Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Learning Environments The other side of the coin

I should mention (duh) my DS5, who probably would do poorly in a traditional K class, has trouble with sound-letter association (speech delay doesn't help), and fine motor problems, is a visual-spatial learner with auditory-sequential weaknesses, in addition to being very introverted (has basically no buddies except for his twin brother. His twin brother has several buddies). Also, he's quite small for his age. On the surface he'd seem like a classic case for redshirting, if it weren't for the fact that he's a grade level and a half, or more, ahead in math.

We have, temporarily at least, solved the problem that a traditional school structure wouldn't work for him - he's in a montessori school with a young upstart teacher who gets him and who is very flexible and open to new ideas, and he's doing great. (He has the same teacher/classroom for K as he had for preschool - 3 grade levels in each class. But the K is full day, whereas the preschool was half-day) He starts K in 11 days...

Good luck snowgirl, hope k works out well.

I like the fact that you used a demure stature to your advantage in the courtroom, what a shark!

I've done the same sort of thing, snowgirl. Never underestimate the power of a petite, smart woman! Dynamite comes in small packages. <evil grin>

I've even been known to play dumb in order to lure people into a Socratic dialogue. Makes 'em nuts when they realize they've been had, sunk by their own logic (or lack thereof)!

WOOHOO! LMAO! I love it..........said the really tall woman!

Well, it can certainly come in tall packages, too!

People just tend to underestimate those less frequently...

I'm definately hard to miss. I often get this remark and often from people I hardly know:

"I wouldn't want to piss you off."

I need some scam to appear more non-assuming.

Maybe I'll pretend I don't speak or understand English.

Nah, we'll just call you "the Intimidator."

And who are these people who say such rude things to you without even knowing you? Harumph!

I'll actually take it as a compliment! I enjoy being thought of as someone not to be trifled with. It saves me a lot of time.

I have a very gifted friend who used to play dumb when she met guys (many years later, she's married to an intellectual equal. She's kinda high maintenance in that way so it's a good thing lol).

Another way to look at the redshirting issue: what man (since it's typically boys) would want to be in the same position in their career as they are now but be a year older than they are now?? (maybe even worse for a woman?) I don't know about everyone else, but I'm old enough already

I never played dumb with guys. If they wanted dumb, they didn't want me. It would have been a waste of time. I'm glad your friend found an equal, snowgirl!

I only played dumb someone with who wouldn't listen to reason, in order to snare him/her in my web of logic. :p