Chapter+1

Chapter 1. Smart, Talented, Intense, Gifted?
What's your definition of giftedness? Ellen: Everybody is gifted, just certain people choose what to do with it Grace Z: I think that giftedness is something that you can chose to use, if you don't choose to use it, it may worth nothing to you. Emily: To me, giftedness is being talented and using your natural talent. You exercise your talent and so you become even better. Tyler: I think that you have too work for it... Sometimes if your lucky enough you are just born with the abilty. cam it is something you are born with that not everybody has Carrington: Giftedness to me is being able to easily succeed with your natural talent. But at the same time if you don't use it, it really isn't being gifted. Noah: i think giftedness to me is being able to easily succeed with your natural talent.But at the same time if u don't use it, it really isn't being gifted. Grace: I think giftedness is not only having the abilities to succeed, but applying yourself and using it. Giftedness is something that I think you are born with, and some people are more gifted than others. Anyone is capable of achieving success, but not everyone chooses to push themselves. Megan: Giftedness is something everybody has, but not everybody pushes themselves to use it.

Forcht: You are all "onto something." Read the first page of this website for confirmation: http://mindsetonline.com/whatisit/about/index.html

Do you think everyone has some area in which they are gifted? Do you ever notice gifts in others who aren't "identified" as gifted? Ellen: I think everybody is gifted in different subjects and different areas. I do notice other's gifts even though they aren't in TAG. Grace Z: Yes, I do. Sometimes. Like I said it depends on whether they choose to show their gift. Like some people are good artists, but never choose to show anybody their work. TYLER:Yes i do, They have the ability but they just need to use it. cam yes people are only judged on school subjects when teachers need to think outside the box and give them different subjects Grant: I believe TAG kids are born with natural ability and drive to learn. If you act upon your talent, you can go far with it. It is obvious that some people simply hit a roadblock and can't comprehend things that are taught to them. For me, that has NEVER been a problem. I have always taken something and ran with it. Emily: Yes. I do believe that everyone has some area in which they are gifted. If you have ever really taken the time to look around at all the other people you would notice all the diverse, yet equal, gifts people have. Some people, however, have yet to find their gift. Some never find theirs. That is when you must continue to search and not give up. I do notice others whose gifts aren't seen as gifted. Having the ability to know what others are feeling and being sympathetic towards them, is one gift I have noticed that isn't identified as gifted. I however see this as a very useful gift. Grace: Some people are very gifted but either choose to never apply themselves, or believe that there is no point in trying because they believe themselves to be worthless. A lot of this has to do with how people look at themselves and the world around them. Noah: yes. I do believe that everyone has some area in which they are gifted. it sometime takes awhile for some people to find their talent.yes i do Megan: Everybody is gifted in different ways. Yes, I do see people with gifts who might not be identified as gifted.

What do you think the __best way__ to __**identify**__ gifted students would be?  //Forcht: Look at the question above. Re-read YOUR answer. Did you answer the question?//

Ellen: I think that school should be enjoyable and push kids to do their best. cam make school fun and then you can see what they are good at Grace z:Help people try to identify their gift. Emily: I think just asking the students what they think they are talented in and then monitoring them in that area would be a good way to identify gifted students. The NWEA test help to identify gifted students but only in certain subjects that are related to school. There are other gifts that are of equal importance to humanity that have yet to be identified as gifted. Tyler:People who are gifted who use there ability the right way Grant: I believe that TAG kids should do what we do! I feel like being in Mrs. Hoover's study hall is much better than regular simply because I have more options for my education. In my second hour class, I take health and psychology other than sitting in a chair doing nothing for half an hour. NOAH: to challenge them and give them a variety of different programs and ect........................................... Devyn: I think being gifted doesn't mean that you don't have to work as hard as others, you do. What it means is you can push yourself further than others can. Grace: I think simply observing people is the easiest way to identify if people are gifted or not. Megan: I think the best way to identify them is to give a variety of challenges, and see what they do, and how they work things out.

Forcht: How could we provide the challenges you describe? When should we begin? How can expand the definition of gifted and talented, or should we? Is everyone gifted or talented in something? How do we motivate them to express those gifts/talents? What is different about you than your peers who you perceive to be talented but unmotivated?

Other thoughts? No, not really. NAWH