PEGASUS Essentials2011-2012

Program to Enhance the Gifts, Aptitudes, and Skills of Unique Students

Jennifer Marten (grades K-5)◦ Math Olympiad (grades 5-6)◦ Word Masters (grades 3-5)◦ Grouping

Jessica Barrington (grades 6-8)◦ Testing out◦ Challenge opportunities◦ Grading

Frequently Asked Questions

Available Resources(wikis we have created for parents and

students)

http://plymouthpegasus.pbworks.com (K-5)http://riverviewpegasus.pbworks.com (6-8)http://phspegasus.pbworks.com (9-12)

Gifted Students Are Not Created Equal

Gifted children are children first, and their needs and abilities are varied.

Bright vs. Gifted Is interested. Works hard. 6-8 repetitions. Enjoys peers Enjoys school. Top group Learns with ease

Is highly curious Plays around 1-2 repetitions Enjoys adults Enjoys learning Group? Already knows

Curious Endless Questions Sense of Humor Sense of Beauty Intellectually playful Comfortable with disorder Comfortable with neatness Observant Intuitive High energy Speedy talkers Motor skills gap Concentration Fearful Loves junk Collections/museums Feels alone Perfectionism Non-conforming

Anger Frustration High energy/fidgeting Intensity Impulsivity Stubborn Sloppy Poor handwriting Forgetful Absent-minded Daydreamer Emotional/moody Questioning of rules Needs less sleep Poor attention Judgment vs. intellect Hyperactive

Endearing vs. Annoying Behaviors

120’s – bright 130’s – mild 140’s – moderate 150’s – highly 160’s + - exceptionally 180’s+ - profoundly

Levels of Giftedness

Mildly 1:40 Moderately 1:1,000 Highly 1:10,000 Exceptionally 1:1,000,000 Profoundly fewer than 1:1,000,000*Will need lifelong counseling.Parents of these children have more in common

with special ed parents

Being gifted (especially at the high ends)

can become a disability.

Six Ways to Promote and Support Student

Motivation

What can we do to motivate students?

1. Be a model of Achievement That’s right! If you want your child to do his

or her best, model this behavior.

2. Introduce the student to other adults who are achievers

This can be especially powerful if you find someone who shares common interests with the child.

3. Communicate your expectations

Be specific! For example, it is not enough for you to tell

your child to practice playing the piano. Tell your child that you want him or her to practice for 20 minutes a day.

4. Give the student some “how-to” help to become motivated

Help your child become more interested in what he or she is learning by presenting the material in a way that he or she may find more appealing.

5. Make sure the student has the time to develop and practice the skills necessary for success

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect!

6. Encourage and praise learning efforts

Make sure that you take notice to any kind of achievements, whether they be large or small.

Reward your child with a congratulations, a hug, or something simple. This can make a big difference.

What Gifted Students Want from Their Parents1. Be supportive and encouraging2. Don’t expect perfection or too much from

us3. Don’t pressure us or be too demanding4. Help us with our schoolwork/homework5. Help us to develop our talents6. Be understanding7. Don’t expect straight A’s8. Allow us some independence9. Talk/Listen to us10. Let us try other programs

Eleven Positive Coaching Tips for

Parents

What can you do at home?

Eleven Positive Coaching Tips for Parents1. Use moderation2. Be positive3. Agree on and communicate expectations4. Let the learner struggle5. Connect effort with results6. Enforce academic time7. Share decision making8. Use incentives9. Communicate clearly

Eleven Positive Coaching Tips for Parents (cont’d)10. Minimize anxiety11. Build self esteem

Advocating for

Your Child

Get the whole story Be careful not to ask leading questions

Listen to what they are saying Help your child become a self-advocate◦Ask him/her to verbalize the issue◦Help him/her brainstorm a solution◦Help him/her verbalize how to appropriately approach the teacher

Begin with your child

Differentiated assignments Subject area acceleration Compacted curriculum Pretesting

Know There Are Options

Accept that everything cannot be perfect for everyone at all times.

Teach your children to turn lemons into lemonade. Model that behavior.

Recognize issues that should be addressed by the school and act in a timely manner.

Contact the appropriate person when you have a concern.

Choose Your Battles

Formulate your concern before meeting

Be prepared No personal vendettas Write short, effective speeches Encourage fathers to attend meetings

Make sure to compliment the things the teacher is doing that you appreciate

Begin With the Teacher

Identify the problem. Investigate the situation and research the

facts. Universalize the problem. Relate it to the mission and goals of the

school. Strive for a reasonable/rational case. Emotions tend to detract from your

credibility.

Prepare Your Case

Write a synopsis of the problem.◦ State the problem as you interpret it.◦ Present the evidence of the problem.◦ List alternatives that might alleviate the problem.◦ Be succinct. ◦ Use ‘we’ not ‘I’ and ‘you’.

View the problem from others’ perspective.◦ Teacher◦ Student◦ Principal

Never call when you are angry or very emotional.

Allow the person most directly involved the opportunity to hear your concern first.

Call for an appointment but be prepared in case the person is available to talk then.

Greet the person warmly. State your facts calmly and in order. Build bridges; do not burn them. If you’re happy with the results of the

meeting, say so and say thank you. If not, move up the chain of command.

Present Your Case

Talk to the GT Coordinator Talk to the Principal Talk to the Director of Instruction

When Talking to the Teacher Doesn’t Help

Remember, your child is watching how you handle the situation.

You are demonstrating that you love them and consider education a priority.

You are modeling that every human counts so respect others as well as yourself.

You are teaching that problem solving involves creativity, logic, protocol, challenge, time, and commitment.

Teaching Your Children

Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented Raising Champions by M.F. Sayler www.davidsongifted.org Judy Galbraith, M. A. and Jim Delisle, P.H.D.

(1996). The Gifted Kids' Survival Guide: A Teen Handbook. Minneapolis: Free Spirit Publishing

Diane Heacox (1991). Up From Underachievement. Minneapolis: Free Spirit Publishing

Carolyn Coil (1999). Encouraging Achievement. Pieces of Learning

References