Los Penasquitos ElementaryG.A.T.E.

IntroductionsCoordinator - Anthony BayroSchool counselor - Fran Hjalmarson

Welcome new familiesUpdate of G.A.T.E. ClubsSocial emotional needs of the giftedAgenda

Welcome

Differentiation-integrated learning experience within the regular school daySome assignments for gifted students are modified to meet their needs.Focus is encouragement of deeper and more complex thought processes, problem solving, critical thinking, research and independent studyLos Pen G.A.T.E.

ArtMathEnvironmental StudiesYearbookG.A.T.E. Clubs

Emotional Needs of the Gifted Child

ChallengesPerfectionismFeelings of isolation and lonelinessUnrealistic expectations and pressures on oneselfAdult expectation of emotional maturityInability to cope with perceived failures

Lack of Understanding & Support creates significant problems.

Many people have unfair expectations of us. They even say, If youre gifted you should know this, or you should have gotten an A.(11 year old girl)

How can parents help gifted students? By lowering their expectations. That way they are always surprised. (12 year old boy)

Problems from Outside Sources

Stress ManagementWhen students can learn to manage their stress, they actually perform at a higher level academically

Stress Unique to Gifted ChildrenFeeling out of place with family and friendsLearning to tolerate frustrationSocial consciousnessEmotional verses intellectual maturityNegative Self talkOthers not identifying the childs need for help

Calming TechniquesCount to 10ExerciseHumorActive Ignoring

Stress and the gifted childUnique ways of relieving stress

Teach your child decision making skillsDefine the problemList all possible solutionsEvaluate the solutionsIs it safe?How will people feel?Is it fair?Will it work?Make a decision

Perfectionism

Negative Affects of PerfectionismFailing gradesDepressionAnxiety

How to Help Your Child Cope With PerfectionismAppreciate their desire for excellenceMake sure their desire for excellence doesnt invade all aspects of their lifeHelp them understand that failure can be used to achieve success in the future

ExamplesJohn Grishams first novel, A Time To Kill was rejected by 28 publishers.Jack Canfieldss, Chicken Soup for the Soul was rejected by 36 publishers.

The ability to control perfectionist tendencies is what separates the person who enjoys and cherishes their gifts from the one who feels burdened or cursed by them

Mark Vellucci author of The Emotional Needs of the Gifted ChildPerfectionism

Peer Acceptance Is Important in Developing a Healthy Self Image. Children Want to Feel Included, Respected, and Cared About by FriendsFriendship

FriendshipThe gifted childs interests, intellectual maturity and play activities are in some ways more sophisticated than those of other children

Peer DifficultiesLack of common interestsHighly focus in one areaJump around from interest to interest

Gifted kids need several peer groups.Often thought of as loners.The conflict between fitting in and being an individual may be quite stressful.

Peer Relations

Allow Your Child to Have a Variety of Friends

Anticipation Through Fantasy Teaching by asking questions

What do you think would happen if you?And then what might happen?What do you suppose he/she would do (think, feel)etc.) then?How could you respond to that?What else might you try?

Using PraiseversusEncouragement

GATE Club

Hoagies Gifted Education Page: great site which even includes contests and resources: http://www.hoagiesgifted.orgGifted and Talented World Page: Links to hundreds of helpful resources: http://www.gtworld.org/links.htmlCalifornia Association for the Gifted: http://cagifted.org Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted (SENG): http://www.sengifted.org/ SENG is dedicated to fostering environments in which gifted adults and children, in all their diversity, understand and accept themselves and are understood, valued, nurtured, and supported by their families, schools, workplaces and communities.

Great Internet Resources for Parents

Adderholt-Elliot, M. (1989). Perfectionism: Whats So Bad About Being Good? Minneapolis: Free SpiritCohen, L.M. (1996). Coping for Capable Kids. Waco, TX: Prufrock Press.Galbraith, J. (1984). The Gifted Kids Survival Guide: For Ages 10 & Under. Minneapolis: Free Spirit Galbraith, J. (1996). The Gifted Kids Survival Guide: A Teen Handbook. Minneapolis: Free SpiritHalsted, J.W. (1994). Some of My Best Friends are Books: Guiding gifted readers. Dayton, OH: Gifted Psychology Press

Great Book/Periodical Resources for Children and Parents

Smutny, J.F. (2001). Stand Up for Your Gifted Child. Minneapolis: Free SpiritStreznewski, M. (1999) Gifted GrownUps. New York: John Wiley & SonsWebb, J.T. (1994). Guiding the Gifted Child. Scottsdale, AZ: Gifted Psychology PressWalker, S.Y. (1991). The Survival Guide for Parents of Gifted Kids. Minneapolis: Free SpiritParenting for High Potential (a publication of the National Association for Gifted Children. For information, contact them at http://www.nagc.org)

More Great Book/Periodical Resources for Children and Parents

Thank you!

http://powayusd.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/PUSDLPES/GATE/gate.html

G.A.T.E. Coordinator- Anthony Bayro abayro@powayusd.com

***Many times gifted children will relieve stress by doing something intellectually challenging. They may chose a subject that is in there area of strength. Math, literature etc. By succeeding in this area they boast there self esteem and their stress level diminishes.*