Gifted children benefit from health classes accelerated to their needs

Health education is an optimal route for informing individuals and groups about their bodies and preserving and protecting health. Gifted children have the same health needs regarding health as all children, but because of their accelerated intellectual abilities, their need for information may out-distance those of peers. This article reflects the experience of a nurse-educator who taught a special summer health course to a group of academically talented fourth and fifth graders. The children chose this class on their own and were enthusiastic with "hands-on" experiences of human functioning. Not only were these youngsters a challenge to work with, but their ability to master concepts quickly made the course a truly dynamic learning experience.