Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Recommended Resources Educating Husband on Gifted

If I could get my husband to read just one article on giftedness and how it affects education and schooling, what would you suggest? I know everyone will have a different answer but I'd love opinions.

He knows DS6 is smart and bright and above the level of other kids but doesn't seem to "get" it. I'm not describing it well - it's like he really, really, really, just wants ds to be normal and to be treated normally. And, that his behavior and emotions are totally separate from being gifted.

I've got a couple of books but can't get him to read them (he's not a big reader) so I thought maybe a short article that might hit him over the head with a two-by-four (oh, I mean, enlighten him). Suggestions? Thanks.

"Is it a cheetah?" is one of my favorite articles. I think it's a nice intro for people who don't get it.

http://www.stephanietolan.com/is_it_a_cheetah.htm

What do you expect to achieve if he finally 'gets' it the way you do?

This one's pretty good. I like the left-handed analogy.

http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/harm.htm

squirt,

I feel your pain! My H thinks I education-obsessed, though he expresses appreciation for all I do. He has left it up to me, but that makes it less of a "team" in deciding, discussing, etc. My H is also into the "normal" growing up experience, and talks about how he spent 3rd grade reading novels in the corner of the class. He went to college after 11th grade without a diploma.

As far as articles, I love Miraca Gross's research because she stops me from being wimpy, gets me charged that I need to be more aggressive in educational approach. Maybe try http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/underserved.htm

Yes Squirt ... my DH is the same. He is never around other kids DS's age so I don't think he gets it. WEll, he is a soccer coach but he only sees the kids on the field, not in a classroom situation.

http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/Articles_id_10065.aspx

I like this one.

Cym or anyone - I just read the article you linked to. It's using the old table since it is my understanding that the current IQ tests don't go above 160, is that correct? I've read the new chart on Hoagies for the WISCIV for MG 130-138, HG 138-145, etc and that seems to be published by a reputable psych. I've seen a few threads discounting Deb Ruff's chart on the SBV.

I also saw reference to this on a blog of a GT teacher where someone posted to keep in mind that the IQ numbers now are lower.

I think Dh sees DS's IQ and thinks, we'll it's close to mind so he should be fine, I did fine but I tried to tell him you can't compare an IQ today of one 20+ years ago.

I wonder how they calculate mental age based on IQ? In the article, Paula w/ IQ of 133 has a mental age of around 12. A friend said the psych said something similar - ie w/ VCI in 140s the kid can process information like a 6th grader but is stuck in a 2nd grade classroom. I'd like to find an article that talks about that to show to DH.

It's funny because yesterday (appropo of nothing)DS6 said, "I'm like a 4th or 5th grader"--he went on to explain that he could relate to the 4th or 5th graders at school, not the other 2nd graders. He wasn't being arrogant or anything, just one of those innocent observations.

I wanted to add one thing, squirt. Keep advocating for your son, even if your H doesn't see the light, because eventually he will. When my 12 yr old son scored higher or as high as DH did at 17 on the ACT or SAT, I think he finally understood.