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Myths & Facts About Gifted Learners

There are lots of myths about gifted kids (and their parents!)  - but most of them aren’t true.

 

Myth

Gifted kids achieve exceptionally high in everything.

Fact

Gifted kids can develop different skills at different times - some areas can be underdeveloped.


 

Myth

Gifted kids don’t need extra support - they will achieve anyway.     

Fact

 Gifted kids who are not recognised and supported at school are at real risk of underachieving, misbehaving through boredom and frustration, and disengaging. If they are not helped to understand themselves and their needs, they may mask their abilities and qualities to avoid feeling different. Not being able to be their true selves can undermine their mauri and their mental health.


 

Myth

All children are gifted.     

Fact

All children have skills and qualities that can be appreciated and nurtured. Being “gifted” is a special term used by educational psychologists for children with specific neurological differences.


 

Myth

We don’t have any gifted kids at our school. 

Fact

Researchers estimate that between 5 and 10% of the population are gifted, with a spectrum between mild and profound giftedness. There are gifted children in every class in every school in NZ.


 

Myth

Gifted kids are socially awkward.      

Fact

 Gifted children can have difficulty relating to children their own ages because of their different interests and capacities, but, as they learn to understand themselves better, they can learn skills to help manage this. 


 

Myth

Gifted kids have pushy parents.   

Fact

Pushy parents don’t create gifted kids: gifted kids are born with neurological differences. Sometimes parents are seen as pushy because they are having to advocate strongly for their children to help them get the support they need. 



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