I have a gifted thirteen year old, he has always been reluctant to acknowledget hat he's giftted, not wanting to stand out from the crowd. Are there any suggestions how I can inspire him or does anybody know of any groups activities geared towards gifted teenagers that we may be able to attend? (We are in Auckland.) Anybody else out there struggling with a reluctant teenager?
As a teenager I did St John Cadets and through that did community work at the local library which lead to a paid job after school, mainly shelving books. The library was brilliant for me and is now inspiring my son (4 yrs) in many ways.
When I was 13 I would have cringed in shame at attending anything with my 'olds'. School can probably suggest clubs to pursue interests etc
What sorts of things is he into? Two of my gifted teens are into anime, manga and digital entertainment and attend a monthly meeting of teens and young adults who all share this interest. (Having met many of them, I am astonished at how many of them have gifted characteristics! ) This group meets in South-east Auckland (Howick/Pakuranga area).
If this might of interest, I can put you in contact with the organisers (who happen to be one of my teens and a friend!).
Are you members of Explorers? Explorers club has seperate groups for pre-teens and teens. They were also running POP - Philosophy over pizza for the older kids. The teens get on really well as a group, they have sleep overs and at camps they have their own 'bunk rooms'. Many of the club days are well suited to your sons age group - depending upon what he is into. They have astrology, disection, carnivouris plants, gears, pulleys, weather, war craft etc. If you're not members already, I'd highly recomend it.
I am struggling to find activities for my nearly 9 year old son - he is really into science and lego, but we are more and more facing "I'm bored" all day, and the corresponding frustration from him. He has been assessed as being in the 99%, and keeping him occupied and therefore happy is becoming increasingly impossible. He is not really into sports, although swims and does Karate.
I have heard about Young Explorers, however apart from that I am keen to find something after school on a regular basis for him. We are on the North Shore.
Hi Caro
I am in the same situation and am going to try bubbledome next term - I have been told by someone going it is good but it is writing this term and that is NOT something my 9y son is willing to try! We are on the shore too and I understand they use several schools in the area for the afterschool club so there is likely to be one near you.
My son is almost 8 and is also very interested in lego type construction & building things.
He has just started drama (which I didnt think he would want to do) but is enjoying the camaraderie amongst the other kids. I thought it would be good for him to try something outside of his league as he is quite an intense kid.
Just wondering if you have you found anything to keep your son interested as my son is also not keen on team sports?
Two sports my kids enjoyed were archery and rock-climbing - neither requires a team to participate in and both kids found the sports challenging without being demoralising, which was their experience with team sports. Not sure what facilities there are for these on the Shore, but the Auckland Archery Club meets at Cornwall Park.
Dont force children into clubs. Give them some suggestions or ideas and ASK them what they would like to do. If they do it of there own choise they are more likly to enjoy it.
Children, gifted or otherwise, should not be controled and should instead be taught to make dicisions. Otherwise they will feel as like they are being told to go to these things and so they will fell resentfull.
Gifted children should be able to extend their talents in directions of there own chosing. That was how most of the most succesful people in the world(scientists, politions and others) gained interest AND talent. BOTH are needed, to succed.
Any existing 'stimulating-social-groups' for gifted 14 yo boy on the North Shore? He is into 'strategy thinking games', digital 'stuff' and philosophy.
Thanks
There is a program in Schools in Austraila and New Zealand called Tournament of Minds that starts in term 3. It is a problem solving program for teams of students. Where they are required to solve challenges.
Possible a bit late to be adding this, but Tournament of Minds only seems to run in the Wellington area. Future Problem Solving is similar and runs in schools all around NZ.
Sorry! I was just checking out the forum to see if anything was on soon and saw my name, then the fact you had replied (and others too - sorry!). I tried Bubble Dome when H was 5 - he loved it but quickly outgrew it, especially once the teacher took it outside and started making it more sport focused? He is nearly 10 now and I have the same issues. Problem with letting him decide is that all he will do is read and play lego! He has asked to do the Weetbix Triathlon with no prompting tho so maybe we are getting somewhere? He adores rock climbing too, and has actually asked to play hockey as well this year. I am keen to get him into Young Explorers with a view to exposing him to more science etc which is what he really loves!
Just wanted to clarify 'Young Explorers' for you. In Auckland, Young Explorers is the part of Explorers Club that we have created especially for the children aged 6yrs and under. Often at club days etc the topic is aimed at the older kids. Hence usually a separate activity is run for the younger children.
My kids are 9 1/2 and 7 1/2 and my son especially (the younger) sounds very much like your boy. Except instead of lego and reading, it would be computer and reading with a bit of lego thrown in occasionally!!
My son is in Keas and I'm a leader, and my daughter is in Cubs. They LOVE it! Once they get to about 14 (Scouts) they have huge opportunities to further their knowledge in various topics ie photography, flying, caving etc.
sorry - yes - Explorers! Have sent the application form to work so I can re-join H. Funny about the Keas/Cubs thing - I have been trying to convince him to give it a try but he doesn't like being told what to do "all I do is get told what to do at school, what to do at home.. why would I want to go to something like cubs where they will tell me what to do some more..?" - the pre teen attitude has definately arrived! Hopefully some good activities come up with Explorers soon!
I would really like to know more about the group who meets in East Acukland interested in Manga as I am working with a young man who would be very interested. You can reach me on my e- mail
