Guest Post, Author at OurGiftedKids

The Rage-to-Learn Gifted Child: Meeting Their Needs by Dr Kathryn Murray and Gloria van Donge

by Guest Post | Nov 19, 2021 | Blog, Guest Speaker, Uncategorized

by Dr Kathryn Murray and Gloria van Donge

Gifted children, with a rage-to-learn, have an internal motivation that propels and compels them to explore, to investigate, to learn. Rather than being forced into the rigidity of a system, these children need their own learning line.

The rage-to-learn gifted child

Alertness in babyhood and attention to their environment may be early indicators to parents of this type of gifted child. As toddlers, their conversation skills and counting ability begin early. Their questions are endless, endless: every answer only generates more questions. They are quick to recognize things like traffic signs, advertising logos, car brands. Their curiosity and insatiable hunger for learning seems unstoppable (Lammers van Toorenbury).

In the introduction to his book, Bright, Alan Thompson (2016) says, “It’s not possible to graph your child’s passion for counting absolutely everything including nutritional information on food packaging, or their motivation to learn to read the newspaper at the age of two.” (p28).

These children crave new ideas, new challenges and new experiences. They love complexity and are willing to take a risk. They immerse themselves in an area of interest, showing intense focus and concentration. They have an amazing capacity for facts and figures, processing information quickly and efficiently. They are independent and show high self-efficacy, passionately pursuing their own goals. At home, they invent and develop all kinds of activities. Their focus is more on the process than the product.

A local three-year old surrounded himself with sticks, cardboard, wood glue, lawnmower parts and other odds and ends. When asked what he was doing, he scoffed, “I’m making the making!” (Downie, 2014, p24).

In the classroom, the rage-to-learn gifted child may present a challenge because their learning is motivated by their own interests: they do not learn in order to pass a test. They are driven by task involvement with a goal of mastering skills, rather than being powered by performance goals measuring their ability to succeed. These children like to work autonomously and when learning is disappointing, they lose their sense of purpose and disengage in the classroom.

When the work is too easy, they lack persistence and fail to develop study skills. They may develop signs of anxiety, like health concerns and not wanting to attend school.

Meeting their needs

If the needs of rage-to-learn gifted children are not honoured, then behavioural challenges may emerge. Those who see themselves as intellectual peers of their teachers often reject authority and become argumentative. Their endless questioning converts into tireless negotiations when given adult directives. Being told what to do or think may insult these children and lead to outrage. As non-conformists, they may develop a critical mindset, intolerant of others and their own shortcomings (Betts & Neihart, 2017).

Being out-of-sync with their peers, the gifted child may be subjected to bullying. A study conducted in eleven states of America discovered that 67% of all gifted students were bullied by 8th grade. The vast majority were silent about this (Peterson, 2006). Depression, unexpressed rage and school absenteeism may alert teachers to this situation. Some gifted children deal with the emotional impact by becoming bullies themselves.

The teacher

In a classroom of 25 or more children, it can be difficult for the teacher to notice and identify a rage-to- learn gifted child. Often, the outward behaviours are noticed and responded to in ways that may not always be conducive to the gifted child feeling ‘seen’ and ‘heard’ by other children or the teacher. The competing expectations placed on the teacher by school administration, parents, and the needs of all children in the class can be very overwhelming and stressful.

Including children with special needs or gifted children into the mix can be problematic. It is easy to see why the gifted child’s behaviour and engagement with learning can be compromised.
Unless teachers have received training in identifying and facilitating the learning of gifted children, there may be a disconnect in the classroom. Generally, teachers do their best to teach to individuals and accommodate their needs for learning. Considerations of all developmental domains – social, emotional, physical, cognitive and language are part of the teacher’s focus for all children in the classroom. Curriculum requirements, participation in school committees, sporting teams and the like all add to a teacher’s daily responsibilities. A classroom is a busy place with many competing priorities.

Classroom considerations

Another layer for the teacher to address is that gifted children are renowned for hiding their giftedness in an effort to fit in with peers and form friendships. Setting up a classroom culture that honours individual learning approaches in a safe emotional space is essential for all children, but especially the gifted child.

A classroom designed with a range of smaller learning spaces provides the feeling of ‘psychological safety’ (Kirby, 2021). Smaller spaces are less threatening. They allow for greater focus on tasks, encourage intimate conversations with 2 or 3 others, and minimise potential self-regulation issues. Well-planned and designed spaces allow children of all abilities to enter into the learning at their own level. A gifted child could well be exploring ways of using ‘loose parts’ alongside a child with a disability. In this instance, Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development theory suggests that the more experienced or skilled child can guide the other in
a peer tutoring approach (O’Donnell, 2012). This method supports the development of self-regulation and impulse control by managing social and emotional development.

Having an ‘assets-based learning’ approach focuses on valuing existing knowledge and strengths which supports strong self-esteem and identity development (New York University, 2020). When children feel comfortable and accepted, instances of disruptive behaviour or bullying disappear. Diversity in thought, culture, and traits are seen as assets to the learning.
Strengths of teachers and children are valued with the focus being on what they bring to the classroom rather than their differences and deficits.

Encouraging self-determined, assets-based projects that respond to the requirements of the curriculum provides the gifted child with autonomy and considers their interests. In turn, thinking and imagination is extended to their individual level. Having open conversations where the gifted child feels safe to be vulnerable and authentic can promote engagement with the learning and provide psychological security.
Changing the language in the classroom from ‘teacher’ to ‘coach’ or ‘facilitator’ helps to change the mindset and subconsciously builds more equity between the children. Being a coach in the classroom can be aligned with being a sporting coach. The role changes from leading and telling to providing advice, giving opportunities to practice skills and then allowing the individual to do his or her part in the team.

If this approach is used in a classroom designed with many smaller spaces, children can ask for individual advice, practice their skills and then share with the larger team. Then, learning is fulfilling for each child – no matter what their level of ability. The range of gifted children extends to more than the rage-to-learn child. Giftedness comes in many shapes and sizes. Each child should be looked at individually where ‘one size fits all’ is not a part of the classroom pedagogical approach.

Who is Dr Kathryn Murray?

Dr Kathryn Murray is the founder of Future Strong Education, a consultancy business working with teachers, leadership teams, early childhood educators, organisations and parents. Kathy has a professional background that spans 36 years in the education sector.

Her aim is to extend each person’s personal and professional capabilities by sharing current research and a range of experiences gathered over her career. Kathy speaks at conferences, provides professional development sessions and mentors clients nationally and internationally while continuing to share her expertise with pre-service teachers at Central Queensland University.

The life aim of ‘making a difference in the lives of children’ is what fuels Kathy’s passion to provide support in the world of education.

Kathy’s qualifications include: Doctor of Education, Master of Education, Certificate IV in Training and Assessing, Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Teaching (Preschool/Primary).

Who is Gloria van Donge?

Gloria van Donge is a mother of a gifted child, but she only discovered this in her retirement! If only she had known earlier when her children were small.

To help other parents and educators, Gloria has written five picture books to create a doorway into the world of the gifted and talented child.

Her stories cover pertinent issues like acceptance, camouflaging behaviour, perfectionism, being out-of[1]sync with peers and emotional giftedness. As an international author, it is her hope that these stories will generate discussion and contribute to the social and emotional wellbeing of the gifted. Gloria’s qualifications include Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies.

More from Kathryn & Gloria...

Another Guest Blog…

Dr Kathryn Murray and Gloria van Donge also wrote the guest blog: Gifted Kids Social and Emotional Wellbeing for Learning.

A Podcast with Gloria…

Our Gifted Kids talked to Gloria about her gorgeous books in the Podcast ‘Gifted Kids Books with Gloria & Peter van Donge’.

References related to this article.

Betts, G. and Neihart, M. (2017). Profiles of the Gifted, Talented, Creative Learners.

Downie, R. (2014). Making the Making. Kids on the Coast. Education, May-June, pp24-30.
Kirby, A. (2021). How do we build psychological safety – in the context of neurodiversity?

New York University, Steinhardt. (2020). Thought leadership. An Asset-Based Approach to
Education: What It Is and Why It Matters.

O’Donnell, A. M. (2012). Educational Psychology. Milton, Queensland: John Wiley and Sons
Australia.
Peterson, J.S., & Ray, K.E. (2006). Bullying and the gifted: Victims, perpetrators, prevalence, and
effects. Gifted Child Quarterly, 50 (2), pp148-168. https://journals.sagepub.com/
Thompson, A. D. (2016). Bright: Seeing superstars, listening to their worlds, and moving out of
the way. Life Architect.

Meeting Gifted Learning Needs and Fostering Children’s Effort with Dr. Joanne Foster

by Guest Post | Nov 18, 2021 | Blog, Guest Speaker

Guest post by Dr. Joanne Foster

Around the world, from Australia to Canada and points in between, parents of gifted learners are concerned about their children’s development and well-being. Parents want to ensure that their child is receiving a quality education consisting of meaningful learning, appropriate challenge, and progress.

What does that look like in practice?

The Truth about Gifted Learning Needs

No two individuals are the same. Research in such fields as educational psychology, cognitive development, and neuroscience, points to giftedness occurring across the population, irrespective of gender, cultural background, language, race, age, socio-economic status, or the presence of other exceptionalities. A gifted learner needs well-targeted learning opportunities in one or more domains at a particular point in time as required, and as their understandings and abilities continue to develop.

However, in order for children to have and maintain a love of learning, they also have to invest something else—effort!

Contrary to what some people might believe, high-level ability does not necessarily come easily. Intelligence, creative expression, skill-building proficiency, content mastery— these outcomes are the result of time and effort. To that end, parents are well-positioned to offer their child guidance and support, foster their motivation, and encourage them to make the most of their learning experiences.

The best way for parents to accomplish this is to ensure that their child has (or co-creates) learning opportunities that align with their individual needs, including their areas of strength and weakness, interests, and learning preferences. In other words, parents can champion an Optimal Match approach that empowers a child to learn what they need and want to know, over the short, medium, and long haul. Such an approach is predicated on differentiation and choice, and a range of options. These might include acceleration, single-subject enrichment, mentorships, flexible grouping, gifted classes, leadership initiatives, entrepreneurial pursuits, volunteer activities, cross-grade resource access, extracurricular activities, technology-based programs, guided independent study, project-based studies, or other possibilities. (See Being Smart about Gifted Learning to find out more about these and many additional Optimal Match alternatives.). Children’s needs vary, and are always in flux, and should be monitored and adjusted on an ongoing basis.

Effort Through the Lenses of Parents and Children

An Optimal Match approach empowers kids to take initiative, and to stick with tasks and activities because they’re relevant, enjoyable, and worth doing. When children see the value of their learning and feel that the pacing and expectations are fair, they’re more inclined to put forth the effort required to see things through.

Considerations that parents can keep in mind are manageability, goal attainability, and the kinds of supports that are in place if a child encounters difficulty along the way. Parents can also demonstrate the strategies that they themselves use to stay on track, overcome obstacles, confront changes, acquire resources, and maintain a positive attitude and productive outlook. Other important ways to reinforce children’s effort is to offer reassurance if they stumble, to convey genuine praise as they progress, to be available to respond to their questions and concerns, and to show faith in their abilities. Also, by becoming well-informed about gifted level development, neurodiversity, and a growth mindset, parents can help children understand that intelligence, creativity, and other forms of advancement accrue step-by-step, with persistence and hard work. That knowledge will strengthen kids’ resolve and serve them well across the lifespan.

Last Words

Gifted-level ability is not a sure-fire ticket to success. An enterprising spirit, a sense of purpose, and connectivity with supportive others (such as family, friends, teachers, mentors) can make all the difference in how a child envisions and experiences their learning and personal growth. And, although an Optimal Match approach is responsive to individual levels of subject-specific competence at a given point in time, and presents variable means of meeting gifted learning needs and moving forward, effort is what provides the momentum.

In my upcoming podcast with Sophia Elliott for Our Gifted Kids, I’ll be chatting about how parents can encourage children’s effort and motivation, and I’ll be offering lots of practical strategies. I’ll discuss concerns, challenges, and ways to empower gifted learners at home, school, and elsewhere. I invite you to tune in!

Who is Dr. Joanne Foster?

Dr. Joanne Foster is an award-winning author who writes about child development and gifted education. Her most recent book is Being Smart about Gifted Learning: Empowering Parents and Kids Through Challenge and Change (co-authored with Dona Matthews, 2021). For more information, and for access to many articles and timely resources on children’s well-being, creativity, intelligence, productivity, and learning, please go to www.joannefoster.ca.

Gifted Kids Social and Emotional Wellbeing for Learning by Dr Kathryn Murray and Gloria van Donge

by Guest Post | Mar 31, 2021 | Blog, Guest Speaker

Guest Post by Dr Kathryn Murray and Gloria van Donge

Have you been in a situation where someone talks incessantly as a monologue?

Have you had difficulty controlling your emotions, had no interest in talking to someone or no inclination to take a risk and try something new?

Does it seem like everyone else has relationships that thrive, and you don’t?

In our experience with children and adults, we have found that some people naturally ‘read the room’, regulate their emotions, build strong relationships, make good decisions, and feel good about themselves. Having a strong sense of social and emotional wellbeing leads to better opportunities for learning.

Socially and emotionally stable children come to school prepared to learn.

In 2005, research suggested that happiness is determined 50% by our genes, 10% by our life circumstances and 40% by our life choices and behaviours. Whilst more recent research debates these percentages, the premise remains that we can influence our happiness.

It would follow that as parents and teachers it is crucial to teach and encourage children to develop strategies for life that will support a strong sense of social and emotional wellbeing that provides opportunity for greater happiness.
There is a solid link between social and emotional development and mental health.

Building opportunities for social and emotional wellbeing (SEW) and social and emotional learning (SEL) have been shown to decrease the rates of depression, suicide, eating disorders, stress, antisocial behaviour and the like.

A positive sense of self, developed through SEW and SEL activities, has been linked to adult productivity, success and happiness. Building competence in social and emotional wellbeing provides a firm platform for the development of social and emotional learning.

Children feel good about themselves so are willing to take a risk in their learning: they have a go at that mathematics problem, ask for help to complete an activity, and bounce back when something is completed incorrectly.

Classroom and family discussions that lead to the development of strong mental health begin by giving descriptive feedback, identifying emotions or using a story to begin conversations about characters and feelings.

Developing self-awareness, self-management, social connections, and acceptance of self are all part of the journey to wellbeing and learning. Embracing social and emotional wellbeing leads to higher social cohesion within families, classrooms and communities in general, which in turn builds social capital and positive futures for children.

Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEW) and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

SEW and SEL are the cornerstones of rich learning in cognitive, physical and language developmental domains.

The Collaborative for Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) has identified 5 core goals for development of wellbeing in our schools. The goals highlight the importance of social and emotional wellbeing and learning and what it might look like in our classrooms.
1. Self-awareness — identifying and recognising emotions; recognising personal interests and strengths; maintaining a well-grounded sense of self-confidence

Self-management — regulating emotions to handle stress, control impulses, and motivate oneself to persevere in overcoming obstacles; setting and monitoring progress toward the achievement of personal and academic goals; expressing emotions appropriately
Social awareness — being able to take the perspective of others and empathise with them; recognising and appreciating individual and group similarities and differences
Relationship skills — establishing and maintaining healthy and rewarding relationships based on cooperation and resistance to inappropriate social pressure; preventing, managing, and constructively resolving interpersonal conflict; seeking help when needed
Responsible decision-making — making decisions based on a consideration of all relevant factors, including applicable ethical standards, safety concerns, and social norms; the likely consequences of taking alternative courses of action; evaluation and reflection.

Why we need to teach SEW and SEL

Students lacking in SEW or SEL may find it difficult to follow directions, self-regulate their emotions, or interact with others.

Social and emotional skills are key determinants of academic success and productivity in the classroom. Research indicates that students behind in their SE development are:

Up to 80% more likely to need a repeat year
• 80% more likely to require learning intervention and support
• And seven times more likely to exhibit difficult behaviour.

A clear outcome from this research is that SEW and SEL are highlighted as being vital to establish
positive approaches to individual learning and set students up for success.

The Student Learning and Wellbeing framework developed by Education Queensland reminds us of the World Health Organisation’s statement that “Wellbeing is a state in which every individual realises his or her potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”.

With this in mind, the importance of SEW and SEL is evident for all students, but particularly gifted and talented students who may require further support to understand their unique approaches to the world.
One way to support students, is to use resources that explore the range of social and emotional competencies that are needed to strengthen and support self-awareness and acceptance of personal strengths and challenges.

The Gifted Kid Book Series does this in a gentle, entertaining, child friendly manner. The concepts found in each book align with the desired outcomes of education systems worldwide that identify the importance of embracing diversity and the World Health Organisation’s promotion of wellbeing.

Gifted children are good at camouflaging their strengths so they don’t seem ‘different’. Perhaps you have a gifted child in your class or even your family and don’t realise it.

In your class or school, do you have children who:
• Seem bored with school, so are disruptive?
• You think can do better than they do?
• Challenge ideas and offer different solutions?
• Constantly ask questions to the point of frustration?

Have you considered that they may be gifted?
Perhaps you have noticed that they:
• Excel in sports, dance, music, maths, or English
• Seem to be very serious and older than their years
• Learn quickly and retain what is learnt
• Think of innovative and creative ways to approach a standard problem3
• Set unrealistically high standards for themselves
• Have intense emotions and seem very sensitive to the feelings of others.

All children are to be encouraged to find their own level of SEW which then allows them to access SEL. This is particularly important with children who see themselves as ‘different’ from other children. This is the case with gifted children. The level of social and emotional wellbeing and building strong relationships may be difficult depending on the particular characteristics of the gifted child. The various forms of giftedness and the accommodations made by the gifted child is not in the scope of this paper, but is worth considering for future publications.

A photo of Gifted Kids Books Series written by Gloria van Donge

Who is Dr Kathryn Murray?

Dr Kathryn Murray is the founder of Future Strong Education, a consultancy business working with teachers, leadership teams, early childhood educators, organisations and parents. Kathy has a professional background that spans 36 years in the education sector.

Her aim is to extend each person’s personal and professional capabilities by sharing current research and a range of experiences gathered over her career. Kathy speaks at conferences, provides professional development sessions and mentors clients nationally and internationally while continuing to share her expertise with pre-service teachers at Central Queensland University.

The life aim of ‘making a difference in the lives of children’ is what fuels Kathy’s passion to provide support in the world of education.

Kathy’s qualifications include: Doctor of Education, Master of Education, Certificate IV in Training and Assessing, Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Teaching (Preschool/Primary).

Who is Gloria van Donge?

Gloria van Donge is a mother of a gifted child, but she only discovered this in her retirement! If only she had known earlier when her children were small.

To help other parents and educators, Gloria has written five picture books to create a doorway into the world of the gifted and talented child.

Her stories cover pertinent issues like acceptance, camouflaging behaviour, perfectionism, being out-of[1]sync with peers and emotional giftedness. As an international author, it is her hope that these stories will generate discussion and contribute to the social and emotional wellbeing of the gifted. Gloria’s qualifications include Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies.

Our Gifted Kids talked to Gloria about her gorgeous books in the Podcast ‘Gifted Kids Books with Gloria & Peter van Donge’.

References related to this article.

Collaborative for Social and Emotional Learning. (2020). CASEL’S SEL Framework: What are the core competence areas and where are they promoted?

Loewenberg, A. (2016). New study links kindergarten social-emotional skills to long-term success.

Lyubomirsky, S., Sheldon, K.M., Schkade, D. (2005). Pursuing happiness: The architecture of sustainable change. Review of General Psychology. Vol. 9 (2) pp. 111–131. 4

Newman, K. M. (2020). How much of your happiness is under your control? Greater Good Magazine: Science based insights for a meaningful life. February 18, 2020.

Queensland Government, Department of Education, Training and The Arts. Guide to Social and Emotional Learning in Queensland State Schools.

Queensland Government, Department of Education. (2018). Student Learning and Wellbeing Framework.

White, F., Hayes, B. & Livesey, D. (2013). Developmental Psychology: From infancy to adulthood (3rd ed). Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson

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A walk in the park

by Guest Post | Aug 5, 2020 | Blog, Guest Speaker

Routines are important, but recently our family routines have been steadily becoming more screen focused and less adventurous.

My wife and I realised we were getting lazy and leaving the kids to literally their own devices while we slept in on the weekend. So to try and break the rut we discussed as a family what we wanted to get out of our weekends.

Our children, unsurprisingly, were just fine with the usual status quo of watching TV and playing computer games and it took some time to persuade them that every Sunday, we should get up, get dressed, eat breakfast in the car and get out for a walk in the forest.

This went well the first Sunday when things were all novel.

As the kids ran around we breathed in the fresh air and admired how brilliant we were as parents. Look at our amazing three kids out poking mushrooms and running around with sticks I thought.

Mentally I began to make plans for a new shelf on which I could place all my future ‘best father’ awards. We smugly and happily greeted our fellow forest walkers with the glee of a perfect family trying something new and thinking it would be like this every week.

The second weekend was a bit more work.

We got to the forest, we walked, we oohed and ahhed at the amazing mushrooms, admired the sounds of the birds and soaked in the serenity but the shine seemed to wear off with every step we took.

The new toy wasn’t as good as it used to be.

After a long walk it was a long trek back to the car with a sleepy child on my back and the others dragging their feet in boredom. It seems we had the right activity, just making the kids walk more than a few kilometres wasn’t going down well.

For our third trip, we mixed it up a bit and tried a new spot and let the kids take the lead. If they wanted to run off and get the distance in, we would follow. If they wanted to stop and poke around a bush for half an hour, we followed and when they were close to expiring we went back to the car. Lowering our expectations around what a ‘walk in the forest’ was helped us all have a great time as a family.

Then after some bad weather and a few family colds we suddenly hadn’t been outside in a few weeks to our usual spots and the kids started pestering us to get out. Suddenly they were the ones driving the activity.

“When are we going for a walk in the forest?” they asked.

Well, needless to say we returned to the forest the next weekend and discovered all sorts of amazing things: cubby houses made of fallen branches, a geocache tub and enough animal bones that I started to look over my shoulder now and then. Ah, the joys of nature.

It isn’t easy to break out of a rut and not everything we have tried has worked, but getting up on a Sunday is a great way to break up the weekend and is something we are starting to cherish as a family. The only costs involved are transport and snacks, a small price to pay for the kids to enjoy some unstructured play in the beauty of nature.

We started with a google search of the surrounding area and made a list of playgrounds and national parks within a 45 minute drive. We then had a look at some of those on google maps to see if there were any off the beaten track paths that might be a bit different and checked them out too.

We don’t set the alarm on a Sunday, we get up when we feel like it, get dressed then straight out the door into the car. We often have breakfast on the run and it just adds to the adventure. Everyone in the family enjoys the new status quo, even our dog who enjoys the break from running around the same yard all day, a lot like the kids really.

Some ideas to get you started, check out:
National park

Beaches

Walking trails

Geographic areas of interest

Seasonal activities like flower blooms