PEGASUS Essentials2012-2013

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

Jennifer Marten (grades K-4)◦ Word Masters (grades 3-4)◦ Grouping/Scheduling◦ Critical Thinking

Jessica Barrington (grades 5-8)◦ 5th Grade◦ Math Olympiad & Word Masters◦ Testing out◦ Challenge opportunities◦ Grading ◦ GEMS

Nuts and Bolts

The links to our past presentations can be found on all three parent wikis.◦ http://plymouthpegasus.pbworks.com (K-4)◦ http://riverviewpegasus.pbworks.com (5-8)◦ http://phspegasus.pbworks.com (9-12)

Presentations

We want to◦ Move away from lecture model◦ Share some of the great literature on giftedness◦ Have a chance to listen and learn from each other

Our plan is to◦ Lead discussions on the following books

Barefoot Irreverence http://www.amazon.com/Barefoot-Irreverence-Collection-Writings-Education/dp/1882664795/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1347646659&sr=1-1&keywords=barefoot+irreverence

Nurturing Brilliance http://www.amazon.com/Nurturing-Brilliance-Discovering-Developing-Childs/dp/1935067125/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347645690&sr=8-1&keywords=nurturing+brilliance

Let’s Try Something Different

The WATG (Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted) Annual Conference is at Blue Harbor October 11-12. There is a discounted rate for parents. http://www.watg.org/uploads/3/4/6/1/3461451/parent_promo1.pdf

Roots and Wings – if you are not on the email list, please contact Kelly Haefs at snkhaefs@wi.rr.com

Parent Opportunities

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

http://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/04/16/six-words-you-should-say-today/

“… College athletes were asked what their parents said that made them feel great, that amplified their joy during and after a ballgame. Their overwhelming response: ‘I love to watch you play.’” (http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/more-family-fun/201202/what-makes-nightmare-sports-parent)

Six Words You Should Say Today

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