Today I witnessed what will be a long journey of exploration. What I learned is that I will bite my nails and hold my breath every step of the way. Rose has begun her testing for the gifted and talented program. Just thinking about it makes me ill, but she enjoyed every moment of it and even cried when it was time to go. I could barely stay in the room. For fear of what I am uncertain. I want her to succeed I want everyone to see the brilliant, creative and wonderful daughter I have. I'm afraid they won't see what I see. But then again do I care?
We are having her tested because the school districts here are different, harder in some ways. We didn't know where to put her and in what grade. We were told under no circumstances should she go into preschool. Pretty much she's too smart. How smart we won't know until the testing is done and even then I don't think I even care. They did a series of math problems on paper. Rose was coloring and I thought not paying attention but believe it or not came up with the correct answers. They were just doing it to see if she could do it. They were tests for much older children. Without blinking an eye she added and subtracted with ease. She then went on the to tell the tester what letters made up the word stop and dog and so on. It was hard on me and I plan to let Will sit in on the rest of the tests. The tester was impressed and Rose enjoyed herself and I needed a stiff drink when it was all over. Its hard to let go and let them succeed or fail on their own terms. Sometimes loving means letting go. I'm not sure I'm ready. But I am positive Rose is ready to try! But is the world prepared for Rose?
7 comments:
Well, Moya's about the smartest little girl I ever met. But I think a lot of parents experience what you're describing, regardless of their kids' abilities. We've got one two and a half year old who talks like an adult, and another doesn't talk at all. Somehow I think we take it as an assessment of ourselves when people evaluate and test our children - especially when they're young. We are their teachers, their models, their genetic material. Here's to things getting easier...
That was me. Forgot to sign my name...
- Edson
Moya is a very smart little girl. She is so curious about everything around her. I'll probably be the same way when Alex gets to be that age. I want him to be a baby forever! Anyway, good luck with all the testing and I hope everything is going well for you all and thanks for the link to Alexanders site. I was looking at the ghost photos on that other link that you have posted also. Very Cool. -Cristie
Give us a call on the computer to tell us more details. Evidently the other tests are on another date. Don't worry, they'll give you the best advice on her placement.
B
remember to love your children as they are - not as we would have them be - and always believe in them - Moya is a true gift from God - her success in life will not come from what a test says - but by confidence instilled in her by her loving parents - success will come from her exuberance for life, the beauty in her kindness, her loving nature for others, and her desire to always know more.
Don't worry, be happy...I went through testing for the gifted program when I was a little kid and it's no big deal. They aren't testing what she knows so much as her ability to reason, comprehend and problem solve. It's more your capacity to learn than what you already know. So don't freak out that you haven't taught her enough, it has nothing to do with that at all. And Moya most certainly is gifted by anyones standard, Australian or American. You are a very down to earth person, so just make sure Moya stays that way too. Alot of "gifted" kids get the attitude that they are special, and they are "better" than others, which as you know, will not win her any friends. Just remind her that she is special, but because she is kind, and funny, and sweet, and lovable - not just because she has brains. But I'm sure you know all this - you're a smart cookie yourself :)
P.S. I love the blogs, I check every day just to see what's up in your corner of the world.
P.P.S. Does you toilet flush backwards? i.e counter clockwise - and if so, does it bug you?
Suze (placed by me the blogger)
Let me say thanks to Edson, Daisy, christy, second mom Bernita, my mom, and Sue who's comment I pasted from email she sent me! I liked it so much I posted it here. I love you all
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