Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy Improving interest in school

I have two kids (DS9, DD7) who are both two years ahead in school. DS9 is very outgoing and loves the projects that he does in school. He just seems to love to learn. DD7 is the opposite. She is very quiet and shy, and while she seems to enjoy school, she does not have any interest in learning. DS9 wears everything on his sleeve, so it's easy to pinpoint his academic abilities and limitations, and find things to interest him. DD7 hides everything. I didn't even know she was ahead until they tested her in kindergarten. I have no idea what she is even capable of, and separately, she just doesn't seem to have any interest in projects or work they do in school despite liking being there. Any ideas on how to increase her enjoyment of the academic side of school? Or maybe it's not as important as I think as long as she is enjoying it?

If she is doing well socially and emotionally, I wouldn't be worried about wanting her to enjoy school more. However, I would be curious where her interests lie and would try a variety of non-academic activities outside of school to see if anything "sticks". Sometimes it's the oddest things that stick. My DS11 never had any strong interests, which often left me wondering if he was "gifted" at all. Now he if finding some interests. Origami and cross stitch top his list at the moment.