Homeschool Blogging A to Z: G is for Giftedness

Before we began homeschooling, back when my son was in Kindergarten (in New Orleans) and first grade (in New York), both school suggested that he be tested for giftedness at the appropriate age.  We ended up in Georgia for 2nd grade, and they insisted that he not be tested.  There was nothing special about him, they
said.

By the end of the third grade and for reasons that had to do more with his sister than him, we decided to homeschool.  When I mentioned this to his teacher, she said, "but he's clearly gifted... why would you take him out of school".  My response:  "Oh, so now, he's gifted."  She did not reply.

I've never had my child formally tested.  I wanted him to learn and grow at his own pace with no pressures in any direction.  I did however, choose to educated both children as if they were gifted.  In subjects where they struggled at the higher level, I backed them to a more moderate level. This method served them well.  It turns out that while they show giftedness in certain key areas, they are most assuredly extremely talented. 

I feel that each and every child has a propensity for giftedness in some are of their academic or creative lives.  It is the parents and educators job to help the child identify those areas, so he or she can excel. 

Here are some gifted websites that you may find useful.

http://epgy.stanford.edu/epgy/
http://www.tip.duke.edu/
http://giftedhomeschoolers.org/
http://giftedhomeschooling.com/
http://www.homeschooldiner.com/specials/gifted/main.html
http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/