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FROM THE EDITOR
The topic of social and emotional needs of gifted learners is a continuing and often perplexing one. Some wonder why kids so smart can’t keep it all together on their own. Jim Webb’s article, “Looking Back and Looking Forward: Being Bright Is Not Enough,” helps us unravel the mystery. In it, Dr. Webb recounts his experiences as a graduate student and young psychologist, being puzzled by some of the bright youngsters he worked with. Additionally, he recounts the story of young Dallas Egbert whose suicide became the impetus for the founding of SENG, Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted. His comment, “I am not saying that gifted children are more prone to problems; what I am saying is that others must understand and guide them,” exemplifies the message of this issue of Gifted Education Communicator.
Maureen Neihart examines an important topic in her article, “Coping with Jealousy.” Pointing out that this is an issue almost all gifted and talented students face at some time, she makes an important distinction between jealousy and envy and notes that responses to the issues are different in males and females and also change at different ages. As always, she presents strategies to cope with the concerns in her topic.
We regret that this is Dr. Neihart’s last article for GEC for the time being. Her column, “The Inner Game: Psychological Preparedness,” has been a much-valued staple of the journal for some years and we will miss it. We wish her well in her new responsibilities in her work at the National Institute of Education in Singapore. We hope she will prepare an occasional feature for us in the future. Elizabeth Cooley currently teaches at Futures High School, an inner-city school-within-a-school in southern California that works with students at risk of dropping out. When first hired and before the Futures concept was implemented, she bought into the opinion of fellow teachers that these kids were just losers who
could never be trusted and would never amount to anything. Her early rejection of this opinion and her steps to bring into her classroom the environment of trust and support needed to encourage and motivate her students is inspiring indeed. “Books are an ideal way to respond to characteristics and needs of gifted children.” This quote from author Judith Halsted forms the beginning of Janet Gore’s article, “The Importance of Books and Reading for Gifted Children.” In it she identifies some of the natural affinities between gifted children and reading and refers to Halsted’s book, Some of My Best Friends are Books: Guiding Gifted Readers, 3rd edition. Of special note is Gore’s section on the use of bibliotherapy with gifted children. She includes numerous book lists and other resources for both teachers and parents.
Joy Davis shares her article “From The Inside Out: Using Cultural Strengths To Nurture African American Gifted Learners.” Nowhere in her article does Dr. Davis use the term “social and emotion needs,” but that is what it is all about. Only when children feel secure and valued can they do their best at school and elsewhere. Only when adults are aware of cultural differences and preferences can they best serve young learners. Davis includes practical tips for parents and outlines the role of teachers in this process.
Liane Brouillette puts a focus on very young gifted children in her article, “Nurturing the Social-Emotional and Cognitive Development Of K-2 Gifted Learners Through Storytelling and Drama.” Dr. Brouillete addresses the issue of social and emotional needs of young gifted learners and their receptiveness to expressive activities. She then presents a set of on-line K-2 theater arts lessons that include streaming videos that focus on active learning.
This issue marks a turning point in the development of Gifted Education Communicator. First is a personnel addition. I am happily giving up much of the responsibility for editing the journal and will hereafter be the Acquisitions Editor in charge of feature articles. Karen Daniels has been elected as a Managing Editor and brings important skills, particularly in the area of electronic publishing. That is significant because beginning with the Fall issue, GEC will become an online publication. This was difficult for some of us long-time educators to accept, but we know it is an economic and future reality, and we hope to make it a positive experience for all involved.
—Margaret Gosfield, Acquisitions Editor