Developmental Phases of Social Development / Linda Kreger Silverman.

This paper addresses common concerns of parents about the social development of gifted children. It stresses the importance of three key factors: (1) a responsive home environment where the child is respected; (2) opportunities to relate to other gifted children, especially during the early years, when self-concept is formed; and (3) opportunities to relate to the mainstream during adolescence. Six stages of learning to love oneself and others are outlined. The social development of gifted boys and girls is discussed separately. The paper notes that the gifted boy needs early contact with others like himself so he doesn't come to see himself as "weird". The problem of imitating social cues is even more acute for the gifted girl, who is likely to hide her intelligence unless she associates with mental peers early in life. Overall, the paper stresses the inextricable link between social and cognitive development. (Contains 26 references.) (DB)

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