Giftedness-Megan Konishi

How does it feel to be the parent of your child?

Before Rachel was born, I never realized parenting a gifted child would be both exciting yet challenging at the same time.  Although Rachel does have advanced cognitive abilities, this makes parenting and teaching her a much greater challenge.  Overall, Rachel is an amazing child and is very well behaved.  Her father and I are very proud of here and anxious to see what the future has in store for her.  I am a stay-at-home mom, which allows me to spend all day with Rachel.  I try my best to expose her to as many educational enrichment opportunities as possible.  I am constantly trying to challenge her intellectually so she does not get bored.  Although she keeps me on my toes, I wouldn’t change anything about my life.  Parenting a gifted child is extremely challenging at times but can be very rewarding as well.  Rachel is very passionate about everything she does and never settles for mediocrity.  She is very independent and is quite mature for a child her age.  Rachel never seizes to amaze her father and I and she teaches us more and more everyday. 

How is your child developmentally the same or different from other children at the various ages?

Rachel differs from other children her age in many ways.  Cognitively, she is much more advanced than most children her age.  She learns at a much more rapid pace.  This poses a great challenge as often times Rachel gets bored with the regular grade-level curriculum.  This can lead to her becoming frustrated and uninterested in school.  She needs to constantly be challenged which can make the teacher’s job much more difficult.  She is also a perfectionist, very emotional, and intense.  Rachel works better individually and prefers being around older children or adults.  Rachel has great problem solving and critical thinking skills.  Rachel’s father and I have recently become concerned with her emotional well-being.  She becomes so emotional over issues that most kids her age aren’t even aware of.  Like other the other characteristics of gifted children, the socio-emotional aspect seems to be extreme as well and needs to be monitored closely by both the teacher and parents.

What professionals/agencies do you deal with?  What services are available to you and your child?

Rachel participates in the GATE program at her school.  GATE stands for Gifted And Talented Education.  The program offers unique educational opportunities for high-achieving students.  GATE programs consist of special day classes, part-time groupings, and cluster groupings.  Efforts are made by the state of California to make sure students from economically disadvantaged and different cultural backgrounds have access to these opportunities as well. 

I am also a member of The California Association for the Gifted (www.cagifted.org), which has provided me with referrals to different parents and professionals in my hometown as well as recommended readings and educational activity resources for Rachel and I. 

Rachel also goes to Kumon a couple days a week. Kumon is an after-school math and reading enrichment program.  They not only help students who are struggling in math and reading, but they also offer an academic enrichment program for advanced students who need to be challenged. (www.kumon.com)

How did you find out about the above services?

I found out about the GATE program through her elementary school. She was tested and recommended for the program when she was in third grade.  We found out about Kumon through advertisements on television.  I looked up more information on their website and was very impressed with what they had to offer.  I was also referred to Kumon by the GATE program coordinator at Rachel’s school.  Both programs have been outstanding and Rachel really enjoys being a part of both.  I was referred to the California Association for the Gifted through one of the parents at Rachel’s school.  They have provided me with many resources to help me be a better parent as well as readings and activities for Rachel and I to do together.

What financial burden, if any, are you experiencing?

Fortunately, we are not experiencing any financial burden in our family.  Rachel attends a public school so we are not paying for the GATE program that she participates in.  Kumon can be a bit pricey but we are fortunate to have family members that are willing to help enrich Rachel’s education.  We have been blessed to have such an amazing family who is willing to do anything it takes to make sure Rachel reaches her full potential.  One thing Rachel’s father and I are beginning to think about is Rachel’s college education.  I know that she is only in elementary school but her accelerated schooling may allow her to graduate high school earlier than expected which could leave us with college tuition fees sooner than later.  Although we are not feeling this financial burden yet, we know it will be here before we know it and are planning ahead so we can ensure Rachel can attend any college she chooses.

What other information do you want to share?

Before Rachel was born, I never realized that being a parent or teacher to a student who has been designated as gifted would be as challenging as it is.  When I found out that Rachel was gifted I was ecstatic. We have been blessed to have had teachers that have done a great job meeting the academic needs of Rachel.  I have heard of so many gifted students who drop out of school because they become bored with the curriculum because it is not challenging enough for them.  Most people don’t realize the challenges that come with parenting and teaching gifted children.  Many people think having a gifted child makes the life of the parent and child easier.  That is definitely not the case.  It is my goal to make people more aware of the challenges parents and teachers of gifted children face so people stop making these assumptions. 




Here is the link to my Glogster on Giftedness :) :


http://megankonishi.edu.glogster.com/giftedness/