Misconceptions of Gifted #1 "All Children are Gifted"

False. Using the term in this way indicates a misunderstanding of the term “gifted.” What most people mean when they make this statement is that “all children have value.” Yes, all children have value and worth. With sound instruction, encouragement and mentoring all children should have avenues open up and possibilities abound. However, “value” and/or “worth” and “gifted” are not synonymous.  Giftedness is an innate ability. It is a human phenomenon. There is a physiological difference in the brain of gifted children. Simplified, the brain fires faster and therefore makes more connections at a faster pace. Gifted children need less repetition and can tackle more complex information than their peers. They have a need for intellectual stimulation and therein lies the problem with many gifted children and the current school environment of today.

Many gifted children sit in classrooms waiting to learn while the focus on instruction and strategies is designed for the struggling learner. There is no question that struggling learners need support, but not at the expense of the gifted. Gifted children need learning situations and content at a pace that allows them to be challenged and grow.  They need research based practices that are specific to their needs, not generalized to their population.