Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy maintaining math motivation

I think it is great how you are talking to her about her feelings. I bet you are a great mom. Last year, for the first 2 months, my daughter cried almost everyday after K. I was so worried. The teacher said she was fine at school and suggested she was probably tired after a full day. She told me to consider it a blessing she could tell me all this stuff. She is letting those big feelings go so they get smaller. The teacher said we are building a relationship that she can come and talk to me. Very important. Then, I was more relaxed about this because and I think that was helpful. My kids are sensitive and my attitude greatly effects them. You probably care so much that you don't want her to lose her precious gifts.

My son is very similar with his math, gifted, work above level, very motivated, loves tests and challenges.

Here are some thoughts you make consider:
Try some different kind of Math. Don't push it just have it around to see if she is interested. Try to let her drive her self and realize she is human and some days she just may not do her very best. I try not to push but just to give little nudges. forget the behavior and go for the feelings. If you do this you will feel proud. Do it with her and have fun with it if she wants your company with it. If you can help her take her own lead she will learn to lead herself when you are not there. Enthusiasm can be contagious.

Last year, my son didn't want to do his Math facts. He thought they were too easy. Then the teacher had contests then he wanted to do his facts. If you can find someway to make the work meaningful/Purposeful it may help.

Mindware.com books my son loves these. These are exciting to him and they have lots of learning away from the normal Math.

Mental Math Book

Computer Games

Murderous Math - I've not done these but people here have suggested them.

Play card or domino math games.

also remember, this is only one day, or one week that is not good tomorrow could be so much better. All Math excitement does not have to be lost over one bad day. I have to tell myself this all the time. It's hard balancing being on top of things with knowing when to back away a little to let things run there course. I'm not saying this is your issue, but I can empathize.