In my previous life, I was an educator. For many years, I wore professional attire and taught subjects ranging from Shakespeare to the intricacies of metaphors and similes. My evenings were filled with lesson planning and grading, only to repeat the cycle the next day. This experience gives me insight into the world of teaching—facing a class of diverse learners, each with their individual needs, personalities, and backgrounds.
I understand the pressures of budget cuts that seem endless, resulting in classrooms without basic supplies, heating, or proper ventilation. I’ve lived through the challenges educators face daily.
Now, however, I find myself on the other side of the desk, participating in parent-teacher conferences, advocating for my son. I realize that my requests can add to your workload and stress. Yet, like many of your students, my gifted child has special needs.
What Does This Entail?
It means he is ahead of his peers, having read at the age of 2.5, tackling algebra and fractions in kindergarten, and finishing the entire Harry Potter series multiple times by the end of first grade. This isn’t bragging; it’s simply the reality I navigate, and it’s daunting.
While I empathize with educators, I am also acutely aware of the risks gifted children face. In my years teaching high school English, I encountered brilliant boys who could grasp complex themes and motifs long before their classmates, yet they disengaged from learning. They often refused to participate, resulting in missed diplomas despite their intelligence.
These were students who needed guidance—someone to assure them that their unique cognitive wiring was not just acceptable but extraordinary. They required support to ensure they didn’t fall through the cracks.
My Concerns for My Son
I fear the same fate for my son. His experience in school has been marked by ennui since preschool, and I know it’s not solely the teacher’s responsibility to alleviate his boredom. As a parent, I recognize the necessity of learning to cope with boredom; however, there is a precarious boundary between boredom and apathy. I am committed to intervening before he stops trying and caring about his education, as many of my former students did by the time they reached their late teens.
As highlighted in the article “Special Needs of Gifted Children,” this is a prevalent issue among gifted learners. The article points out that a lack of challenge can lead to boredom and restlessness, resulting in a loss of motivation and enthusiasm for school.
Advocating for My Son
This realization compels me to advocate for my son. I make the effort to be present in the classroom, observing his interactions and the curriculum he engages with. At home, I supplement his education with research projects, library visits, and hands-on activities. I also transport him to science camps and math clubs, actively seeking out peers with similar interests.
Teachers, we need your collaboration. The National Association for Gifted Children emphasizes the collective responsibility of parents, educators, and the community to support gifted children’s growth across intellectual, social, emotional, and physical domains. They suggest that teaching gifted students may necessitate specialized strategies, including acceleration and flexible grouping.
We have explored various educational methods, identifying what best serves my son, his teacher, and his classmates. He has had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), received tailored reading and math programs, and undertaken advanced projects. Each year, we collectively strive to foster an environment where he can thrive.
Everyday Life
My son is not homeschooled, nor is he skipping a grade. He boards the bus daily to attend third grade at our local public school, where he enjoys hot lunches and participates in recess games like Four Square, just like his peers.
He is simply gifted, and that brings me to you—his teacher. You will get to know me too, because I am his mom. That is my role.
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Conclusion
In summary, the journey of parenting a gifted child involves navigating not only their intellectual needs but also ensuring they remain engaged and motivated in their learning. Close collaboration between parents and educators is essential in supporting the holistic development of these unique children.