Exploring the Social and Emotional Needs of Your Gifted Students

Ian Byrd is gifted and talented. As a gifted adult, he found himself teaching sixth grade in the same school district in which he was a student.  Because he has been at both ends of the spectrum, he offers a unique perspective that is worthy of exploration.

Mr. Byrd has become a resource for other teachers through his blog and is an emerging speaker and trainer across the United States. In today’s review of “Integrating Social & Emotional Awareness in Your Classroom, you’ll learn why he is a promising and respected instructor in gifted education.

“What’s G/T? Oh yeah, that’s the smart, easy class.”

People in and out of the field of education often approach the gifted and talented classroom with preconceived notions. They correctly assume that G/T students are smart, but incorrectly label the classroom as “easy”. If you have spent any amount of time in a gifted classroom, you know they can be anything but easygoing.

Forget superpowers. We’ve got superminds!

Mr. Byrd compares gifted students to the super heroes we all know and love. Whether it’s X-men or the Incredibles, he says “These are all people who have super powers. What makes them interesting is that their powers can cause problems in their lives.” Many of these problems could be avoided if only the people closest to the “Supers” appreciated and understood them.

We all know superpowers exist in comic books, however G/T students possess the power of a rapidly developing intelligence. This can be seen as they may have a high sense of morality. And while they may have a keen understanding of what is right or wrong, they may not have the maturity to deal with the emotions that result from certain situations.

What goes on inside the body of a supermind?

Asynchrony: Their intelligence may develop more quickly than their fine motor skills. “Because gifted and talented intelligence develops so much more rapidly it really highlights the asynchronous development they experience.”

Imposter Syndrome: Gifted students become very self aware because of their increased sensitivity. “Gifted kids feel like they are a fake. Ultimately, it stops them from taking chances. Or excelling at what they love”

Sensitivity: “Because they are extremely aware of things, these students are sensitive to any kind of stimuli.” This can cause them to become hyperactive, or withdraw.

Ideas to facilitate their growth

  • Stay in close proximity to your students. Educators have to be available socially and emotionally for them.
  • When telling stories, help them gain an understanding about themselves by using character analysis.
  • Mentors are indispensable for G/T students.

What else can you learn about social & emotional awareness from this course?

In this course, Mr. Byrd explores many things including:

  • K. Dabrowski’s overexcitabilities
  • The importance and utilization of the Myers Brigg Personality test
  • A more in-depth explanation of the imposter syndrome

Plus you will also receive access to his blog and contact information in which you may address any questions to Mr. Byrd directly.

How to get this course

In this course, you will gain the unique perspective of an individual who has both sat in the desk, and taught at the front of the classroom. His insightful observations and quirky examples, make for an entertaining and informative presentation.

Just click here to order, or call TAGT Learning On-Demand if you prefer to speak to someone: 512.677.9097.