Supporting Sensitive Individuals

Since returning from the Off the Charts Gifted Education Symposium in Auckland, Mother Comforting Teenage Daughter Sitting On Sofa At HomeNew Zealand, I have been acutely aware of the difficulties faced by sensitive gifted children in the classroom.

Take these three examples…

1.     When I asked to speak to staff about the innate qualities of gifted individuals,  I was referred to the curriculum coordinator to ensure we differentiate curriculum for our top achievers.

2.     Hearing the concerns of the mother of a sensitive eight-year boy who doesn’t want to go to school because of emotional bullying he encounters daily.

3.     Applying for a select entry acceleration program for my daughter, when I am uncomfortable with the test focused selection process for these schools.

All of these situations clearly highlight the lack of awareness of the complexity of giftedness, especially for creative and emotionally gifted young people.

Let’s unpack three issues highlighted in these examples.

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Fostering Creativity

It is a gorgeous Saturday morning, perfect writing time while my youngest struts her stuff Carah at Nicaat NICA – The National Institute of Circus Arts. Every Saturday we make a pilgrimage from Ballarat to Prahran.

As a music teacher, coach and mum of creative, sensitive, gifted individuals I have come to the conclusion that most traditional schools can’t provide what creative young people need. Rather than lament the reality, I prefer to embrace the opportunities this provides.

We can all notice the ‘spark’ in our children and provide them with the environment they need to thrive. It is worth the effort

Here are FIVE KEYS to support your creative kids. Continue reading