Utilising the library

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Utilising the library
Source of research materials, text books,
fiction, foreign language courses on tape CD,
jigsaws, Internet access, family tree research
and often a pleasant setting for a picnic
lunch. If you teach your child research skills,
they can learn anything they wish.
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Social and Emotional Issues
Home education can alleviate many of the bullying
problems experienced by gifted children in
school. Many gifted children are intensely
sensitive and have intense emotions. They
experience life on a heightened level and this
can cause distress and difficulties in a regular
classroom but can be more easily accommodated at
home. Introversion v Extraversion Lesley Sword -
Characteristics of Emotional Intensity and
Sensitivity Lesley Sword - Parenting Emotionally
Intense Gifted Children
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Dabrowskis Overexcitabilities
Psychomotor Sensual Imaginational Intellectual Emo
tional
See www.stephanietolan.com/dabrowskis.htm
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Perfectionism
Many gifted people are perfectionists.Sometimes
gifted children will refuse to do something
unless they are sure the result will be perfect.
The result they are aiming for is adult
excellence and they put a great deal of stress on
themselves by trying to produce it. In a school
setting the stress comes also from competition
with other students and from the expectations of
teachers. Much of the stress can be alleviated
when learning in the home setting. Children can
be encouraged to aim for excellence but not be
paralysed by perfectionism.
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Health Issues and Allergies
Health issues, special diets, sensitivities and
allergies can be easier to deal with at home than
they would be in a regular school setting
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Socialisation
In terms of socialisation, they will have their
siblings and parents for company - who are often
ready-made like-minds. As home learners, they
learn to deal with and befriend people of many
ages. Indeed they have more access to adults
generally and they enjoy the interaction this
brings. The children may choose to be alone
often. There is nothing wrong with time spent
alone -we just live in a society which does not
value it. Home education groups gather for
excursions, sports and social occasions.
DETAILS OF GROUPS CAN BE FOUND IN OTHERWAYS
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Objections and Answers
Socialisation Mother not qualified teacher
Will see friends at church, youth groups, sports,
clubs, etc. Can use whole curricula, Internet
courses, tutors, mentors, TAFE and Community
House courses etc.
Can use DECV if eligible, TAFE courses, online
courses and alternative entry for tertiary
courses Can use appropriate strategies. Many
behavioural problems disappear when the stress of
school is removed.
Will the student gain meaningful
qualifications? Will discipline be a problem?
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Finding Support

• Victorian Home School Gifted email group join at
  http//groups.yahoo.com/group/VHSG/
• Crosswalk http//www.crosswalk.com/homeSchool/
• Apricots http//www.apricotpie.com/

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Home Education Network (H.E.N.)
www.home-ed.vic.edu.au/
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Gifted Resources
www.giftedresources.org
Email newsletter
Internet website
Service locator
Information booth
Book shop
Phone contact
Networking
Library
Education
Social contact
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But are parents qualified to educate gifted
children?
Yes!
You can do it!
By the time a gifted child is five years old, his
parents have five years experience in how gifted
children learn far more than the average
teacher.