Social-Emotional Needs and Support
Social Awareness & 2e
Intensities around Fairness, Justice, Spirituality, and Death
For some gifted and 2e learners, intense sensitivity to the needs of others and an intense desire for fairness and social justice can make them aware far before they have the emotional majority to deal with these issues. Philosophical issues that are still abstract, such as God and death, can also have an intense effect on gifted children. This is another way that understanding common traits of giftedness can help them develop a balanced sense of self.
For some 2e students, especially gifted students with autism, a weakness in this competency, e.g., perspective taking, is part of their disability, and they will need much more intensive support. Check with your specialists in SpEd to find more targeted strategies for these students.
Social Awareness Strategies
1. Practice becoming aware of situations around you. Practice by doing the following exercise (as a group or individually)
- Name five different things you can see around the room
- What are most of my peers doing right now and what am I doing? (sitting, reading, lining up, etc)
- Hold a clothing, book, or canned food drive for a local shelter or food bank
- Visit a local assisted living facility as a class
3. Listening Circles - This is a good way to practice active listening. Break the class into small groups and give them a few prepared questions. Each student answers a question and if a student interrupts, remind them that everyone will get a turn.
4. Read books about diversity. Make sure to spend time during and after exploring the ways characters and settings are unique.
5. Team games that require collaboration.
- Have small groups work together to complete a jigsaw puzzle
- Have small groups work on an escape box activity
6. New friends bingo - create a bingo card with getting to know you statements (i.e. I have a pet). This activity allows for verbal or nonverbal communication.