Gifted in Perspective

Recently Sue Lee, WATG President, asked me to entertain the idea of writing (after a long hiatus) for the WATG Newsletter.  Serendipitously, this request coincided with my recent retirement, which has given me much more time to read, think, and write -- and so I agreed. I’m choosing to call this column Gifted in Perspective, and I plan to share various perspectives on being a gifted kid, raising gifted kid/s, or teaching gifted kids. These selections are designed to make you think, examine your perspective, and, if appropriate, take action. In all cases, I will link you to the original article so that you can probe more deeply.  As I begin this journey, I’d like to thank you for thinking with me...

In a recent tweet by the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), I was “re-minded” of the important work done by NAGC President Del Siegle (2007-2009). Del’s national term ran concurrently with my WATG presidency, and I sought out his advice often.  The tweet, linked to NAGC’s webpage, nagc.org, listed Del’s Gifted Children’s Bill of Rights. Del stated that, as a gifted child, you have a right to:

• know about your giftedness
• learn something new every day
• be passionate about your talent area without apologies
• have an identity beyond your talent area
• feel good about your accomplishments
• make mistakes
• seek guidance in the development of your talent
• have multiple peer groups and a variety of friends
• choose which of your talent areas you wish to pursue
• not to be gifted at everything

In my life’s work coaching gifted students, families, educators, and, most recently, gifted adults, I have often encountered a need to delve into one of these “rights” as a right that needs to be addressed to help the gifted individual fully reach potential.  Most interesting to me lately, however, is the possibility of extending these rights for children into rights for adults as well. Reread the list, and think about yourself, or other gifted adults that you know. What do these mean for your life, or their lives?  How could this list enhance a life? What barriers are getting in the way? What could be done about those barriers?
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I hope that spending some time with your thoughts has given you a new perspective. I look forward to hearing from some of you.
Jackie Drummer, Past President of WATG
SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of Gifted) Nationally Certified Trainer
​blufflovers@wi.rr.com