GUIDANCE

All students deal with a variety of social-emotional issues. Some of these issues are typical for school-aged students, while others are directly related to advanced learners. Some advanced learners are able to work through issues on their own, while others may need some adult guidance. If an issue remains unresolved over an extended period of time, counseling may be needed. Many students are not able to communicate their feelings and/or emotions. Parents and teachers need to be sensitive and aware o fa student’s social-emotional needs, and provide the necessary intervention.

TAKING ACTION

If any of these issues persist over a period of time, it is a good idea to communicate with your child’s teacher(s).  Your child spends a lot of time with them, and they can usually provide some insight into the situation.  The advanced learning coordinator and guidance counselor are also available for consultation. Through collaboration, a support plan can be created to help your child navigate through the issues.  You are your child's best role model. You are teaching your child how to adapt to difficult situations through your actions .Your child will notice how readily you advocate, how respectfully you treat school staff, how strongly you push for change, and when it is appropriate to backdown and accept a compromise. Through this experience, children learn humility, respect, collaboration, appropriate assertiveness, and tolerance. There are no perfect solutions to addressing the dilemma of giftedness and boredom in the classroom, but you can help your child face this challenge through your caring, attentive and persistent presence.

• Lack of confidence and/or competence

• Work is too challenging

• Pressure to perform

• Underachievement

• Difficulty with social relationships

POSITIVE SIGNS

• Willingness to take on challenging work 

• Recognizes ability without comparing to others

• Listens carefully

• Maintains good work ethic

• Asks for help when necessary

• Gains confidence through mastery

• Works through frustrations

• Is comfortable in variety of academic settings

SIGNS OF CONCERN

• Does not want to go to school

• Teases or bullies others

• Has a negative self-image

• Complains of headaches or upset stomach

• Cries about school-related issues

• Wants to sleep more than usual

• Has difficulty establishing and maintaining friendships