#gtchat Archive
Global #gtchat Powered by TAGT is a weekly chat on Twitter that takes place on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and 5 p.m. PT in the U.S. For one hour, parents, educators, advocates and experts in the field of gifted and talented gather to share resources, links, authentic life experiences and insights about gifted issues.
Tuesday April 12, 2016
For the next hour I’ll be joining others at ( ) ~ please pardon the heavy stream or better yet; join us!
Welcome to Global Gifted and Talented Chat Powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented
Our topic today is “Developing Social Skills in Gifted Children”
Before we begin, please tell us where you’re from and introduce yourself!
I'm Holly , a math teacher from Baltimore.
I’m Lisa Conrad ~ moderator, advocate, presenter, blogger & mother of 2 gifted young adults from Pittsburgh, PA.
Hi Jo Freitag from Gifted Resources and Sprite's Site Victoria, Australia here on Wednesday at 10.00 am for
Peter from New York City. , PhD, ? That's me! I wrote a book! Screwed up Somehow but not Stupid
Hi! Valerie from Atlanta. I teach K-2 Gifted kiddoes.
Carol from Indiana, Writer about giftedkids. Mom to young gifted adult.
Also very interested in extreme giftedness
Hi, Jeremy! Yes, I've long been an admirer of Dina Brulles' work Valley!
Hi from NW Houston. GT Specialist at a K-4 public school checking in this week.
As a reminder, we use a Q1/Q2 format for questions & A1/A2 for answers during
If joining via Twitter, remember to add the hashtag to each tweet.
Shanna from NJ - elementary GT specialist and mom. May pop in an out tonight!
Question 1 is coming up. Check out our new graphics!
A1 Social skills is a huge area encompassing all the ways we get along with other people - parents, peers, teachers, etc
A1) Social skills are skills that allow children to get along with others; especially age-peers.
A1 Includes a vast array of "hidden" and "zero order" skills - things only noticed when they fail
A1: The way we interact and communicate with others.
A) Social skills are the skills needed to get along with others, regardless of age.
Hi stopping by to listen in on tonight’s chat
<<< Advisor! Hi, Brian!!!
A1) Social skills are how we interact with others, including in groups and w/ respect to norms.
A1) Social skills enable effective communication and appropriate interaction with other people
A1) are the human and cultural mores for communicating and developing relationships with others. And that ain't easy!
A1) Social skills include self-control; good manners; cooperating, communicating, engaging with others.
A1) social skills allow students to collaborate, communicate and learn from friends, classmates, and others
A2) ABSOLUTELY. No matter how G or T you might be, you exist in a world with other people You need to interact
A1: We communicate messages, thoughts, ideas & feelings through verbal & nonverbal social skills.
A2) Gifted Children do need to develop social skills. These skills are not innate; they must be taught.
A2) Everyone should develop social skills at some level.
A2) a gifted child without social is like a whale without water; huge potential, but no movement
Q2) Without a doubt! The affective needs of our GT kiddoes are vast and important!
A2) GT kids may need extra help with social skills, as their peers might be few and far between
This is so true; something many people don't 'get'! https://t.co/9H2qu5fKGf
A2) GT kids may need extra help with social skills, as their peers might be few and far between
A whale without water dies. A GT kid without social skills may also - I was suicidal for a long while
A2) Social skills are very helpful for everyone! Asynchronous development sometimes makes gaining them harder for gifted children
Growing up, I was friends with a gifted student who went 2 Harvard at 12 Super smart, but struggled socially and it had consequences
A2) Also, many social skills vary by culture. This is proof they are not innate
A2) yes! GT students will interact with others of varying abilities in life. They must learn those skills
A2) Too often adults mistakenly think all gifted children can develop social skills instinctively. https://t.co/TuBxwN97QF
Growing up, I was friends with a gifted student who went 2 Harvard at 12 Super smart, but struggled socially and it had consequences
A2) Well, we all agree on the answer to Q2
Having to socialize solely with non-gifted age mates can put an emotional strain on gifted kids, especially young ones.
Another reason that we need to teach code switching
q2 Explicit instruction on social skills is a waste time
A3) Of course! Kids need peers. Many GT kids, esp. and extremely gifted kids, have a very limited set of peers
A3) Yes, trying to learn social skills while spending most of your time with those you have little in common with can be hard.
A2) Side question: Do kids have a harder time with social skills on average? Just curious as that hasn't been my experience.
I'm hoping to do a chat in the future about diff in levels of gifted.
A3) The idea that we need to be with our CHRONOLOGICAL mates is ... wrong.
A2) Getting along with adults and being articulate can mask difficulty interacting w/ age mates.
Q3) If a gifted student learns to code switch, they should be fine. They need multiple "peer" groups who are differently equal
This ? came to mind this week. It depends on child. HG/PG/2E seem to have more issues.
A3) It is much easier for gifted and 2E students to communicate and interact meaningfully with their true peers
Q3) gifted students might have to be in a book group with 20 years old (non-fiction) and 10 years old (fiction)
I agree. I think I see isolated incidences--but on a whole I see less struggles. Mind you my kids are 5-8 years old.
I have difficulty interacting with some people - doesn't mean I lack social skills.
A3) yes. Gifted kids need intellectual peers too!
And true peers are often NOT age peers
Interventions may be different for GT too, depending on the root of the social skill trouble.
Q3) absolutely! The day a child is identified as a gifted learner life changes for them and their families.
A3) Poor & inappropriate academic placement can exacerbate the development of social competency.
A3) Kids need guidance. A 6th grader telling 9th graders "this is easy for me, why are you having problems" (as I did) is not good
Teaching Adolescents to Become Learners Role of Non-cognitive Factors in Shaping School Performance (pdf) https://t.co/kC9Kf8WqLe
A3) and all this is exacerbated for kids
A3) When gifted kids enter school w/o social skills, behavior misinterpreted as being spoiled rather than bored/unchallenged. (Ruf)
difficulty interacting=/=anxiety. gt students often struggle to find where they fit and that creates social gap
I disagree. Self-awareness,self-understanding, & empathy can be taught explicitly - w/ great gains!
My kid had zero social problems until he was forced to interact with a room full of his non-gifted age mates. He didn't understand.
A3) I think placement must be considered. How Ss are identified gifted may be a better consideration over social needs.
I always got along better with adults and babies than with my peers. Now, adults ARE my peers :-)
True for ANY child. I think many kiddoes are lacking these skills! https://t.co/B2qN8L2lks
A3) When gifted kids enter school w/o social skills, behavior misinterpreted as being spoiled rather than bored/unchallenged. (Ruf)
I figured as much for 2e... who can teach us something about how to balance life with an ability to learn that's complex.
But we are social beings. Sadly, playing politics and lunch room seating charts still dominate some businesses
A3) Also, GT kids should NOT be made into a sort of "extra teacher". Kids are in school to learn.
social skills are skills that allow people to communicate-they're complicated & often assumed-they need to be taught to2e
I don't think all kids are bored or unchallenged though. :)
These are integral to my curriculum as part of GT. Also part of standards for GT programming.
My district recognized this need & we (teachers & consultants) wrote an affective curriculum to support our cognitive one!
A2: School is extremely difficult because u aren't just learning material but also struggling to learn social skills too >> anxiety
We’re already half way through our chat! Thanks for all the great sharing.
yes-they need to be taught, modeled, practiced and often retaught
. yes! Young kids aren't set out to rebel. They may feel their learning experience isn't worth their while.
So true! Cutting down the tall poppies hurts our GT kids.
and how's it going now? ;)
A4) Teachers, parents, therapists, friends, other relatives, EVERYONE
A4) Both parents & schools should teach social skills, but initially it should be at home.
Does technology help with social anxiety?
A3) Lots of factors to consider, but academic placement can absolutely impact social and emotional growth.
Yes! We are. But placing kids based on their cognitive strengths does alleviate some of the social struggles IMO.
so true- don't mind helping but I'd have loved more challenges
A4) teachers need to be experts. Parents must advocate and support! serve as partners to support GT students
Complex question because it also depends on personality, introversion/ extroversion etc
A4) All kids start learning social stuff from birth. But what they learn may not be skills - maybe "antiskill"
parents, teachers, and sometimes spec Ed teachers or counselor who lead social skills groups
do you think it's also helpful to have that opportunity? As adults we work with people of a range of aptitudes.
A4) Basic social skills need to be in place long before child enters school; public or private.
A4) SIBLINGS can be great teachers of social skills. Mine sure were
Always easier to communicate and interact with others who understand!
Often needs parental guidance as well. https://t.co/F63TCoMobq
A4) SIBLINGS can be great teachers of social skills. Mine sure were
A4) Everyone! And the skills have to be modeled.
A4) Schools need to differentiate the teaching of social skills to take into consideration asynchronous development.
A4) A lot of parents are not equipped to teach social skills properly to their GT offspring.
Agree again! I tell my littlies :You don't have to like everyone but you have to fake it!Social skills.
A4) Both! & let's not forget that social skills is not "being social" - many GT kids are . Can make Ps and Ts nervous!
5)Where/how should social skills b taught in schools–reg classroom; pull-out sessions;w/intellectual peers? https://t.co/mxmyT83T1N
Thanks for this, Carol! Feeling uncomfortable, "different"... this isn't some "problem." It makes us human. https://t.co/JDsVhNIkr0
I have difficulty interacting with some people - doesn't mean I lack social skills.
Introverts are social. We're just differently social.
A4: Both caregivers & school should help youth learn social skills, but early intervention is crucial to prevent issues
A5) EVERYWHERE but pull out sessions/therapy are called for when there are problems
A5) Just like any other differentiated instruction. Meet the Ss where they are and give them what they need.
A5) Social skills can be incorporated into all phases of school life. Pull-out classes can deal w/issues associated w/giftedness.
Where it is most appropriate. Some students need more help than others. Differentiate with this instruction too.
feeling adult and at the same time even younger than themselves. Quite a burden of contradictions for any young person.
A5) Where it is most appropriate. Some students need more help than others. Differentiate with this instruction too.
Neither are a lot of therapists.
A5) Regular classrooms provide the opportunity to practice social skills with age-peers.
A5) Tricky to navigate. GT Kids don't want 2b singled out, condescended to, or lumped with label of lacking emotional intelligence.
I believe taught intentionally in small groups, then practiced with classmates/peers, and then reviewed again in sm group
A5) Both! Social stressors may be different in each setting. Respect for S differences and class culture are vital in both settings!
A5: Social skills should be taught to all students. Incorporate into daily routine formally & informally.
The mainstream is where a lot of kids drown.
A5) Particular skills may need to be taught when gifted kids are working with older intellectual peers; new circumstances.
Remember that, after you are an adult, you will rarely have to get along with 9 year olds
A5) Social skills can be incorporated into everyday learning or as specific programs
Can someone give some examples of specific social skills that can be taught directly?
A5) I think there is far too much emphasis on the need to get along with age-peers
A5 Social skills cant be taught in a vacuum
I have to get along with 5-8 year olds! :) Some days I need a social skills check myself! 😬
A5) (cont) Know middle school GT pulled out specifically for anti-bullying advisory, told as group they couldn't recognize or cope
A6) It depends so much on the kid! But model them, role play, Q and A, structured lessons .... etc
include not just tolerating but understanding. Everyone comes from a different place.
Yeah, but you're one of those wonderful people we call TEACHERS. :-)
A5. It rolls as part of my everyday classroom. It isn't a bad word but helpful in relating to others of all ages.
Have witnessed similar at HS level.
Q6) know your child, educate, interact with your child and community, advocate for gifted programs
A6) Modeling good behavior at home is an important part of parenting.
A6) Parents can talk through social situations w/kids. That method has worked w/my son when dealing w/Ss who aren't gifted
but neuro typical adults treat a or 2e kid differently than an adult
A6) Coach a sports team that your child plays
A6) Parents can be vigilant in discussing importance of other’s feelings (empathy) in response to own behavior.
Such as knowing how to converse, how to be polite, reading facial expressions/body language so as not to offend
maturity helps. (Of the other people, that is.)
That is true. But also differently from how age-mates treat them
Covey's 7 Habits 4 Happy Kids. They aren't isolated skills but more habits & mindsets that nurture social skills.
A6) Parents need to set clear rules and family standards; have high, but reasonable expectations. (Pfeiffer)
Collaboration skills, disagreeing constructively, staying open to others' ideas - often embedded in self-awareness.
Yes! https://t.co/Ed92rdZ4cU
Covey's 7 Habits 4 Happy Kids. They aren't isolated skills but more habits & mindsets that nurture social skills.
https://t.co/lglkADXU2O
Collaboration skills, disagreeing constructively, staying open to others' ideas - often embedded in self-awareness.
A6) Parents can role play possible situations with their children to try various outcomes
As a P, I teach how to mingle into a group, how to find & focus on common interests to make friends.
A6) Parents should look for signs of aggressive or anxious behavior; consider professional help when necessary.
I just always like to hear specific details and examples. Thanks.
A6: Write social expectations down/be clear. Provide reasons why. Practice expressing emotions w/ child. https://t.co/8A6FSGKidT
And start early! https://t.co/DFrMZK1sto
A6) Parents can role play possible situations with their children to try various outcomes
A6) Finding diverse individuals for your child to interact with
Another thing that is often over-looked. Good point!
A6) Let kids problem solve social issues. Don't rescue them but guide them. Nudge them to get comfortable with uncomfortable.
Feel strongly that teaching must embrace being a facilitator!
A6) Parents can help child learn how to know when they are boring or offending others
Responses children get from parents, peers, and teachers helps them learn what is and isn't appropriate social behavior.
Yep! https://t.co/rPOB3elNtA
Responses children get from parents, peers, and teachers helps them learn what is and isn't appropriate social behavior.
We’re nearly at the end of our chat today … final thoughts or questions?
Absolutely! It's easy to be the sage on the stage but such a disservice to our brightest & most capable!
This will be archived at and the link will be shared via later today
Thanks everyone for giving me some good things to think about & remember when with my littlies! ♥️
Thank you Lisa and advisory board, sponsors,supporters and everyone for another great
Thanks to the extraordinary staff at for their awesome support; we couldn’t do it without them!
Thanks for all the insights, arguments and great conversation! Always enjoy seeing new perspectives and learning with peers
A6) Also, Ps can be their safe place of acceptance. GT kids often feel different - being OK with self can help with social anxiety.
Thanks once again for your help with the links! So appreciated!
Thanks to the Advisory Board:
Before you go … build your Personal Learning Network and follow some of the folks whose comments you liked!
Our next chat will be Tues April 19th at 8E/7C/6M/5P (US) & Wed 20th April at 12.00 NZST/10.00 AEST/1.00 UK
