Teaching the Gifted Child

by James J. Gallagher

Hardcover 1978. Second edition. eighth printing. 431 p. 9.60 x 6.40 x 1.00. THE GIFTED CHILD AND HIS SCHOOL; DEFINITION AND IDENTIFICATION OF THE GIFTED; CHARACTERISTICS OF GIFTED STUDENTS; CONTENT MODIFICATIONS FOR THE GIFTED; STIMULATION OF PRODUCTIVE THINKING; ADMINISTRATION AND TRANING FOR THE GIFTED.

476 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

My interest level is a little lower than some probably because I don't expect to be a teacher of gifted students. I read this out of curiosity. I also read an earlier version (third edition, 1985). This is a very thorough textbooks that looks at many angles of how to help gifted students make the most of their potential, from classroom interventions, to the roles of others outside the classroom. It doesn't shy away from difficult issues like negative teacher, family and cultural attitudes. I would hope that a more recent book would have much more information. As the author notes here, not enough research had been done at the time this book was written and there were many unresolved issues. I suspect that continues to be the case but would hope the intervening years would have provided more insight into fostering the intellects of the very bright.

[Samantha Greenya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made a bland subject interesting, even to those who are not particularly interested in the field of education. The book got more bland towards the end, but it picked up when Gallagher began to discuss unmotivated gifted children and why they are that way. The author did a good job of balancing his own research and others' research. I am giving this book to one of my teacher's to provide her with information to support the importance of elective classes with young students. Currently, my school district only has elective classes once a month. Hopefully, this will help to change that.