Also, I have another interview and this is a really hot one. I'm going to be talking to one of my fave authors, Cinda Williams Chima, author of the super-great SEVEN REALMS fantasy series (THE DEMON KING, THE EXILED QUEEN, THE GREY WOLF THRONE). The fourth book in the series, THE CRIMSON CROWN is due out in October and I can't wait. Meanwhile, to whet your appetites, how about a look at the cinematic, theater quality trailer for the book.
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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