GERRIC Parent Course
Parents of gifted children are in a unique situation. Often, the advanced development of the abilities of a gifted child outpaces the child's physical development, and results in frustration for both parent and child.
Additionally, challenges exist for parents in understanding the affective needs of gifted children, which may be very different to the normal population.
It is common for parents of gifted children to feel confused about the educational needs of their gifted child, and this two-day course aims to address these concerns and challenges. The course will provide an opportunity for parents to develop a greater understanding of their gifted child's needs, to interact with other parents of gifted children, and to learn from current research and experts in the field of gifted education.
GERRIC Parent Courses cover topics such as:
• A review of research into gifted students and their needs
• Identification of gifted children in schools
• Cognitive and socio-emotional needs of gifted children
• Family dynamics (siblings, parents) and gifted children
• Challenges faced by gifted children: perfectionism and underachievement
• Ability grouping and its effects on children
• Parenting strategies to manage your child at home
• Strategies to choose the right school for your child (note: GERRIC does not endorse particular schools)
• Being a positive advocate for your child at school
• The internet and gifted children—21st Century learning
• What makes a good curriculum for gifted learners
2018 parent courses:
Beginners - 2 day course:
- July 2018
Advanced - 1 day:
- 28 March 2018
- 17 October 2018
See our Terms and Conditions here.
Previous parent courses
Professor Karen Rogers will present 'Bringing up Your Gifted Child: A Primer for Parents, Caregivers, and Grandparents'
Date: 19 July 2017
Times: 9am-3pm
Don't miss out! Professor Karen Rogers, world-renowned expert, will deliver a workshop that will focus on the steps parents, caregivers, and grandparents can take to collaborate with schools in developing the talents of their children or grandchildren. For those participants who are just finding out about the gifts and talents of the child, part of this class will focus on what might be expressions of giftedness, what intra-personal and environmental “catalysts” could prevent or enhance the child’s development of gifts, and what is meant by “talent development.” Another portion of this class will be devoted to the actions families might take to develop talent in their child/grandchild. Enrichment and talent development opportunities will be shared along with Australian organizations that can help families support their efforts. The presenter plans to go beyond the usual suggestions provided for first-timers, however, and provide many highly creative outlets that might be considered by families. Finally time will be devoted to identifying specific academic, social and emotions resources that address the unique academic and affective needs of these children outside of school. The audience will be encouraged to share their own ideas and successes as part of this class. The master class is designed for newcomer and veteran alike. It is hoped all will come with their “creative hats” on!
About the presenter
Professor Karen Rogers is excited to be back in Australia after her 3-year sojourn here from 2005-2008 as Director of Research for GERRIC at UNSW. She is Professor Emerita at her beloved University of St. Thomas, but has continued receiving government research grants to further field-based investigations of what works or doesn’t work with both twice exceptional and other gifted underserved populations. She continues to teach 2-3 courses per semester, but no longer attends committee meetings or engages in any kind of activity that she feels is unproductive! She has written, co-written, and co-edited 7 books, published approximately 200 articles, and conducted 98 program evaluations and field based studies via grants and contracts. She currently sits on the Advisory Boards of the US Department of Defense Overseas Schools, Grayson School for the Gifted, College of William & Mary Gifted Education Center, and the Minnesota Department of Education Gifted Committee. She is a reviewer for most of the major journals that specialize in gifted education and has supervised doctoral dissertations for 37 applicants and reviewed 25 completed dissertations for a variety of universities in Australia and Asia. Since retirement she has been able to maintain a good balance between her professional and personal lives, incorporating loads of time with her 10 grandchildren and many weeks a year traveling with her husband to many of the places on her voluminous “bucket list.”