SENGinar - Fictional Peers and Mentors: Affirming Giftedness Through Literature and Film

 The presenter, working with a Javits’ Grant team, was asked to assemble “an extensive annotated bibliography/bibliotherapy document including fictional titles that would result in an ‘affective curriculum’ for use with gifted advocates and their gifted children.” This presentation will reflect that work, and will include “reflection” guides to prompt discussion and introspection along with recommendations of the best current literature for use with gifted students at home and in the classroom, with a special focus on twice-exceptional figures in children’s and adolescent literature.

The first item listed in “The 8 Great Gripes of Gifted   Kids” is “No one explains what being gifted is about – it’s kept a big secret.”   I have found that realistic, affirming portrayals of giftedness in literature   and film to be an excellent means of de-mystifying asynchronous development   and intensities as well as addressing several of the other “great gripes”   such as feelings of alienation, peer relations and perfectionism. The   effectiveness of this “bibliotherapeutic” approach will be demonstrated   during this presentation. 

About the Presenter:

 Dr. Schroeder-Davis has been in the field of gifted education for over 40 years as a parent, teacher, district coordinator, author, researcher, presenter, consultant, and professor. Stephen served as President for the Minnesota Council for the Gifted and was also a board member with the Minnesota Educators of the Gifted (MEGT) and the Minnesota Department of Education’s Advisory Council. He was recognized with Friend of the Gifted awards from the Minnesota Council for Gifted and Talented, MEGT, and the Ohio Gifted Council.