pressures. Contrary to some popular negative stereotypes, most evidence indicates that gifted students are typically well adjusted socially and emotionally. Many studies show that they are viewed positively relative to their peers. Moreover, researchers tend to agree that … [Read more...] about The Social and Emotional Transition to Middle School
Above-Level Testing
Above-level tests are a part of most talent search models that help gifted students identify their academic strengths. Students who participate in above-level testing take assessments earlier than the tests were designed to be administered. For example, a fourth, fifth, or sixth grade student can take the ACT EXPLORE®, which is designed for eighth graders, or seventh grade students can take the SAT or ACT, which are designed for high school juniors and seniors as college entrance exams. When you … [Read more...] about Above-Level Testing
A Guidebook for Parents
Ever wish you had a manual for that extraordinary, perplexing child of yours? Take heart, a new book, A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children, by James T. Webb, Janet L. Gore, Edward R. Amend, and Arlene R. DeVries, Great Potential Press (release date: March 1, 2007), may be just the reference you need. This helpful guide concisely explains the complexities of gifted children, addresses the challenges they face, and details practical strategies for parents to support their gifted children in all … [Read more...] about A Guidebook for Parents
Helping Children Cope with Personal Tragedy
Children are much more resilient than we tend to give them credit for. In the face of personal tragedy, simple supports, structure, and assurances go a long way toward helping children recover. Events that cause children distress include the death of a family member, friend, or classmate; an accident that disables them or others close to them; and damage to their home or belongings by natural disaster. … [Read more...] about Helping Children Cope with Personal Tragedy
Gifted High School Students’ Survival Skills
Being a teenager is not easy. Being a gifted teenager can be almost impossible. Planning and hard work on everyone’s part allow gifted students to build a great high school experience. … [Read more...] about Gifted High School Students’ Survival Skills
All Stressed Up with No Place to Go
"The truly creative mind in any field is no more than this: a human creature born abnormally, inhumanly sensitive. To him, a touch is a blow, a sound is a noise, a misfortune is a tragedy, a joy is an ecstasy, a friend is a lover, a lover is a god, and failure is death." —Pearl S. Buck I used to think that it helped someone who felt stressed to be told to “chill out” or that “everything will seem better in the morning.” On reflection, however, I realized that when someone uttered those words to … [Read more...] about All Stressed Up with No Place to Go
Perfectionism and Gifted Students
Educators, researchers, and parents often observe perfectionist behaviors in gifted students. It comes as no surprise, since these students are bombarded daily by parents, teachers, peers, and an entertainment industry that rewards them and encourages them to make the highest grade, produce a perfect painting, give a flawless performance, and gain admission into the best college. What are the characteristics of a perfectionist? Is perfectionism helpful or detrimental to a student’s success? What … [Read more...] about Perfectionism and Gifted Students
Is Our Son Overextended?
Parent Question: Our son is involved in a number of extracurricular activities. He is on a travel soccer team, plays violin, works on the school newspaper, and participates in a church teen program. We’ve noticed a decline in his attention to homework and studying and worry that he may be overextended. Is he doing too much? … [Read more...] about Is Our Son Overextended?