Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Good Article

Sometimes I wonder if people understand the burden of raising gifted children. And I wonder if they think I'm just bragging about their smarts, when really I am trying to figure out what to do for my children.

This morning, I read a good article about gifted kids:

Finding the Gift in Giftedness by Jennifer ?

This quote from the article really struck me:
"Think of it this way: if you put IQ scores on a Bell curve, the gifted child would be as far to the right as the mentally disabled child is to the left. They are, in their own unique way, “special needs” kids – which creates a big problem when the educational system teaches to the middle or to the lowest common denominator."

That really got me thinking about my responsibility in a different way. I can imagine what I would do for my boys if they had some sort of disability. I would absolutely be their voice, making sure they had what they needed so they could reach their potential. And you know, it's no different just because they have an ability instead of a disability. They still need me to be their voice.

4 comments:

Emily said...

Hmmm very thought provoking! You wouldn't believe all the programs out there for disabled kids (at least in the states we've lived in and Idaho probably had the BEST!) so there really should be just as many for the kids with great abilities.
I can't wait to see what the future holds for your boys!

Kat said...

That is so true! You go mommy!

CB said...

Honestly. I think you are right.
You have to be an advocate for your child and make sure that he has enough to do (in school, etc...) - It is amazing to me how many teachers do not realize this or refuse to do anything about it.

In Kurke's family they are all gifted. Back in the day (ha ha) when Kurke was in grade school he often got in trouble...why? He was a quiet boy and everything they taught him he already knew so he spent his time digesting the school library, always reading a book that was sitting in his lap because he was bored. It drove his teachers crazy but his mom stepped in and told them "You have to challenge him".

The other thing that can be a worry is not letting them get "too big for their britches" so to speak. Kurke's youngest brother is the most gifted of all. He is truly a brilliant guy and at 28 has already accomplished some really amazing things, BUT long ago he left the church. Many times people with "big brains" take many opportunities and sometimes it leads them on a more worldly path. The challenge for mom's is to keep a balance for these kids as well.

Good luck! Sorry about the novel.

Your kids are adorable and you new baby is such a doll!

Hope you are feeling better.

Anonymous said...

What I've been saying all along :) If you don't speak up for your kids, who will?

Matt blows his teacher's mind with his knowledge on science and you bet I am there voicing any concerns I think need to be addressed. Luckily, he has a wonderful teacher this year.

Start advocating at school! The more involved parents are, the more successful the child is.