Mrs. Brogan, Gifted Resource

I realize there are diverse opinions on the role of social media, but I do want you all to be aware of the resources (articles, videos, blogs, stories) being posted regularly on the Virginia Association for the Gifted Facebook page.

Check it out and let me know your thoughts! I would love to hear from you.

The Parent Connection is sponsoring another great workshop of interest to parents of gifted students. Bright Child/Flexible Mind: Reducing Frustration in Your School-Aged Child, being presented on December 7 at ATC from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. was initiated by gifted education and by the school psychologists. It is  targeted on specific executive functions: impulse control, shifting tasks, and emotional regulation. Another parent workshop will be offered in the spring (Wednesday, March 7)that will focus on task initiation, sustained attention, and goal directed persistence.

I was compelled after my last class to set up a blog for my fifth graders.  Let me set the scenario for you.  We were finishing up a Willam and Mary lesson on persuasion.  The students were asked to read the poem, "The Road Less Traveled" by Robert Frost.  I posed several questions about the poem and then the conversation switched over to the topic of persuasion quite naturally, I might add.  The students began a dialogue about all the different ways they feel they are being persuaded.  I sat back and listened in utter amazement and the complexity of their thoughts at such a young age.  Some students mentioned pressure to go to college, some mentioned tension to be part of the group but they all admitted they felt persuaded by someone.    Let's begin a blog discussion fifth graders!!!
Is persuasion  positive or negative and why?

In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment. Virtually all great people have had these qualities.
I have been reflecting on my own mindsets and have come to the conslucion that my mindsets change wtih the situation.  Do I really practice what I have been preaching? For example, with my daughter, I praise her effort, practice and process not final outcome.  I praise her positive habits.  My son on the other hand, brings out the fixed mindset in me.  I have caught myself saying things like, "I know you are smart, why can't you do this?" or "You need to study more."  These offer vague solutions and are in need of more clarifing comments.  The growth mindset focuses on being a life long learner. 

Where are you with this concept?  Do you have a fixed mindset about a particular subject?  Does your mindset change depending on which of your children you are talking to at the moment? 
I plan to start making small focused changes in the area of mindsets.  What about you?  Are you up to the challenge?  Don't hesitate to contact me if you would like more infor on the topic of mindsets.