We took the test and my child is officially gifted, what do i do with her?

Question

My child is offically gifted, but there are no programs for her anywhere near and the teacher just brushed her off, along with the school. Now what?

Answer 1

transfer

Answer 2

sorry about the teacher.  that's a bummer.

we don't have gifted programs in our school, either.  i've found that some teachers are much more helpful than others in providing extra challenge.  you may want to start asking around whether any of next year's teachers are particularly good with kids who need more challenge -- if so, you may want to talk to the principal about placing your child in that class next year.

meanwhile, i'd say it depends exactly how gifted your child is.  if my child were profoundly gifted, i'd take them out of the school and either homeschool (you can join a homeschool coop or otherwise provide plenty of social activities) or look for a private school that would meet their needs.  for more typical gifted kids, i'd just make sure they're getting their needs met outside of school.  gifted kids usually have some significant interests ... just make sure you let them pursue it.  you don't say how old your child is, but find board games that are challenging (scrabble, mastermind, etc.); perhaps let them learn a musical instrument; teach them chess and let them join chess club; get them a journal; encourage them to write stories; read challenging books to them and get challenging books for them to read to themselves, find cool science activities, etc.  

my elementary-aged kids were particularly unchallenged in math and they have had a lot of fun with books by Edward Zaccaro (Primary Grade Challenge Math; Challenge Math).  we just do a little at a time and they request more "math challenges."  you could do something like that, as well.  just keep in mind that even if you're gifted you don't necessarily have to spend your free time doing math problems.  keep it fun.  one thing you need to look out for with gifted kids is burnout.

good luck!

Answer 3

I guess schools are different depending on where you live, but in ours, the school district is required to provide a gifted program or they must bus the kid to where one is. Problem is, they only have to do it like once a week, it's not an automatic pass into a better school or anything.  I would talk to the district about your options - don't just take your school's word as gospel.

Answer 4

try to find a school that offers GT programs. if not talk to her teacher about giving her more challenging work. I'm in my last year of college to be a teacher, and they say when kids misbehave, it is usually because the work is too easy and they're bored, so if you notice her behavior changing, note that may be it. if the teacher wont help id go to the principal, then the district. your daughter deserves it

Answer 5

Try homeschooling. The other option is to put her through normal school (after all, social interactions are just as important and educational abilities) and then look for a tutor and have her encourage your daughter to seek for more and not be satisfied with the status quo. Keep in mind that while your daughter is gifted, she is also a child and your daughter. Just because she has a high IQ doesn't mean she should be treated any differently outside of academic studies.

Another option is to look for a private school.

Answer 6

put her up for adoption... where she'll have a better chance

Answer 7

ugh. I know that feeling. I'm gifted (6th grade with the highest reading level for 6th grade in the country) and I'm unnoticed by teachers. They treat like every imbecile they teach that has no respect while I am greatly respectful and always do what I'm told. I'm not really sure what you should do with her, since I'm a kid who's reading talent hasn't been noticed yet.

Answer 8

I know that it's hard for "gifted" children (I'm not that gifted but when I started primary I was WAY ahead of the class) but the thing to remember is she's still a normal child in other ways.

Don't put her in homeschooling unless you think it's the best thing to do.

I think you should send her to school like any other child but if she gets bored then ask the teacher to prepare extra work packages for her. Maybe she can move up a grade if she gets really clever.

Also, put her into extracurricular activities especially art or playing musical instruments. Gifted children often have an aptitude for music.

But most important of all is this:

Fill your home with books (if you haven't already done so) and make sure to encourage a love of reading.

Seriously, she'll do fine as long as you keep her busy with music lessons and books to read.

Answer 9

Since there aren't any programs near there, have you tried to find a private school that has students with higher iq's?? Sometimes private schools are a better option..

I don't really reccomend homeschooling. Even with the programs they have to socialize with other homeschooled children it's still not really enough to know how to interact with others properly.------ I was homeschooled I was able to skip a grade go from 7th to 9th grade & I have 2 bachelors degrees at 21 & so on.. Honestly I don't have any REAL friends, I don't hang out with anyone but my kids & don't really know what to say/do/how to act around people.. Several other people I know that were homeschooled are the same way.. Even the ones that played sports & attended all of the meetings. Maybe your area has a better plan set up though if thats what you want to try.. I still feel like because I skipped a grade and everything that I never fit in with others at my university.

Remember just because she is gifted, she is still a child & needs regular social interaction..