Global #gtchat Powered by TAGT is a weekly chat on Twitter that takes place on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and 5 p.m. PT in the U.S. For one hour, parents, educators, advocates and experts in the field of gifted and talented gather to share resources, links, authentic life experiences and insights about gifted issues.
Welcome to Global Gifted and Talented Chat Powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented @TXGifted#TAGT ~ Thanks for joining us to chat about “Improving GT Parent-Teacher Communications” #gtchat
I’m Lisa Conrad ~ moderator, advocate for gifted children, conference presenter, blogger and parent of 2 gifted adults from Pittsburgh, PA. Please take a minute to let us know who you are and from where you’re tweeting! #gtchat
Are you new to Twitter chats? We use the Q1) / A1) format for #gtchat … Please remember to use the #gtchat hashtag to participate in the conversation. This will make sure that other chat participants see your tweets.
Hi! Justine from Auckland, NZ. Former primary teacher - but always a teacher. PhD candidate researching gifted ed. My mind is everywhere today! #gtchat
I’m Kelly from WA. I am an elementary teacher (25+ yrs), GHF Blogger, mama to homeschooled 2e son & author of Boost: 12 Effective Ways to Lift Up Our Twice-Exceptional Children #gtchat
Hi! Justine from Auckland, NZ. Former primary teacher - but always a teacher. PhD candidate researching gifted ed. My mind is everywhere today! #gtchat
Lurking to learn? Please say ‘hi’ and then view a livestream from Participate Learning at https://t.co/1zR97oWQw0 Enjoy the chat! All the resources and a summary of this chat will be posted later on our blog at https://t.co/BXpCBWEY56#gtchat
Welcome to Global Gifted and Talented Chat Powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented @TXGifted#TAGT ~ Thanks for joining us to chat about “Improving GT Parent-Teacher Communications” #gtchat
I’m Kelly from WA. I am an elementary teacher (25+ yrs), GHF Blogger, mama to homeschooled 2e son & author of Boost: 12 Effective Ways to Lift Up Our Twice-Exceptional Children #gtchat
Before we begin, it’s with profound sadness that the global gifted community learned of the passing of Dr. Jim Webb @jamestwebbGPP this past week. We believe the best way to honor his memory is to continue to advocate for gifted children. (1/4) #gtchat
I’m Kelly from WA. I am an elementary teacher (25+ yrs), GHF Blogger, mama to homeschooled 2e son & author of Boost: 12 Effective Ways to Lift Up Our Twice-Exceptional Children #gtchat
We at Global #gtchat Powered by #TAGT@TXGifted offer our deepest condolences to Dr. Webb’s wife, Janet Gore, and their daughters. His obit may be found here >>> https://t.co/YVqLLS4g4I (4/4)
Our first question is coming up; let’s get ready to chat! Please preface your responses with A1) Excited to collaborate and share ideas with you today about improving GT parent-teacher communications. #gtchat
A1) In many situations, gifted-identified students have an education plan which places certain requirements and responsibilities on all parties involved in the agreement. #gtchat
Before we begin, it’s with profound sadness that the global gifted community learned of the passing of Dr. Jim Webb @jamestwebbGPP this past week. We believe the best way to honor his memory is to continue to advocate for gifted children. (1/4) #gtchat
A1 GT parents may have trepidation in working with teachers because GT parents may not believe that the teachers will meet their children's needs #gtchat
A1) gifted children insist on experts and can detect fake feelings. Teachers must be authentic & build a true relationship that takes an interest in student #gtchat
These kids are seen as independent, so the need for family engagement may be downplayed. (Engagement shouldn't have anything to do with a child's achievement level, or with their ability to work on their own.) GT ed may be seen as automatically serving a child's needs. #gtchat A1
A1) Teachers and parents don't always see a child the same way and may not have the same goals. Teachers may be concerned about socialization while parents are concerned about academic challenge. #gtchat
A1) GT students often receive accommodations or interventions which place additional stressors and constraints on the teacher/student/parent relationship. #gtchat
A1) A unique challenge I have is that I don't teach core subjects or even see all of my Ss in class everyday. This is difficult because they are gifted 24\7. #gtchat
A1) Teachers and parents don't always see a child the same way and may not have the same goals. Teachers may be concerned about socialization while parents are concerned about academic challenge. #gtchat
Before we begin, it’s with profound sadness that the global gifted community learned of the passing of Dr. Jim Webb @jamestwebbGPP this past week. We believe the best way to honor his memory is to continue to advocate for gifted children. (1/4) #gtchat
A2) In a perfect world, good parent teacher relations most often benefit the student. Depending on their age, a student can explore their potential with the help of a supportive teacher/mentor. #gtchat
A2. Understanding, respect and real, honest collaboration happens when parents and teachers are on the same page. The students feel safe to be themselves. #gtchat
A2: Self-efficacy increases for all individuals (teacher, parent, student) when school-home partnerships in place. Positive effects re: Ss achievement overall, too! #GTChat
Good evening, all!
A1) One challenge faced by teachers & parents is that they see different sides of students' giftedness. Any child in the home environment may be different than the same child in the classroom. When applied to giftedness, that difference is amplified. #gtchat
A2) Good parent-teacher relationships don’t just happen. They need to be cultivated and maintained in the spirit of mutual respect. A good start is to make sure all stakeholders have a firm grasp of the need for gifted education. #gtchat
Sounds like me in kindergarten. My old-school teacher was focused on the fact that I barely spoke. Meanwhile I entered school already having read since age 2, so my parents thought it'd be ridiculous to hold me back. #gtchat
A1) Teachers and parents don't always see a child the same way and may not have the same goals. Teachers may be concerned about socialization while parents are concerned about academic challenge. #gtchat
Good evening, all!
A1) One challenge faced by teachers & parents is that they see different sides of students' giftedness. Any child in the home environment may be different than the same child in the classroom. When applied to giftedness, that difference is amplified. #gtchat
A2) The "village" mentality is stronger than the idea of "every man for himself", but in the parent-student-teacher dynamic, the more likely alternative to unity is the teacher versus the parent, and that is disastrous. #gtchat
Oh boy....been there and done that with my son. I had to find a private school to get him started in K at age 5 (missed cut off date by 28 days). He started reading at 2 also. #gtchat.
It's amazing - and scary - how frequent this situation is and to change it can take so much work, especially if parents or teachers have had a bad experience. #gtchat
A2) Parents and teachers having common goals and working together only works in the students interest. Parents of GT Ss know their kid and teachers know the resources. Combine those and everyone wins. #gtchat
A3) #gtchat weekly newsletters, class website and emails Home that report both struggles and and successes keep parents informed. Just don’t forget to include the successes!
A3. I've used blogs etc since 2010 to build a collaborative community for parents, students and teachers. It takes a lot of coaching initially but it's so worth it. Apps and programmes to connect are hugely useful tools but you need to be clear on why you're using them. #gtchat
A2) Good parent-teacher relationships don’t just happen. They need to be cultivated and maintained in the spirit of mutual respect. A good start is to make sure all stakeholders have a firm grasp of the need for gifted education. #gtchat
A3)Sharing student work samples in development can help Ps and Ts see where S need guidance and support, Can potentially prevent shutdowns or meltdowns #gtchat
My experiences with my son is school were based on cooperation between parent and teacher - which according to the school, generally meant I was cooperative when I agreed with the teacher and did all she/he wanted. What my kid needed didn't matter. #gtchat
A2) The "village" mentality is stronger than the idea of "every man for himself", but in the parent-student-teacher dynamic, the more likely alternative to unity is the teacher versus the parent, and that is disastrous. #gtchat
We are already half way through our chat! Thank you for sharing so many inspiring thoughts about improving GT parent-teacher communications! Please remember to use the #gtchat hashtag to participate in the conversation.
A3) Tech also allows for transparency. I present IEP over the projector, make changes with Ps there, and then print the final off before we sign it. #gtchat
A3) Schools need to use the technology available to them in their district to communicate. Most parents of GT Ss are very tech savvy because their/our kids force us to be but PLEASE stop sending home papers. #gtchat
A3) Educators and schools must be cognizant of a family’s ability to access technology and take steps to provide access when it doesn’t exist or provide other means of communication. #gtchat
Our K cutoff date is the latest in the country, I think -- age 5 by Jan. 1 of kindergarten year. I was an early reader but otherwise above average and/or struggled in school, graduating in the middle of my class. Anyway, after K, my 1st grade teacher was wonderful. #gtchat
A3. I've used blogs etc since 2010 to build a collaborative community for parents, students and teachers. It takes a lot of coaching initially but it's so worth it. Apps and programmes to connect are hugely useful tools but you need to be clear on why you're using them. #gtchat
A3 teachers should use technology to communicate struggles and success on a predictable basis such as every week or every other week, so as a parent I will know when to expect it. #gtchat
A4 In addition to back-to-school night and PT conferences, all grade levels have a culminating public speaking activity to which parents are invited. (Sonnet reading, philosophical roundtable and debate for grades 3, 4, and 5 respectively.) #gtchat
A4) Parent-teacher relations can be enhanced through participation in extra-curricular activities, breakfast/coffee with a teacher/admin opportunity, and even pre-scheduled after school meetings. #gtchat
A4 When I’ve had questions I’ve sat in on classes. I was surprised by how many teachers were anxious to share what they were doing with a parent.#gtchat
Our cut off date was June 1st. My kid's bd is the 29th. He was reading pretty much anything and everything by that time. Read mostly science books and remembered everything he read. He didn't have a wonderful teacher until 4th grade. Glad you had a better experience. #gtchat
Our K cutoff date is the latest in the country, I think -- age 5 by Jan. 1 of kindergarten year. I was an early reader but otherwise above average and/or struggled in school, graduating in the middle of my class. Anyway, after K, my 1st grade teacher was wonderful. #gtchat
You could develop an actual activity (shoutout to @ParentCamp!), and any informal opportunities beyond conferences. Let parents in as guest speakers. #gtchat A4
My experiences with my son is school were based on cooperation between parent and teacher - which according to the school, generally meant I was cooperative when I agreed with the teacher and did all she/he wanted. What my kid needed didn't matter. #gtchat
A2) The "village" mentality is stronger than the idea of "every man for himself", but in the parent-student-teacher dynamic, the more likely alternative to unity is the teacher versus the parent, and that is disastrous. #gtchat
A4) The more "Seen" the Tchr is - Fligrid, SeeSaw, Video Messages, Remind 101, Zoom/Skype Chats etc...the more confortable Parents feel even if they can't "get in to the school." #gtchat
My experiences with my son is school were based on cooperation between parent and teacher - which according to the school, generally meant I was cooperative when I agreed with the teacher and did all she/he wanted. What my kid needed didn't matter. #gtchat
A2) The "village" mentality is stronger than the idea of "every man for himself", but in the parent-student-teacher dynamic, the more likely alternative to unity is the teacher versus the parent, and that is disastrous. #gtchat
A2) The benefits from solid/continuous #GT parent/teacher communication aren’t just that the S thrives in school even though that’s primary. It’s that the stressors on all unique to each S’s needs are reduced. This facilitates meeting that S’s social-emotional needs. #gtchat
A2) Good parent-teacher relationships don’t just happen. They need to be cultivated and maintained in the spirit of mutual respect. A good start is to make sure all stakeholders have a firm grasp of the need for gifted education. #gtchat
A5) Parents need to learn the ‘lingo’ used by educators; they will earn the respect of those who responsible for making decisions affecting their child. #gtchat
A5. Start with the belief that teachers have the students best interests at heart. Communication is key. If there are concerns, try to talk in person. Emails, texts can be misinterpreted. #gtchat
A5 Parents should contact teachers to set up a phone call / conference about any issues early so they don't fester and lead to miscommunication down the road #gtchat
A5) Best practices for parents advocating for their gifted child include researching state and local education laws and diligent planning concerning their child’s educational needs prior to meeting with school personnel. #gtchat
A2) Parents and teachers having common goals and working together only works in the students interest. Parents of GT Ss know their kid and teachers know the resources. Combine those and everyone wins. #gtchat
A5 As a parent you have to understand your child’s needs and how they learn. Then it’s a matter of collaborating with the right people to try to meet them. Educate yourself along the way and look for opportunities. #gtchat
Understanding that parents just want the absolute best for their children is a good place to start. Sometimes they're just worried about their children. Valuing and respecting that is key. #gtchat
They know different things about their needs. And families are usually a child's biggest influence in their lives. Strong relationships make kids feel less isolated. #gtchat A2
A6) Parents and teachers may never see eye-to-eye regarding a child’s education plan, but remaining calm, professional and open-minded will serve everyone’s best interests. #gtchat
A6)Learn and use the "chain of command" . I know it can be time consuming, but no one likes to be threatened or broadsided. sometimes the answer does lie with someone with more authority #gtchat
A6) When researching a child’s particular school, always be aware of the ‘chain of command’ and follow it precisely. Know who the teacher reports to, but start with the teacher first. (1/2) #gtchat
A6) Depending on degree of 'else fails' - parents can supplement with opportunities at home, ask for change of teacher, change schools or commence home schooling #gtchat
And different sides of the child, period. There was a disconnect between my sometimes-rambunctiousness at home and beginning school barely speaking. #gtchat
Good evening, all!
A1) One challenge faced by teachers & parents is that they see different sides of students' giftedness. Any child in the home environment may be different than the same child in the classroom. When applied to giftedness, that difference is amplified. #gtchat
A6 I’m the coordinator for a mentoring outreach; 1 child, 1 adult 30 minutes a week during the school day. We’ve seen major changes in kids from the consistency of someone just showing up for them.#gtchat
Agree. Our students are at the heart of everything we do. We sometimes can lose sight of that with all the bureaucracy but if we keep going back to that we will win - and most importantly, so will our students and their families. #gtchat
This #gtchat will be archived at @wakelet and the link will be shared via @gtchatmod later today. More resources & a summary of today’s chat will be posted on the Global #gtchat Powered by TAGT Blog at https://t.co/5ZvDIWMmjM
Yes, and education is a science. Lingo gets a bad rep but we don't chastise scientists for using it. The key is to communicate in a way that everyone can understand. #gtchat
Parents and teachers must both approach conflicts& questions w/ the idea that both parties have good intent and are trying to better understand -not accuse #gtchat
I know. But what I mean is that some parents don't know even to get the help. I'd like to think that teachers would have a little more responsibility since they are the professionals. #gtchat
A burden, sure. Some families might not have necessary capacity at any given point...but help available thru state gifted associations, other Ps, GT teachers, online resources.
Our next chat will be on Thursday August 9th at 8E/7C/6M/5P US and Friday 10th August at Noon NZST/10 AM AEST/1AM UK. Our topic will be “Growing Resilient Gifted Kids” #gtchat
