ABSTRACT
Gifted students have unique combinations of characteristics and differentiated curriculum can help develop their critical understandings about specific affective areas, such as feelings of being different, high expectations of self and others, sensitivity, developing relationships, handling criticism, academic planning, career planning, perfectionism and fear of failure, and introspection and introversion. Erik Erikson’s Theory of Psychosocial Development outlined eight stages of development in which a crisis must be solved at each stage without carrying forward issues tied to the previous crisis. There are a variety of curriculum strategies for promoting affective development that may be used to integrate Erikson’s theory into the curriculum. Schools also need a fully functioning counseling team trained in the characteristics and issues of gifted children. Peer counseling groups are positive ways for like-minded students to discuss interests, problems, and other issues that arise.
