How Families Can Support the 5 Pillars for Twice Exceptional Learners

How Families Can Support the 5 Pillars for Twice Exceptional Learners in the Home

The term “twice-exceptional,” also referred to as “2e,” is used to describe gifted children who have the characteristics of gifted students with the potential for high achievement and give evidence of one or more disabilities as defined by federal or state eligibility criteria. These disabilities may include specific learning disabilities (SpLD), speech and language disorders, emotional/behavioral disorders, physical disabilities, autism spectrum, or other impairments such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).  Source:  National Association for Gifted Children

Pillar I - Strength-based Instruction

• Expose your child to a wide variety of possible interests.
• Point out and help your child discover their skills and strengths.
• Encourage your child to explore their talents and interests as much as possible.

Pillar II - Alternative Methods for Demonstrating Mastery

• Encourage your child to explore a variety of options when using choice boards assigned at school. 
• Praise your child’s creativity.
• Enable your child to use their 504/IEP accommodations, such as speech-to-text, at home.

Pillar III - Self-advocacy

• Encourage your child to ask for help when they need it.
• Teach your child to ask for opportunities for extensions when needed.
• Teach your child to ask for and take a break when needed.  

Pillar IV - Self-regulation

• Teach your child to identify feelings (ex. frustration, excitement, and boredom.
• Teach your child strategies for coping with feelings. 
• Praise your child for perseverance and resilience.

Pillar V - Self-efficacy

• Review the previous day’s accomplishments with your child.
• Celebrate your child’s efforts.
• Draw your child’s attention to their growth and praise specific skills.