View
215
Download
0
Category
Tags:
Preview:
Citation preview
Characteristics of Leap Thinkers
PEAK Parent Reception ~ September 23, 2014
Leap Thinkers …
Are curious Ask BIG questions Have wild imaginations Can store information in their
minds Know things without studying Use lots of words when
talking Love learning, but not
necessarily school stuff
Can think “out of the box” or fill the box up quickly
Can skip steps and still get the right answer
Love to build and invent things Can remember things in detail Use unusual words Can read difficult books Might worry a lot or cry easily;
have big emotions
Have you ever thought this about your PEAKster?
Do you ever slow down? You worry about everything! Can’t you just stick with one
thing? You’re so sensitive and dramatic! You’re so demanding! You’re so driven! Can’t you ever be satisfied?
Dabrowski’s Theory of Overexcitabilities Polish psychologist, Kasimierz Dabrowski Developed a theory that has helped us
understand the emotional make-up of the gifted
Passion and intensity cause the gifted to react, see, and feel things differently and more strongly….called overexcitabilities or OE’s
Can be thought of as an abundance of
physical, sensual, creative, intellectual, and/or emotional energy
OE #1Psychomotor (Physical) Surplus of physical energy and
movement Instead of walking they jump, hop, spin,
and twirl Fast talking/constant talking May interrupt or have difficult time
waiting turn to talk Sleeplessness due to a restless mind May have nervous habits Might be impulsive or act out
OE #1…PhysicalWhat can parents do?
Be sure there is time to burn off physical energy and/or chatter especially after school
Have them practice listening and remind them that being a friend involves listening too
Work on not interrupting
OE #2Sensual (Senses) Tactile sensitivity ~ Can be very
picky about clothing … socks, labels/tags, waist bands, etc.
May have many physical complaints … stomach aches, limping, etc.
Sensitive to smells, tastes, or textures of foods
May have a harsh reaction to loud sounds
Deep appreciation for beauty in writing, music, art or nature
OE #2 …SensesWhat can parents do?
Limit the stimuli Create a soothing and
calming environment Know that they are not
being “manipulative” about clothing or food
Make sure there is time to enjoy the senses
OE #3Imaginational (Creative) May day dream Remember dreams vividly and have
strong reactions to them May believe in magic and fantasy for
much longer than their peers (Santa Claus, the tooth fairy, elves, dragons, and unicorns)
May have trouble distinguishing imagination from reality
May have a vivid fantasy life which includes imaginary friends
OE #3 …CreativeWhat can parents do? Know this isn’t “lying” ~
Confusion of reality and fiction because memories and new ideas become blended in their minds.
Help them place a “stop sign” in their mind before they embellish.
OE #4Intellectual (Academic)
Love brain teasers, puzzles, and thinking games
Thrive on challenge and learning/love to think
Enjoy complex reasoning and problem solving
Take pleasure in discovering new information; avid reader
Ask probing (big) questions or many questions
Have adult concerns Might be impatient with others
OE #4 …AcademicWhat can parents do? Teach them to find the
answers themselves Help them act on their
concerns Teach tact in
questioning and patience with others
OE #5Emotional
Happier when happy, sadder when sad, angrier when angry, etc.
Feel extremes of complex emotions May feel inadequate or inferior May have difficulty adjusting to
change May feel deep connections with
some people or animals May have trouble finding friends who
measure up
OE #5 …EmotionalWhat can parents do? Accept the intense feelings.
Know that it’s not melodrama. It is honest emotion.
Teach them to watch for “early warning” symptoms and teach how to deal with them.
Practical Tips/Ideas
www.sengifted.orgSupporting the Emotional Needs of the GiftedBy Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
Bibliography Images from: www.google.com/search
giftedservices.com.au/children.html
Lind, Sharon; “Overexcitablity and the Gifted”; SENG newsletter,2001
Tolan, Stephanie; www.stephanietolan.com/dabrowskis.htm,
February 1999
Webb, James T. and others; A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children; Great Potential Press, Arizona, 2007
Recommended