Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy help me 'gird up my loins' from HS to Public S

My son is highly+ gifted. We were homeschooling for 1/2 of last year when we pulled him out of a really bad first grade classroom mid-year.

Homeschooling was okay. He liked being able to do his own thing, but he is really social and loves his peers (same age and intellectual, even if his same age peers don't return the love).

We've just moved to Portland, OR and not really knowing anyone, my son wanted to go to school. We have a pretty good local school--and there are other gifted kids in his class.

He will go through the TAG evaluation soon, and the principal has already mentioned TAG to me as well.

But what else can I do? I'm so nervous. He seems to like school. His teacher seems a little hung up on the whole socialization thing, but his behavior around his peers has far more to do with over-exciteabilities (sp?) then homeschooling. He gets really, really excited around other kids sometimes. But how I can I see if he 'gets' gifted kids, and how can I spare him from 'worksheet hell'?

Thank you for reading and thank you for your help!

--Starman

Thank you for your reply. It helps to hear your experience. So far so good. His teacher says some dumb things to him (like he has to wait for another year to be on the intermediate chess team, and he has to be in the beginner level. When I have already spoken with the principal who has said he can be on the intermediate level, and that he has been playing chess for over two years, etc.), but otherwise seems to be a good teacher.

I do agree that the exposure to other kids is really good, and he gets along with *everyone.*

I guess you are right, and I'll just try to sit on my hands and volunteer when I can, etc.

His last school experience was *so* bad, that I am just happy to see him having great days. I just hope it keeps up.

I know this a really hard to do with a bad experience under your belt, but I would also suggest being upbeat about whatever stuff he brings home even if you think it is the lamest thing you have ever seen. I've said my share of noncommital comments like: "Well, let's see now. Pretty interesting. I'll be interested to see how that turns out" when thinking something far harsher! Especially since you son is having a good time, there is no reason to let your anxiety taint if for him.

I'm going to write those things on my hand or a cheat sheet. Because you are right, it isn't fair to taint his experience. I'm not really good at having a 'poker face' and react dramatically sometimes...

Okay, I'll practice being positive or neutral at best in front of him. Thank you for your advice!