Parent Resources

Websites to Follow

Ian Byrd has a great website that is meant for educators, students, AND parents! The parent page can be found here: http://www.byrdseed.com/parents/ but explore away!

Looking for some ideas? Mensa for Kids has a great free newsletter, some engaging lesson plans, and a great reading program (Excellence in Reading).

Want to be more involved? Colorado Association for the Gifted and Talented has a yearly conference in Loveland and plenty of advocacy network groups.

LiveBinder is a great way to collect documents, resources, and information in one place. This LiveBinder was assembled by the GERC, Paula McGuire. Feel free to peruse!

Lisa Van Gemert is a mom, educator, speaker, and passionate advocate for gifted students. Her website (click here) has a variety of great ideas and information about the gifted world. She also happens to have written one of the best advocacy blog posts ever titled "8 Reasons Why You Should Label Kids Gifted."

Great Reads for Parents

Looking for a good, solid starting point? Start here--a compilation of articles from NAGC newsletter Parenting for High Potential. Lots of great information!

This is an easy read, with a holistic look at what gifted children need, act like, and need. Good for kids, parents, and teachers.

what_a_child_doesnt_learn.pdf

A quick, two-page article that asks a simple, well-thought out question. What's your answer?

Gifted kids have different social and emotional needs than others. If you know this, but know there's more, this is a great book to help you understand your child better.

A great article that has a quick historical overview and some logical points to consider.

Have you ever wondered if what you see and what the rest of the world is seeing are the same kid? An interesting read that may help in understanding both twice exceptional students and those who just don't fit the school mold.

Become part of the solution

It's never easy to approach teachers, administrators, or school GT Coordinators, but advocating for your child is important to you, as a parent. One of the best articles written comes from the Davidson Institute on how to advocate well. After you have a chance to read this: http://www.davidsongifted.org/Search-Database/entry/A10558 ask yourself a few important questions before you go in:

1. How much time is realistic to ask the school to spend with your child on his/her needs?

2. What program(s) would be the most beneficial for your child? What time are you able to give to assist with that implementation?

3. What kind of balance are you wanting to achieve for your child between social and academic skills?

4. Are there other students who might benefit from the change or program you are suggesting?

5. Have you started and ended on positive notes for the school?

Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade? – Benjamin Franklin