Dates as folows:
10/16/07
11/13/07
12/11/07
1/8/08
2/12/08
No March meeting
4/8/08
5/13/08

Structure of Gifted Parent "Support Group":

The following topics are part of a list of discussions and sharing sessions designed to assist the parents of gifted students in regards to student's social/emotional needs, as well as the enhancement of their academic performance, both of which are believed to be closely interrelated. The format is designed to be sessions of 90 minutes each to be held each month and facilitated by teachers of gifted students and one counselor of the gifted.

Topic 1: Organizational skills of gifted students

Discussion of ideas and methods of organization for those having difficulties. Explore the causes for lack of organization, such as starting new projects before completing others, loss of interest in a topic, etc. Parents can share ideas of what has and has not worked with their students.

Topic 2: Homework and Study Time
How to provide structure for students who don't always handle structure very well. Time management skills explored.

Topic 3: Enabling Behaviors and how to avoid them
Explore ideas for fostering independence in students. Knowing when to help and when to step back. How to "help" without "doing." Drawing the line between parent and child.

Topic 4: Helping your child "fit in" /Peer Groups
Focus on teaching social skills and acceptance and value of others. Assisting gifted students in understanding themselves and their own uniqueness. Focus on importance of friends and peer groups for gifted students. How to foster healthy relationships.

Topic 5: Underachievement
Exploring the causes for underachievement in gifted students with various techniques for solutions. Helping parents identify underachievement and the causes in their own children.

Topic 6: Discipline
Topics to be presented and shared include: setting limits and goals for behavior, drawing the line between parents and child, and "who is the adult" in the family?

Topic 7: The Little Prince and Princess
Discussion by parents on overindulging and praising children too much, encouraging a "me" attitude in some students, which may lead to difficult social adjustment in school with peers and teachers.

Detailed research articles will be shared with parents as well as several journals and text publications for use in sessions.

Recommended reading for parents:
Guiding the Gifted Child by: Web/Galbraith
The gifted Kids Survival Guide by: Judy Galbraith
Perfectionism: What's Bad about Being Good?
by:Adderholt-Elliott
Reviving Ophelia by Mary Pipher PhD
Why Do Bright Children Underachieve? by: Sylvia Rimm
Growing Up Gifted by Barbara Clark