[RJones1204]

I spend a bit of time on these groups and just came across this one. I personally think my DD is quick, smart, and amazed with how she expresses herself at age 3. But what makes a child "gifted"? Do they need evaluated? Do they have have specific qualities that a "typical" child may not? Does it have to do with only book smarts or does it have to do with emotional development and the way they express themselves?
I am just a curious mama

Thanks!

 

[no5no5]

I think everyone has their own definition. And we're not really allowed to discuss (is my understanding). If you want more information, I'd recommend a visit to Hoagies' Gifted.

 

[hergrace]

A great place to start answering those questions is Hoagies' Gifted Education: www.hoagiesgifted.org

There are a bunch of different ways of looking at giftedness and that website talks about the whole concept really well.

 

[joensally]

Quote:

Originally Posted by no5no5 I think everyone has their own definition. And we're not really allowed to discuss (is my understanding). If you want more information, I'd recommend a visit to Hoagies' Gifted.

I think we can say what we think giftedness is, we just can't say that we think someone else's definition is wrong or debatable.

OP, giftedness is a diagnostic criteria most often used in kindie and older school settings, typically based on IQ and achievement testing. It's also a descriptive category, and this is where there tends to be variation in definition. Advanced cognitive ability is the descriptor most aligned to the diagnostic criteria, but a range of other abilities are often described as gifted - musical and artistic ability, emotional maturity and intuitiveness, interpersonal/social skills, physical adeptness.

Hoagiesgifted.org is a great place to start, and related to advanced cognitive ability specifically you can't go wrong with a book by James T. Webb. You could also read old posts in this forum as this place is a gold mine!

IMO, unless there's a need for a diagnosis for something like finding a fit with a school setting, it's better to wait on testing. The testing process requires a lot of patience and attendance to task, things that aren't always within the scope of even the most gifted preschoolers.

 

[no5no5]

Quote:

Originally Posted by joensally I think we can say what we think giftedness is, we just can't say that we think someone else's definition is wrong or debatable.

Really? Sooo...a whole thread in which everyone lists their own personal definition would be fine, so long as nobody actually says that they disagree (though the disagreement would be obvious)? That seems a bit contrived, if it really is the rule. I wonder...

Anyway, operating under that assumption, I would define giftedness as an ability advanced enough that it necessitates special education. Perhaps that definition would be meaningless for many homeschooling/unschooling families, though.

Hey, if the rule as stated above is accurate, I guess that means that I can say whatever I like without fear that someone will criticize me.

 

[joensally]

Quote:

Originally Posted by no5no5 Really? Sooo...a whole thread in which everyone lists their own personal definition would be fine, so long as nobody actually says that they disagree (though the disagreement would be obvious)? That seems a bit contrived, if it really is the rule. I wonder... Anyway, operating under that assumption, I would define giftedness as an ability advanced enough that it necessitates special education. Perhaps that definition would be meaningless for many homeschooling/unschooling families, though. Hey, if the rule as stated above is accurate, I guess that means that I can say whatever I like without fear that someone will criticize me.

Hey, I'm just sharing my short hand for how I read the forum rules

. I figure if I stay out of doing that, I'll avoid censure. Although, this post could be interpreted as debating the UA...

:

Quote:

The Gifted board is a forum of support, respectful requests of information, and sharing of ideas and experiences. To uphold this purpose the board will not host discussions of debate or criticism. Disagreements about gifted issues should be set aside out of respect for the diversity and varying interpretations and beliefs that we hold as a community.

 

[vaw]

I agree - I read the rules as saying we could poll or list our definition - just not go back and forth over and over again arguing why we are right and the previous poster is wrong. . . .

When I use the phrase gifted, I am referencing the gifted label that my son was given through IQ testing.

Before my son was tested as such, I hadn't referenced 'giftedness' in discussions (of course those are all with the school, lol, and testing is what matters to them). So although I knew he was really bright and didn't think school could meet his needs, I wasn't thinking 'gifted, gifted, gifted' in my head, even if I had my suspisions when he was talking in sentences at his first birthday party

 

[RJones1204]

Thanks ladies! That is what I was looking for, just a brief explanation. And thanks for the website to check out

 

[Mindful Mom]

Our school district has a very well-defined description of giftedness -- an IQ of at least 130, acheivement in the 90th percentile of higher for either reading or math, plus teacher recommendations.

 

[NatureMommy]

Up until my son was actually tested and assessed, we didn't use the term "gifted". Now, the term "scaryy smart" was used many times, but never by me. My preferred term was "quirky". Mostly because I am blessed with a 2E child. That is probably why "scary smart" was coined by so many people meeting him for the first time.