Help! My daughter is a gifted student but has been coming home w/ failing grades this year.?

Question

It is mostly to the fact that she is a slow-mover and just isn't finishing her work. I don't know what to do. I send her to bed early, makes sure that she eats breakfast - all those things that moms are supposed to do. I have grounded her from her t.v. - which she loves. I don't know what else to do. She is 7 and in the 2nd grade. HELP!

I know my daughter is "gifted" bc she was tested and accepted into the "gifted program".

Answer 1

I'm a certified gifted teacher in a high school. I wonder if your daughter is failing in all of her classes or in just one or two particular ones. A student who is gifted in mathematics, for example, may very well NOT be gifted in language arts. It could also be that she's bored and so isn't paying attention. Maybe she's a perfectionist -- a common gifted trait -- and moves so slow because she spends too much time trying to make one thing perfect that time runs out. Is she absent often? Have you tried rewarding her for her successes? Dont doubt her giftedness.....I can assure you that many gifted students fail classes. I highly recommend you get the advice of one of your daughter's gifted teachers. Good luck!

Oh, and the person who says that public school isn't an ideal place for gifted students doesn't know what she's talking about. I will put my public school gifted students (many of whom graduate from Harvard, Yale, etc; many of whom have become doctors, submarine commanders) up against any private school gifted students. The key is for you as a parent to stay involved in your child's education.

Answer 2

This is a bit of a sticky situation... I think the first thing you should keep in mind is that by not signing the paperwork you may be giving your daughter the impression that you doubt her abilities. If I were you, I'd call a meeting with your daughter's teachers from this year and last year, the guidance counselor, school psychologist, and possibly your daughter. This way, all of you can sit down together and decided what the best course of action for your child is. If it is decided that she shouldn't be tested, you won't come out as the bad guy. Also, if your child were to qualify for the gifted program, it's your right as her parent to be part of the process that determines what her goals in the program will be. It's a common misconception that the gifted program is designed to be an advanced focus in math and science. In reality, the gifted program is supposed focus on the strengths of each individual student, and nurture those strengths in a way that cannot be achieved in a standard classroom. This could be a very good thing for your daughter.

Answer 3

Like children who have learning disabilities, many gifted children do very poorly in a traditional classroom. This is due to the very nature of a clsssroom situation. Because there are 20-35 kids in the classroom, the teacher is unable to cater to her students varying ability levels and learning styles. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the average student. Those who are slow or who have learning disabilities get left behind and gifted students go unchallenged. When gifted students are not challenged enough, they tend to view school work as pointless and do only the minimum or stop doing it altogether.

Public school gifted and talented programs are usually not ideal for gifted children. Most gifted programs just give them more of the same work that other kids in their grade level are doing or add extra subjects to the regular workload. Gifted children need more challenging work, not extra work.

If you live in a major city, than you might look for a private school for gifted and talented students. Don't let concerns about money stop you from checking this option out. Many private schools, especially those for gifted and talented kids, offer financial aid.

Another option is to homeschool. Many parents feel that they are unqualified to teach their own children, especially when they have learning disabilities or are gifted, but this is untrue. As her parent, you know your child better than anyone, and if you have the time and patience, you can tailor your daughter's education to meet her needs. Homeschooling would give your daughter the opportunity to follow her interests and work at her own pace. When they are given the opportunity, gifted children will usually seek out opportunities to learn. Other than a math curriculum, the only resource your daughter is likely to need is a library card and your guidance.

Answer 4

Hi, do not fret! I have them same problem with myself. I am gifted but it takes me a long time to get my work done. You need to have her tested for a processing problem or a learning disability. DO NOT THINK THESE MAKE YOUR CHILD DUMB. It is a common misconception. As a matter of fact usually about 95% of learning disabled children are gifted.

Have her tested and then set up a plan for her. Mainly extra time on assigments. But one thing I do not suggest is SLD or ESE. But this all depends on the results. Good luck and I am happy to see I am not alone.

Answer 5

first of all, how do you know your daughter is gifted at the age of 7? second of all, what does grounding a 7 year old teach them? It is second grade, i wouldn't think anything of it. Help her with her homework, support her, and maybe go talk to the teacher. i don't recommend grounding your 7 year old though.

Answer 6

how do you know she's "gifted"? I'm not being mean, but you didn't tell us why you think so. could it be that she has a learning disability? get her tested, and rule things out. learning disabilities make it very hard to concentrate, and make a lot of kids want to give up. i'm sure she is very smart, but unable to maybe comprehend her work.

Answer 7

consistency and schedules might help, I know that is my problem anyway, I wish us both luck

Answer 8

well, maybe you need to talk to the school counselor, and maybe you need to tell her how you feel, otherwise she wont know