Having met a few parents of gifted children lately, I have been fortunate to gain a further wealth of knowledge, resources and help, additional to the books and gifted websites/programs available. Talking with other parents has proved to be very valuable and instrumental in gaining perspective, further understanding and educational options. Every parent/relative/teacher (PRT) of gifted children should have the option of meeting others who share an understanding of gifted issues and can pool their knowledge.
For those Auckland PRTs who have gifted children or are unsure if they do have gifted children but would still like to speak with others about it; I am starting a support group to meet on the first Wednesday of every month. Initially it may be quite small, but all are welcome whatever age your children, relatives, students are.
I have looked on the NZAGC website about starting a support group and have gained some ideas from there.
AUCKLAND GIFTED SUPPORT GROUP
Date: First Wednesday of the month (starting 5th September 2012)
Time: 7-9pm
Place: Howick (click on my name above to email me for further info)
Bring: Any books or printouts you have found helpful. Questions and concerns
Purpose: To discuss giftedness in a supportive, positive and understanding environment with other adults. To share knowledge/resources for the benefit of the gifted children. To meet like-minded adults. To discover a community of positive individuals who are interested in helping gifted children reach their full potential.
If you have any questions, feel free to post them here or email me sharl@xtra.co.nz type "AUCKLAND GIFTED SUPPORT GROUP" in the subject line so my spam filter will leave it in my inbox.
Everyone welcome. I hope to meet you soon.
(I will post this under a few discussions on this forum so people do see it)
Re: AUCKLAND GIFTED SUPPORT GROUP for parents/relatives/teachers of gifted children
Author: Jessica Parsons
Date: 15-08-12 09:15
Hi Sharl,
This sounds very helpful. Are you aware that there is an Auckland branch of the NZAGC, called Explorers, where families with gifted children meet and do various activities?
Explorers parents enjoy meeting each other and talking about gifted issues.
Re: AUCKLAND GIFTED SUPPORT GROUP for parents/relatives/teachers of gifted children
Author: Sharl
Date: 15-08-12 14:22
Andrea, I will email you more info.
Thanks Jessica. Yes, Explorers is a fantastic place to extend young minds. We are so lucky to have this available for our gifted children. Any pamphlets or information you are happy to provide for the group I would gladly accept. Please email me if you wish.
I wrote the heading AUCKLAND.....etc to catch the attention of those in Auckland who were interested in meeting and discussing adult concerns away from little ears. There is a south Auckland branch of NZAGC which is a structured support group also, but I didn't want to label it "east Auckland" and exclude other Aucklanders. Everyone is welcome.
It is quite exciting to be part of this gathering as we have a range of people interested in attending from those starting out on this journey to those whose children are grown and have much experience to share. I am busy organising information and books for people to browse on the night and I'm looking forward to listening to and sharing ideas. An enjoyable evening out, thought provoking and inspiring.
Re: AUCKLAND GIFTED SUPPORT GROUP for parents/relatives/teachers of gifted children
Author: Sharl
Date: 07-09-12 13:14
Auckland Gifted Support Group
meeting 1: held on 5 September 2012
It was helpful to meet others working with and parenting gifted children. Never a pause in conversation we chose the topic "The next step after assessment". We discussed school meetings, GATE co-ordinators, SENCO teachers, how to approach teachers and principles, researching schools, grade skipping, Auckland schools from primary to college and what they offer, ODS & GKP classroom activities and behaviour, alternative schools, what to ask for from a school, extension programs and after school courses.
It was a productive and informative evening leaving us with a sense of successful new beginnings. Next meeting 3 October 2012. We hope to see you there.
Just to let you know my computer crashed and it was unable to be salvaged so all of my email addresses were lost. If you wish to be on the email list for the AK GIFTED SUPPORT GROUP please email me so I can send you details of the next meeting(s).
Happy New Year, wishing your lovely children a positive start to the school year.
