Any school or support groups for gifted/talented students? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Any school or support groups for gifted/talented students?

1
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2022 - 12:16

My 8 year old is a high ability/gifted child, smart, and very unaware of her abilities, I feel she is not challenged enough at school especially in this particular year, as till Year two she had fabulous teachers who realized her abilities and really kept her suitably challenged.
I would like to know if there are kids in a similar age group that she could meet up with or if there is a school with a serious dedicated program for gifted children in Dubai.

1
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 February 2022 - 07:39
Place her in extracurricular/after school activities, extra tutoring classes where she'll learn more challenging topics, keep treating her like the gifted and smart child she is, and then watch her...
WOW! so many assumptions, without knowing me! it was just a query, since she is a self learner and wants to explore, hence my question, next time try to be kinder when you judge a mom!
32
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2022 - 15:13
If you REALLY want to challenge your daughter, sign her up for afterschool activities, school competitions, or enroll her in an IB curriculum school in Dubai (the IB curriculum is very tough - and apparently universities/colleges favour applicants from IB curriculums more). But please take it easy with her, let your child explore her own interests and where can truly shine. Try to avoid pressure. There's been a recent suicide this month of a gifted student in Dubai and it was heartbreaking to hear. I don't know if it's appeared in the papers yet, but the death happened in my neighbourhood. Unfortunately not all 'gifted children' make it into adulthood with a good head on their shoulders. I hope the best for your child!
16
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2022 - 15:07
Place her in extracurricular/after school activities, extra tutoring classes where she'll learn more challenging topics, keep treating her like the gifted and smart child she is, and then watch her crumble as an adult under the pressure of mummy's "My child is incredibly gifted and talented" beliefs. From one parent to another - please remember that she is a child. If you're really interested in pursuing this road, I highly recommend reading studies on what actually happens to adults who grew up as "gifted children". There's heaps of these studies, and they're incredibly eye-opening. :) Speaking from personal experience, as someone who was born in Dubai and spent my entire life here, my parents raised me as a "gifted child". I'm well into my 40s with my own children, but when I was a young adult the pressures of being a "gifted child" messed up my mental health, work ethic, and social skills. These things stick with you well into adulthood. While generalizations about anyone are dangerous to make, it’s fairly safe to say that it's important not to pressure your child into being "gifted". Allow them to pace themselves and explore their own talents and intellect. They'll appreciate you more for that.
 
 

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY