So, I sat down to supper with some cool people (Jocelyn, Mary-something?, and Kelsey Collins) and skittles was the topic. We had a serious discussion about the order in which skittles are eaten and the flavours. Jocelyn commented that it was the best discussion she'd had all day. I thought to myself, "I just had an even better discussion in class--WAIT! That was an education class!" That never happens. I should say "almost never happens," but this class is different. We are not required to read the text book. Dr. Able talks with us about the exceptionalities in a practical sort of way and encourages a lot of class discussion. Today we were talking about gifted students and ways to help them. I really think those students I have a particular passion for helping to learn beyond the curriculum. Anyway, we discussed compacting of lessons. (Give a pre-test, those who score above a certain level get to skip the grind work and do a related "enrichment" project instead). After class, I talked with the teacher a bit more.
Here is the thing I think people should realize, giftedness is not necessarily just an inborn trait, it can be developed through an encouraging environment. I think if more parents or other adults spent more quality time with young folk, working with them, playing with them, teaching them, they would develop the attributes associated with giftedness--intellectual curiosity, analytical and creative faculty, asking the questions, discovering answers, designing, researching, inventing, leading . . .
(I still think "giftedness" can be developed, as a teacher I see some students grow from seeming to be backwards at everything, to developing talents in particular areas, to doing well in much.)
(I still think "giftedness" can be developed, as a teacher I see some students grow from seeming to be backwards at everything, to developing talents in particular areas, to doing well in much.)
