How to help your child look beyond education's basics

ShareThis

Dear Dr. Fournier:My fifth grade daughter is a straight "A" student, but she seems to be putting very little effort into her schoolwork. I am concerned that she is not challenged by her teachers or assignments. Her school has never mentioned a gifted program, but I think this could challenge her abilities and develop her full potential. Should I ask about a gifted program? Should I consider moving her to another school, one that would be more challenging for her?THE ASSESSMENTSchools are designed to ensure that each child has the basic skills necessary for life-long learning. Think about this in terms of constructing a building. The school lays the foundation, which includes basic learning skills, but students and parents are the architects. They decide what the building looks like and what function it will serve in society. The height and grandeur of the building is determined by the architects, but it is also limited by the quality of the foundation. If you are concerned that your child is not learning the basic skills, you should immediately seek a change in schools. However, if you are worried that your child is not being challenged to her potential, then start challenging her at home.Basic skills are the same for every child. However, what your child develops from these skills should reflect your child's personality, ability, passions and those of your family. It does not take a village to raise every child. It takes parents who raise their children to be part of the village by contributing their unique gifts. There are some things you are better qualified to teach, because you best know your child and her talents.WHAT TO DORaise the bar -- both for your child and yourself.If you know your child is able to rise above the norm, then help her explore her talents. If your child's ability exceeds her school's standards, then take your child to the next level. Expand her database with new information and stretch her abilities. Ask questions that require judgment and critical analysis. For example, every child learns basic facts about history in textbooks. Is this the only interpretation? What do these events tell us about our past, and how will they affect our future? Parents are able to address the social significance of these events by digging beneath the surface of facts and important dates. History is more than a list of events - it is storytelling and interpretation. Your child may learn about the people, places and horrific events surrounding the Holocaust from a textbook, but you can challenge your child to think about the implication of these events. What does this teach us about humanity and our responsibility to other people? Does your child know some people do not believe the Holocaust happened? What does this discrepancy mean to your daughter, your family, your nation, the world and the future? Remember that parenting is about producing well-adjusted, socially responsible, caring, courageous adults that will participate in a global community. Some of the best "gifted programs" don't take place at school. They are taught by parents in homes all around the world.(Write Dr. Yvonne Fournier, Fournier Learning Strategies Inc., 5900 Poplar, Memphis, Tenn. 38119. E-mail her at drfournier(at)hfhw.net)