Once a parent has determined if his or her child is a bright or gifted learner, the next question if often what the qualifications are for a student to be labeled as “highly gifted.” This can sometimes be a confusing term when a student is already considered gifted, but there are some definite differences between the two.
- Extremely fast learning acquisition. Students at this level outpace even their gifted peer when it comes to their ability to process information and acquire new knowledge. They can understand new concepts efficiently and at a much greater depth than other children and are often self-taught learners. This is due to the high cognitive abilities these children have and the intensity at which they experience the world. These two factors combine to create a very unique set of learning skills in gifted learners.
- Increased sensitivity, energy, imagination and emotional reactions. The unique characteristics that make highly gifted students advanced learners affect other areas of their lives as well. they feel their emotions more deeply and sense the world around them in a more encompassing way. Parents can sometimes become frustrated with these children, making it important to understand that this is simply the way that their brains work and appropriate curriculum is needed to ensure a supportive learning environment.
- They tend to struggle socially. Perhaps due to their increased emotional sensitivity, they have a difficult time interacting with children of their own age. They might be much more likely to befriend older children with increased maturity and struggle with associating with peers of their own age. This problem can be alleviated if the school is designed to integrate children according to their skill level rather than birthdate.
While highly gifted children have been studied the least within the gifted population, these signs can give you some clues to determine if your child has the special needs associated with this group. If you are interested in knowing whether or not your child qualifies for a highly gifted program, the best thing to do is consult a school counselor for the gifted and begin appropriate testing in this area.
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