Gifted and Talented Report

 

The return to COVID-19 restrictions and remote learning may suddenly mean you see a change in your daughter’s behaviour. Intense feelings of worry and sadness may be present or behaviours that seem out of character.

Your daughter may also be worried about her learning and may display frustration, especially if she is working independently and can’t always get immediate reassurance from the teacher that she is doing the right thing.

How can you help at home?

  • Reminding your daughter of what she can control and can’t control is a good starting point. I do this with my classes regularly. The only thing we can control is joining the Zoom lesson, doing the work for that lesson and then choosing a downtime activity.
  • Trying to remain calm and reassuring will also help students who have high sensitivity levels. Our children pick up our own stress. Being careful in our reactions will help calm their reactions.
  • Working remotely is difficult and the teacher cannot always be there to check if the work is correct.  Encourage your daughter to do the work the best way she can and submit what she has done regardless – teachers are just impressed when you are attempting tasks. Allow them to communicate with friends if needed for clarification but encourage them to take a risk – ask them what advice they think their teacher would give them. 
  • Stay mentally strong through exercise, mindfulness techniques and staying connected. For example, they can Facetime cousins, grandparents and friends.

The National Association for Gifted Children has written an article that gives specific strategies but also looks at the age of your gifted daughter and the reaction to crisis that is typical of gifted children in that age group.

Thinking of you all, stay well.

 
 
Mrs Rachael Colreavy, Gifted and Talented Coordinator

 

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #2 & #6