Interesting article. For someone who has two boys, one very strong in Math and the other in Language, it made me me question myself. I do tend to worry about 'the nerd' much more. I think one reason for this is that my gifted Verbally guy seems to have a sixth sense in language. He knows when to speak up and when to 'dumb down' in conversation. He can charm any adult with his questioning, vocabulary and humor, but cuts his language right down naturally when talking with his age peers. He's not even making an effort 'not to sound so smart', it all just seems so natural. I think this is part of his verbal gift - being audience appropriate, and makes his social life a relative 'walk in the park'.
On the other hand, I do know that he finds it personally frustrating that gifted Math kids get further accelerated in an obvious way, and there is a lot to be said for Verbal precocity not being appreciated by society.
Thanks for the article.
When I was younger, I lived in NJ. They treated math & English (particularly grammar) acceleration equally. I excelled in both (though I believe I have now lost both as an adult - ha). I moved to GA, and they did not recognize my advanced English as a reason to subject accelerate me, again, at least in grammar. So I feel your verbal son's frustration, especially since I actually enjoyed English more. Of course, I won't go into my math frustrations being a GIRL and accelerating.
I do tend to worry about 'the nerd' much more. I think one reason for this is that my gifted Verbally guy seems to have a sixth sense in language. He knows when to speak up and when to 'dumb down' in conversation. He can charm any adult with his questioning, vocabulary and humor, but cuts his language right down naturally when talking with his age peers.
This struck out to me, as it is my worry too for DS6. I had/have the ability to "dumb down", and I really hope he does too. It's sad, but it helps relieve a lot of issues with peers, especially during the middle school years!
