Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy Teacher asking you about your child

Hi
K teacher sent home a form asking about your child - what do we need to know, likes,dislikes etc - do i REALLY answer the question?

First draft is about a single spaced page with the books he is reading, his knowledge in
science and math and even about some social stuff. I mentioned the books we read over the summer from their reading list, we did books from K through 5th. I mentioned the horrible sciences and the murderous maths. So I think it reads more like a Davidson application - should I tone it down? I am taking this as a legitimate opportunity to get him taught at his level. Or will I just sound like a PITA?

Anybody BTDT?

Thanks
DeHe

My thought is they asked for it, they got it.

I have always honestly answered those questions, but have never received any follow-ups and my answers have not provided my children with more appropriate learning opportunities. Hoping it will be different for you.

I think if they are asking, then they are expecting you to be honest. Now, they probably won't be expecting what you're telling them, but you may never get another chance this year to lay it all out in front of them. And, if they don't necessarily believe you or they think that you are exaggerating, then they've got a few weeks to test him out, either in an attempt to use your information to try to find out where he really is or in an attempt to refute what you say and label you as a PITA. Unfortunately, you can't control what they do with the information. All you can do is give it to them.

BTW: If I were you, I'd probably make a photocopy of the information I give them, just to make sure I have a paper trail in case/when further advocacy is needed.

Also, it probably wouldn't hurt to say something like, "He loves legos and puppies and riding his bike" or some such thing that shows a slightly different side of his personality. But only if it's true.

I think you are all so right - they might not believe me but I can't control it so might as well use the opportunity. It's a gifted school with acceleration - although not yet obvious how that plays out in K. So DH and I focused on where DS really stands out, reading and science, and not so much math, rather than explain he gets algebra but can't add well or consistently!

After pre-k got all weird with the teachers and other parents I think the idea of announcing who DS is and what he can do makes me nervous. But we wanted this school in hopes that he will be accommodated. I hope there is some response but I would guess MagnaSky's experience is probably the norm!

Thanks again for the quick response since I left my homework till the last minute!

DeHe

I have to say that I vote to answer fully. We had similar questions when DS8 was in K and they ended up (after a general assessment of all the kids) doing some pull outs for him, sending him to the computer room to do Imagination Island, KidBiz 3000, Mathwhizz and allowing him to check out books from the "big kid" side of the school library that were more his speed and interest level.
I hope your school is willing to be flexible... that was the key that is saving us from going crazy!
Good Luck DeHe!

I'm definitely for answering it honestly -- we always have, but then the school already knew about DS because they gave him the WJIII at the end of preschool. The worst that can happen is they won't believe you and will totally ignore it (assuming that they wouldn't stoop so low as to actually hold it against him in a gifted school), but if you don't answer honestly, it could be held against you in later years of advocating. "Why didn't you mention anything like this when he started school?"

They asked for it, give it to'em.

Attach a page or two of his work.

Another vote for answering fully and honestly, but one thing I'd like to emphasise: I think it's helpful to tell them where his ZPD is, i.e. which things can he do with support but not yet alone? For one thing, this is where they should be teaching him; for another, it lets them know that you are capable of noticing what he can't do, and lets you show them that you're comfortable with him not being able to do things yet. Sometimes I have the impression with the pushy parents (you know, "them", not "us" :-) that they only want to see the amazing things their children can do and want to deny that there are things their children are in the process of learning and other things they're not yet ready to learn. I dare say teachers have seen this too :-)