A Novel Approach to Affective Development for Gifted Student through Developmental Bibliotherapy

Abstract

In the past, gifted children were thought to simply have increased academic needs. In recent years educators and parents have realized the need to nurture the social and emotional needs of gifted children as well. The phenomenon of giftedness brings with it challenges beyond those faced by the typical child. There has long been a mistaken perception that because gifted children possess superior intellectual and reasoning powers they have no trouble with social and emotional development, or because a child is gifted he or she has the ability to cope with these challenges. Affective learning and development, incorporating opportunities for students to address values, attitudes and appreciation of self and others, is often overlooked in gifted education programs. The purpose of this study is to create a program for affective learning and development using the principles of developmental bibliotherapy. The program designed to help apply these principles is presented. Six novels with gifted characters have been chosen. Affective needs of these characters have been determined, examined and discussed. Interpretive questions have been provided following each book investigation to aid the discussion leader in quality, meaningful discussion. Finally, references and suggestions for further study and development are given. This particular program is designed for intermediate grades to help students increase their self-awareness, coping skills, and to recognize and solve problems that are common to gifted children.