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.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL ISSUES
CAUSES OF SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL DIFFICULTIES
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