Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion Dependence on others for schoolwork

Our 1st grader loves school and is quite capable. However, we (parents and teacher) are seeing an increasing trend to a) depend/copy other schoolmate's answers; b) blurt out an incorrect 'answer' without thinking it through; and c) filling out her tests so quickly that she misses questions due to sloppiness.

She is cautious and has a strong need to win (be right). She is also very social. We don't know if the current issues we are facing are driven by insecurity, her desire to socialize, her fear of failure, or all/none of the above. And, we want to correct it before it gets worse.

Thoughts?

First let me say welcome!

I would guess it is a little of all the above. How is she when working by herself? Is she more focused or accurate when working alone? I would ask the teacher if she could try taking a test alone so you could see how the results vary. This may give you more insight.

I would also request that the teacher send her back to seat, to double check her work, when ever she is the first one done. Require her put a check mark down next to each problem. It may help with the racing factor.

I would also make sure you double check that she is not secretly struggling in a certain area. Many times kids who are having problems in a certain subject display signs similar to the things you are noting above. And gifted kids can be masters at hiding thier weaknesses. Not saying this is the case with your DD, just saying it is a posibility.

I am sure you will find much support and many good ideas here in this forum.