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Dear Friends,
2017 is already shaping up to be an exciting year for SENG! We have a new intern, two new Board Members, and dozens of new ideas for future plans. All of us are hoping that the members of our community have been having a not-too-stressful year -- and if you are a student or a teacher, we hope that you aren't burned out from school yet.
Our annual conference is coming up in less than six months, so be sure to register soon to get the best deal! And as always, keep an eye on our website and our social media pages for all the latest news. Exciting things are coming.
In gratitude,
Elizabeth A. Ringlee
Executive Director of SENG
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Sylvia Rimm on Perfectionism in the Gifted - An Interview
by Michael Shaughnessy
Q: Dr. Rimm, why does perfectionism seem to be a problem for gifted children?
A: Perfectionism is very close to excellence, and, of course, parents and teachers encourage excellence in children. In our great excitement at their performance, we describe their work as perfect and we award A plusses and 100 percent-all very deserving and appropriate. In fact, many gifted children go several years without the experience of making mistakes in school. Being perfect, right, and smartest easily becomes part of their persona, a persona developed by a combination of who they are and what the important adults and peers in their lives expect of them.
More...
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Managing His Image: The Challenge Facing a Gifted Male
Gabe was producing as little as possible in his middle school classes. Teachers reported this gifted young man was doing just enough to get by. Parents were also concerned with his lack of enthusiasm for school. He was a skateboarding enthusiast and daredevil whose interest in this sport encompassed his life.
Mr. Johnson, Gabe's enrichment program teacher shared his opinion concerning Gabe's lack of progress. He had seen a side of Gabe others had not. Gabe had always been concerned with his image.
More...
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Gifted and Underachieving...The Twice Exceptional Learner
by Melissa Sornik, LMSW
Twice exceptionality can be difficult to understand and identify because most twice exceptional kids use their strengths to compensate for what they can't do. When that happens, their abilities and disabilities mask each other, resulting in average performance or underachievement. Behavior problems may also occur due to underlying stress, boredom, frustration and lack of motivation. When 2e kids don't get the supports and interventions they need, and more often than not are identified by their deficits rather than their strengths, the result is learned helplessness and low self-esteem.
More...
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Is It A Cheetah?
by Stephanie Tolan
It's a tough time to raise, teach or be a highly gifted child. As the term "gifted" and the unusual intellectual capacity to which that term refers become more and more politically incorrect, the educational establishment changes terminology and focus.
The child who does well in school, gets good grades, wins awards and "performs" beyond the norms for his or her age is considered talented. The child who does not, no matter what his or her innate intellectual capacities or developmental level, is less and less likely to be identified, less and less to be served.
More...
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Voices
SENGVine's "Voices" column seeks to share creative works reflecting the gifted experience. Art, poetry, essays, articles, and stories are accepted from gifted individuals of all ages. Submit yours to: [email protected].
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Post of the Month
Every day, SENG shares articles and information with the gifted community via Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr.
The article Emotional Intensity in Gifted Children
by
Lesley Kay Sword
was widely read and appreciated in our online community this month.
Visit us on Tumblr!
Tumblr is a valuable and vibrant online community, where many teens and young adults find solace if they feel "different" from the rest of the world... whether it is because of their interests, their identities, their disabilities, or their gifts.
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SENG is pleased to announce that we appointed two new members of our Board of Directors in January 2017. Please join us in welcoming
Dr. Kristina Henry Collins and
Barry Gelston, M.Ed. to the board!
Barry Gelston, M.Ed. is a licensed mathematics teacher with a diverse background in private, public, and alternative education supporting both general and special education populations. Barry is the principal educator for Mr. Gelston's One Room Schoolhouse, whose primary focus is supporting gifted homeschool children from around the world to develop a successful, comfortable, and joyful math identity. He is also a co-founder in the developing Collaboratory Zone, which is focused on creating and supporting online collaborative learning experiences and communities.
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Dr. Kristina Henry Collins is a graduate of the
The University of Georgia, where she earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology. She also holds an Ed.S. in educational psychology from the The University of Georgia, a M.S.Ed. in mathematics from Jacksonville State University, a B.S. in engineering from the University of Alabama, and a Military Science diploma in cryptology from the United States Navy. Dr. Collins has many years of experience with STEM teaching and leading in Title I middle schools and high schools. Her professional certifications include technology education, AP computer science, and educational leadership/administration. At Texas State University, she teaches courses related to talent development and gifted education.
"Dr. Kristina Collins and Barry Gelston exemplify what it means to live the SENG mission," said SENG President Kate Bachtel. "Our personal is our political. Kristina and Barry's steadfast dedication to supporting gifted individuals in thriving, coupled with their proven community leadership skills, are already enhancing SENG's effectiveness."
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Mark the Date
SENGinars
are online presentations on giftedness, hosted by many of the top experts in the gifted field.
Coming Up!
On March 23rd at 7:30 pm Eastern Time, Christine Turo-Shields will be hosting a SENGinar on trauma and existential depression in gifted children. All who register will receive a recording of the live event.
Additional presentations are planned featuring
Silvia Rimm
and Joanne Foster! Visit us at sengifted.org to find all the latest information.
Registration for these upcoming events will be available soon!
Recordings of our past SENGinars are available for purchase!
Check out recordings for some of these popular SENGinars:
SENG conferences prioritize recognition, understanding, and acceptance of the social and emotional needs of the gifted population. At conference, SENG provides a wholly original forum to empower, support, and connect gifted individuals as well as teachers, parents, and counselors. Join us in Chicago for an exceptional event!
Chicago Marriott Naperville
Thursday August 3, 2017 Pre-Conference
August 4-6, 2017 Conference
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Coming Soon - SENG Connect
Gifted individuals of all ages need a community of understanding.
Introducing
SENG Connect:
in the coming year, SENG will be forming support groups for gifted teens, young adults, adults, and elders. Meet other people like you. Come together and share personal experiences. Find kinship and support through the incredible members of the SENG community.
SENG Connect will offer interactive discussions among the adults of our community - those who are so in need of understanding and advice. More information coming soon!
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We would like to recognize our members for all they contribute to our community. Their annual membership funds directly contribute to improving the lives of gifted individuals, and we appreciate each and every one of them. It is through our combined effort that we all can make a difference. Changing lives, changing futures!
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Become a Member of SENG!
Join us in our mission to support gifted individuals of all ages and all walks of life. Whether you're new to SENG or a long-time supporter, we welcome your membership!
Memberships are good for one year from the date you join. If you have not renewed your membership recently, please do!
Your annual membership funds accelerate SENG's efforts to improve the lives of gifted individuals.
Choose the level of membership that is right for you. Learn more
here.
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About SENG
SENG is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) entity with a diverse Board of Directors. Our mission is to empower families and communities to guide gifted and talented individuals to reach their potential: intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
With the goal of further expanding its activities and reaching more people, SENG is constantly developing new strategies to assist and enlighten members of this unique community.
SENG accepts contributions of all sizes from individuals and organizations. Please join us in our work to increase understanding, knowledge, and services for gifted children, individuals and adults.
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