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What Students Said About Being Gifted
As our district reviewed our identification policies, it seemed logical to ask students about what the EAGLE program meant to them, and what it meant to be "gifted," which can be a troublesome descriptor for many. I gave students in grades 4-8 surveys, and include some of their unedited responses below.
What do you wish teachers knew about gifted students?
That they want to be called on because they know the answer, not because they want to show off
That they don't have to know everything
I wish teachers knew how bad gifted students have it at recess
We don't know everything
That we are not perfect or better than others
That we are working in EAGLE and don't want to do the work that we miss. Not all of it.
We are not always super geniuses, most of the time we're just kids trying to make it through school
I wish they would understand how we understand things. Sometimes I like to solve an equation differently than the rest of the kids can comprehend.
I wish teachers knew that we are in gifted because of the way we learn (speed of processing), not about how much we already know. We still have to be taught their subjects.
I wish teachers knew that gifted students like to stride ahead in projects or other work.
I wish teachers knew what I already know
I wish that teachers knew that in a way most answers in a multiple choice are correct (except math equations) in the mind of a gifted student.
What do you wish peers knew about gifted students?
That they shouldn't make a big deal when a gifted student gets an answer wrong because that's part of learning
I wish they knew that we are just like them, but we can see more
We're normal people
That it doesn't mean I know everything
That most of us don't like to be called "smart."
I wish my peers knew that being gifted is not a huge deal in my life. It feels no different AT ALL. It only affects my time-management with projects and assignments.
I wish my friends knew that just because I'm gifted it doesn't mean I think I'm smarter than them.
That it is annoying always having to help them with work. They can do it themselves.
Gifted doesn't mean you get EVERY question right, it means you think differently.
That we can still be real people even if we are really smart
What do you wish parents knew about gifted students?
They can't expect us to be creative and amazing all of the time
That just because we're gifted we're going to mess up and do stupid things
That we don't just come to class and talk we do many projects
Gifted students need time to slow down once in a while
I can get a B, even though I'm in gifted
What have you gained from participating in this gifted program?
The feeling that I'm not the only gifted person
I have learned to be creative and use different methods to solve problems
I know a lot more and have challenged myself harder
Cooperation tactics
I've been able to understand the differences of the world a bit more
I have gained talent, responsibility, and cooperation (naming a few things) from participating in my school's gifted program
The ability and knowledge to do more things than I probably thought I could before
Better work ethic
I have become WAY more outgoing since I started EAGLE in fourth grade. The other gifted students absolutely brought me out of my shell.
I have been able to solidify my understanding of my strengths and weaknesses
Friends
More homework
Getting to learn new things
I have had a challenge
How can teachers and parents tell if a student is gifted?
If they express creative thinking
Look for students who stand out and think outside the box
They can tell if a student is gifted if the student can imagine the unknown. Or if they are so free and happy in the world but say that they feel trapped.
If the student analyzes and thinks about things differently and excels in school.
They get bored but they still get good grades
If you can understand extremely difficult and complex topics and comprehend them efficiently
If the kid perserveres
If you put a ball of Play-Doh in front of them, and tell them to make whatever they feel is necessary, they'll probably blow your mind.
If they seem to have the need to be challenged.
Here is a link to a comparison of bright and gifted characteristics.
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