Once again, thanks for the article!

Of course, some kids do better at sports than others. As someone who plays sports myself and has coached teams, I understand this first-hand.

Of course we want to recognize gifts and talent in kids who excel at sports! Does that mean we can’t recognize what each kid contributes to the team so that everyone gets an award?

The issue for me is this: why can’t amateur sports be fun for everyone?
Even at the adult level, awards do not create the results we think they do — and in fact, they are problematic.

As for your question on too much success, I think this is a great and complex question, but I do not think recognizing and appreciating every child is a problem.

Thanks for all your great questions!
Christine

Thanks for your thoughts!
Christine

In response to your question, “Or are you suggesting that this come from within the classroom as well…” right now, I am not suggesting adding anything into the classroom. I speak with wonderful teachers all the time and they are overloaded with demands and requirements already. Trying to add something on top, without revising the overall requirements is asking too much in many cases.

Many teachers, administrators, parents and of course students, would love to see every child’s gifts fully engaged and developed every day — but it is likely to take time before most communities are able to achieve that goal because it takes major shifts in the way we approach education as a community.

Best wishes,
Christine

It’s not that unusual for someone who loves math and science to not like reading/writing, so the question is balance. If her reading/writing is at a level where she’s likely to not graduate from high school, you’re going to want to take action to help her. It doesn’t sound like this is your daughter’s problem.

(1) Is she reading at grade level? Although I know that many textbooks are written well above grade level, if she’s at least at that level, she’s managing. If not, I would talk with the school and with your local dyslexia association to find out what resources exist that can help her.
(2) Since she doesn’t like writing, might she like speaking her thoughts outloud and having them captured as a written document that could then be edited? If so, you might consider getting something like Dragon Speak and Type (or maybe have her record it and then get it typed).

If your main worry is her GPA for college acceptance, this is something you may want to rethink a bit. There are many more paths for her lifetime well-being, including many colleges, than you might know about. I’ve written many articles about these topics that you can find on PPND and also on http://PositiveLeaders.blogspot.com. I’ve also talked about it on my radio show (and you can find the recordings here: http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/64956).

Best wishes to you and your daughters,
Christine

Did I answer your question? If not, please feel free to comment again or email me (Christine.Duvivier@PositiveLeaders.com).

Many parents have asked me about testing so I’ll write a newsletter or an article about it soon.

Best wishes to you and your gifted children,
Christine

First of all, congratulations on finding a school that suits your son and will focus on his gifts– that is a huge benefit and will likely be the deciding factor for his thriving in life. As to your question about labels: in my study (if you want a copy, just register at http://www.PositiveLeaders.com), I find that kids have learning ABilities– not disabilities. So I think the term “learning disability” is mistaken.

However, I know there is huge value for the parent and child to find additional resources to help the child learn in ways that suit him or her, so for this reason I think that the various labels can be valuable. While your son might need some of the same things as one individual with a different label, in general your son will start out with better support by fitting into a particular grouping where the kids have needs in common with his.

I am delighted to hear from you and would love to hear more along the way (Christine.Duvivier@PositiveLeaders.com) and/or you can join my email list at http://www.PositiveLeaders.com and/or call into my f*ree Parents Talk Radio program, Positively Gifted (http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/64956).

Best wishes,
Christine

I do not think this is the same as what I am talking about, although it certainly relates very nicely. The process focus still has kids trying to “fit” the mold of education as we define our system today and even when they focus on “hard work,” they often still feel there is something wrong with them if they aren’t as quick as others or don’t get grades that reflect their effort. I think it is crucial that parents, kids, and educators understand the gifts that conflict with school and help kids to find their paths, no matter what their grades.

Thanks for raising great points!
Best,
Christine

I wish you all the best and would love to hear from you (Christine.Duvivier@PositiveLeaders.com)!

Best wishes,
Christine

As I learn about communities making changes, I will put information on the web or in my newsletter. You ask about schools that are already doing some of these things– I have begun hearing from some school leaders on this, but I have not yet checked personally on any schools except one: Sudbury Valley School in Framingham, MA. They are more extreme– in letting kids learn however they wish– than most parents would choose, but their model works for some students.

As I learn about schools, I will post information on the web and in my newsletter (you can register at http://www.PositiveLeaders.com if you wish). If you learn about any yourself, I would love to hear from you (Christine.Duvivier@PositiveLeaders.com).

Best wishes,
Christine