Begins by presenting definitions of adolescence, suicide, and gifted, then goes on to examine issues related to suicide among gifted adolescents. Precipitating events for the gifted adolescent are identified, including perfectionism, disappointments, insecurities, career identity issues, and depression. Outlines warning signs and risk factors to…

A mother of a highly gifted son gives her observations of life with a gifted child, the educational needs of the gifted, and suggestions to teachers of the gifted. Stressed throughout is the fact that gifted children are first and foremost children with all the needs and characteristics of children. Stereotypes of the gifted child are exposed…

This paper addresses personality issues and personological variables relevant to the process of mentoring gifted children and adolescents. Guidelines from the literature address the mentor-mentee relationship and the importance of matching temperament and intellectual style. Needed research areas include mentoring styles and appropriate mentors…

Three interpersonal patterns are described as one way to classify types of gifted students with social problems: disapproval, entitlement, and unmet expectations. Examples of student behavior and counseling implications of each pattern are noted. (CL)

A model for designing a social studies unit for able (gifted) students that has no national boundaries or time, event, and cultural limitations is explained and illustrated by a diagram. The conceptual model provides an example built around the concept of leadership styles. (SEW)

Briefly reviews the literature on gifted education for young children, offers specific methods, and recommends guidelines for working with gifted children in the regular preschool setting. A sample social studies unit on animals and a sample science unit are included in the text. (Author/RH)

This study evaluated a Chattanooga, Tennessee, leadership training program provided to 30 grade 10-11 students who demonstrated high leadership potential. Program results indicated positive changes in student openness, persuasiveness, ascendance, individual decision making, and self-assurance. A three-month followup found lasting effects, with…

This paper addresses the personological aspects relative to male and female success in two subject areas (math and science) and addresses specific concerns in the area of mentoring. Personality factors operative for success in math and science are reviewed, and teachers are advised to encourage, support, and facilitate those personality traits…

Understanding learning strategies used by gifted students can help teachers improve effectiveness in all learners. Six traits common among the gifted and modifiable in students with learning difficulties include (1) superior concentration skills; (2) field independence; (3) reflection; (4) internal locus of control; (5) active learning; and (6)…

The article examines ways to differentiate the material used in a reading program for gifted students (birth to age 9). Suggested books are provided for the following categories that correspond to recognized characteristics of gifted children: vocabulary (quality retellings of folk tales, word play, poetry, satire, and nuances of language);…

This paper reviews common emotional and social needs of gifted children. Two personality self-report instruments, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Murphy-Meisgeier Type Indicator for Children, are suggested for helping students gain self-awareness and self-acceptance, which will enhance their emotional growth toward awareness of others and…

A review of the research on similarities and differences between creative women and men in the areas of the visual arts, creative writing, mathematics, musical composition, and science suggests a need for educators to stress the importance of commitment and intensity in pursuing a chosen field. (DB)

This bulletin offers guidelines to help parents and teachers improve the thinking skills of gifted children. It stresses the importance of encouraging thinking through the use of evocative questions, distinguishes between and defines critical thinking and creative thinking, and offers suggested questions to prompt either creative/divergent…

This brief information sheet summarizes the types of social-emotional problems common among gifted children and suggests preventive actions schools can take. A table lists problems associated with characteristic strengths of gifted children. Specific problems briefly addressed include: uneven development, peer relations, excessive self-criticism,…

When 340 extremely mathematically or verbally talented 13 year olds were compared to 111 modestly gifted students, no differences were found in group activity participation or personality traits. In their ratings of peer perceptions, the modestly gifted exceeded the extremely gifted in being considered athletic and popular and in social standing.…