First, I want to thank Lisa for hosting a leg of my blog tour. Be sure to check out the great contest at the end of the post for a chance to win a signed copy of EMOTIONAL INTENSITY IN GIFTED STUDENTS. Now, on to the post –
When Lisa and I talked about a topic for my guest post, she asked a great question – “Why are gifted kids so difficult at times?”
That IS the question, isn’t it!
The answer lies in understanding the underlying intensity present in gifted individuals. I think this poem by Pearl Buck really sums things up:
The truly creative mind in any field is no more than this:
A human creature born abnormally, inhumanly sensitive.
To him...
a touch is a blow,
a sound is a noise,
a misfortune is a tragedy,
a joy is an ecstasy,
a friend is a lover,
a lover is a god,
and failure is death.
– Pearl Buck
I have worked with gifted children and adults for more than a decade, and I can say that nearly everyone I have met lives this poem to some degree.
Intensity refers to how an individual approaches life. At its best, it is the driving passion that enables some people to achieve amazing things - in any domain. But at its worst, it is the turmoil that has the power to consume these same individuals from time to time as they learn how to manage that aspect of their personality.
Intensity comes in the form of cognitive intensity - those aspects of thinking and processing information that all gifted individuals use to problem solve. It relates to the attributes of focus, sustained attention, creative problem solving, and advanced reasoning skills. Most people think of cognitive intensity as intellect, or "being smart" - all good things.
Emotional intensity is akin to the above poem. It refers to the passion gifted people feel daily. But it also refers to the extreme highs and lows many gifted people experience throughout their lifetime, causing them to question their own mental stability from time to time. This type of intensity is a natural aspect of giftedness. However, in my experience, it is also one of the most misunderstood
attributes – and it IS the reason gifted kids sometimes struggle.
My newly released book, EMOTIONAL INTENSITY IN GIFTED STUDENTS, talks not only about the specific difficulties inherent with gifted individuals, but also ways to help teach kids to manage this part of giftedness. I hope you check it out!
Thanks for stopping by, Christine!
And now for the giveaway. Just comment below and you will be included in the randomly chosen giveaway contest!
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Thanks for hosting a stop on the tour Lisa! It's been fun.
ReplyDeleteanother awesome post :) I have loved every leg of your tour, Christine! This is such an important subject. I'm glad your book is bringing light to it :)
ReplyDeleteThis is such an interesting read. I don't have anyone in my life that is gifted but I can imagine how challenging it would be. This book would be make a great gift for teachers, I'll have to check it out. Love the Pearl Buck poem! :D
ReplyDeleteWow sounds amazing! I think this is wonderful. There are so many books about kids with learning disabilities so it is really great to see more on this topic. Woohoo for you Christine!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great interview Lisa!
I can't wait to read the book!
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to reading Christine's book. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks all of you for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteI really like chatting on #gtchat with you. I am a high school science teacher who just found out 2 of my students are gifted. I appreciate your insight and advice
This was a great analysis - I can really relate to that poem! Yes, it is difficult for gifted kids to cope with the extreme highs and lows - especially at an age where their peers at school will expect them to conform and "not be weird." I am looking forward to reading your book!
ReplyDeleteIt often surprises people that life isn't always easy for gifted kids. It's a challenge for many.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone. I really appreciate all the support!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by this week! I guess I will wait until next Tuesday to close out the contest.
ReplyDeleteThe poem is great! Would love to give a copy to my son's teachers. I couldn't wait so I ordered a copy from Prufrock Press. :)
ReplyDeleteI am homeschooling my intense, amazingly bright 11 year old after he collected enough labels in public school to cover a soup can.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the information and a chance to win the book.
I am really looking forward to reading this book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting with Christine and me, everyone. I'll be announcing the contest winner tomorrow night!
ReplyDelete