Discussion Forum 4.2

You have learned that while the gifted certainly have their challenges, they have very strong abilities to rise above them and learn from them. Much of what you read this week regarding these characteristics is relevant to all populations, not just in the lives of the gifted. Children and families have many potential difficulties as they navigate through their lives. Hopefully, you have learned some new strategies and/or solidified older ones that will help you be more personally resilient so that you can help those around you.

For your second discussion in this topic, please consider the following questions:

• Could some characteristics of gifted individuals help resiliency?
• What traits may hinder resiliency?
• Is ‘masking’ (hiding one’s problems) a sign of resiliency and coping, or does it put the student at risk because he or she is less likely to receive intervention?

Go to Discussion Forum 4.2 and respond to the questions above. After you have done this, make sure you respond to one other colleague regarding their answers.

Now it’s time to take another self-assessment quiz to see how much you’ve learned! When you are done, take a break, and then head on to Topic 5.