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Our daughter is clever academically...(I do not use the word 'gifted' because every person is gifted in one area or another.) Regardless of her abilities, she is expected to: do well in class; to respect the teachers and those that are in authority; and to study most evenings (regardless of whether she "needs" to). I hear many stories of children that never need to study during their schooling years and then go to university and totally lose it because they have no study habits in place. (That may be something to remember.)
I don't know if I like the idea of a 'gifted' class - but I have not thought it through - as it is not available where I live. I wonder if being in such a class would give the impression of superiority. I agree with the gal that suggested placing the child in a new area of learning - something that has to be worked at and effort exerted and maybe not a natural tendancy for your child. Whether it be art lessons or playing a musical instrument etc.
Our daughter lacks in the area of track/sports etc. She still takes part although she never wins. She has had some very difficult days but I think in the long run (no pun intended) it does help round out her character. She has much empahthy for those that may not do as well in some areas that she excels.
I think the important thing is to remind our children of their strenghts but not to overly focus on them. If taken in stride as being a normal part of who they are I think they will fair off much better. I wonder at how much personal pressure to perform a child ends up feeling when they hear over and over again just how 'gifted' they are.
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