The Exceptional Child - TeachersAndFamilies

Why "Advanced Work" Is Not the Whole Answer

A gifted child needs to develop critical thinking skills. Understanding the depth of a subject area is the goal, not just learning and memorizing increasing quantities of factual information. Developing the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize content requires extension beyond the regular classroom - not just more class work.

If your child is frustrated or bored in a particular class, speaking with the teacher is a good place to start. Ask if there is a way for your child to demonstrate what he knows so that he is not doomed to repeat it in class. Could there be some alternate activity he could work on if he finishes his work satisfactorily? Would an independent study project be possible? Come prepared with possible alternatives. Before the meeting with the teacher, ask your child questions such as, "What would YOU like to learn more about in ___________ (science, social studies, etc.)? "What would be an interesting way to share that information with your classmates?" You and your child need to be "on the same page" regarding his or her wants and desires.

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Development of these resources was funded
by a grant from the NEC Foundation of America