What It Means To Be Gifted
Giftedness is a confusing label and rife with misconceptions, myths and stereotypes.
Understanding the true essence of giftedness is a process. It’s important to appreciate what giftedness is and what it isn’t.
Giftedness isn’t simply talent or high achievement; there are plenty of gifted learners who don’t test well or get straight A’s in school. In fact giftedness isn’t a function of how children perform, but rather of who they are. Their cognitive and emotional makeup is truly different from the norm. They may be unusually sensitive, passionate and emotionally intense. They have a heightened sense of awareness and a strong intellectual drive.
Helios was formed because:
- Gifted students are children with special learning needs. Without being recognized and supported as gifted, these students can quickly lose motivation.
- Gifted children thrive in an environment that understands and meets their needs where one size is not expected to fit all.
- Gifted children have the right to be challenged, engaged, and learn something new everyday.
- Gifted learners have advanced cognitive abilities but not necessarily in every area. A student may excel at math but struggle with writing or vice versa.
"Giftedness is asynchronous development in which advanced cognitive abilities and heightened intensity combine to create inner experiences and awareness that are qualitatively different from the norm.
The uniqueness of the gifted renders them particularly vulnerable and requires modifications in parenting, teaching, and counseling in order for them to develop optimally."
-The Columbus Group