G and T Parents | Brush School District RE-2(J)

G and T Parents

There is no better advocate for a gifted child than a knowledgeable and active parent.

Below are some suggestions on ways to support your gifted child:

Become informed of the special needs of the gifted through reading, attending conferences,or enrolling in classes. There are many good reference books on parenting gifted children as well as websites. Some are listed on this website.
Be involved at home in your child’s learning. Model lifelong learning. Nurture the passion areas, strengths, and interests of your child. Be a good listener: don’t solve problems for your child, rather help them to find solutions.
Volunteer to help in the classroom (Share your time).For example, volunteer to share your career, interests, or travel experiences in your child’s classroom or school, or act as a resource on children’s individual projects. Help locate resource persons to meet with small special interest groups.
Share what you know about your child with his/her teacher. If your child has a passion area that exceeds a normal grade level expectation, let the teacher know. Form partnerships with teachers for support and assistance.Be positive in the wording you use at home when discussing teachers or the school.
Recognize mistakes as an opportunity to learn, not a mark of failure. In-depth learning comes from trial and error. Avoid perfectionism.
Encourage a balance between time for rigorous academics, time for passion areas, extra-curricular activities, and time for relaxation.
Consider joining state organizations such as Colorado Association of Gifted and Talented (CAGT).Attend local workshops that address the needs of gifted children.
Remember to communicate your appreciation to the teacher who makes extra efforts on behalf of gifted children AND let the principal know that the teacher’s work is valued.

ENJOY your child. The future holds endless possibilities for him/her!

Language of Advocacy*

In talking to school personnel, legislator, or other parents:

INSTEAD OF SAYING:	SAY:
My child is bored in school.	All students should be able to learn at their challenge level.
We must pay attention to the educational needs of our future leaders.	To become successful adults, all students must learn the value of struggling to achieve one's goals.
How can we compete globally if we don't accommodate our "best and brightest" students?	We need to assure that all our students will reach their greatest potential in learning.
Our gifted kids need special programs.	I support all programs that allow students to learn at their own level and pace.
Kids in special education are getting too big a slice of the financial pie in our schools.	Let's study what works for kids in special education and make similar opportunities available for students learning beyond their grade levels.

Websites for Parents of Gifted Children

SENG (Social Emotional Needs for Gifted) is dedicated to the social and emotional aspects of giftedness. The SENG websitestrives to be the most comprehensive, free information and resource on the web. Their online Articles Library features practical and research-based articles on topics ranging from parenting, counseling, multiple-exceptionalities, characteristics of giftedness, to being a gifted adult.

Parenting For High Potential

CAGT

Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented

is a support group for parents and teachers of gifted students.

Advocacy of CAGT

•Encourages a statewide network of information and support for programs and programming

for gifted and talented students

•Reports state and national issues, trends, and legislation

•Provides state and federal legislative information impacting gifted education

•Provides educational updates regarding gifted education for state and congressional

legislators.

www.hoagiesgifted.org

Hoagies' Gifted Education Page is the "All Things Gifted" resource for parents, educators, administrators, counselors, psychologists, and even gifted kids and teens themselves!

http://www.nagc.org/index.aspx?id=956

National Association of Gifted Children

These pages are designed for those interested in learning more about high potential, giftedness, and talent development. Within this section, we give you information gleaned from resources around the world in response to questions received at the NAGC office.

www.cde.state.co.us/gt/parents.htm

Colorado Dept. of Education

This page is designed to help parents of gifted children locate information and resources that may be helpful.

www.brightkidsworld.com

/www.prufrock.com/client/client_pages/parent_introduction.cfm

Parenting Gifted Children

Information, Links, Upcoming Events, and Blogs for Parents of Gifted Children