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ROLE OF THE TEACHER

The gifted and talented can benefit best when the teachers too have some training given to them about the "gifted" and how to handle them. Here comes the role of the school authorities who should have some teacher training programmes on this issue as well as have experts / experienced people with the knowledge of the same, to give talks to the teachers and other personnel, as to how to work with these children. Classroom or subject teachers will definitely in the course of their teaching, come across gifted and talented children, only if they are observant.

In order to bring out the best, the teachers should :

1.	Acknowledge the needs and interests of gifted children by providing different learning experiences or ways of doing lessons in class.
2.	Have a favorable attitude towards them. Don't underestimate them as they may sometimes exhibit their abilities or strengths in amazing ways, neither think of them as very intelligent and pamper them unnecessarily.
3.	Have knowledge about gifted children and ways to channelize their abilities. Most of the times children need someone to guide them.
4.	Be imaginative, flexible, creative and systematic, an ideal role model for the gifted to follow.

There are a few guidelines which can help the teacher create a fun filled learning experience for the gifted in the classroom itself :

1.	Use different techniques like role-playing or dramatization when teaching literary skills.
2.	Have discussions in class on a social issue with a group presentation at the end.
3.	Have activities, which can be done, in a group as well as individually on a regular basis e.g. Small project work can be done in-groups and individual work through worksheets, dramatization or games.
4.	Use art and craft mediums for children to enjoy creativity as well as build their imagination.
5.	Plan lessons differently rather than just note taking and lecturing.
6.	Have a variety in activities or projects, which have to be done in class throughout the year.

According to Dr. Howard Gardner, there is always more than one way to teach something that is important. He has given us 8 areas of intelligences to look for in our children, which can be nurtured by parents and teachers. The examples mentioned have been explained with each area, which may change with the age group of the children.

1.	Language : Likes to read, write, tell stories, enjoys memorizing, think in words and enjoys debates and discussions. Example : A project on pollution could involve giving the children an opportunity to interview people living in highly polluted areas and prepare a report.
2.	Math's and Logic : Is good at mathematics, reasoning, logical thinking, problem-solving, enjoys working with numbers and likes to experiment. Example : Ask children to make a chart showing the ways of controlling pollution. Discuss the possible effects of pollution.
3.	Space / Visual : Is good at designing charts, maps, drawing, building 3 dimensional figures, mazes, puzzles, creates something, visualizes, enjoys looking at pictures and is good with colours.     Example : Build a model to detect air pollution levels in the city.
4.	Body Movement / Physical ability : Excellent at sports, dancing, acting as well as creating craftwork and doing mechanical work. Can use large muscles and finer muscles to achieve a task / activity. Eye-hand co-ordination skills are also good. Example : Prepare a skit or or plan a game on pollution.
5.	Musical : Singing, easy grasping of melodies / sounds, playing an instrument and listening to music. Enjoys composing or writing songs or poems. Example : Prepare a song on pollution awareness for other students.
6.	Interpersonal : Is good at understanding people, being a leader, resolving conflicts, organizing and communicating. Learns through sharing, co-operating, relating one's self with others. Enjoys having friends and being in a group. Example : Prepare a group play on saving the environment.
7.	Intrapersonal : Is good at understanding ones weaknesses and strengths, setting goals for oneself, prefers working by himself and reflecting on his own behaviour. Example Sharing experiences about what they feel about the issue of saving our environment
8.	Naturalistic : Shows interest in understanding nature, knowing about animal and plant life and loves exploring nature. These are 8 doors for us to knock on to and open up for our children to make the most of it. For most of the lessons taught, we use the method of lecturing, writing on the board, giving worksheets, listening as important techniques. However, it is not necessary for the teachers to use variations all the time. Some lessons need to be taught in a direct and simplified manner.