Today's Tip for Families

[En español]

02-25-2023

Could Your Child Be a Gifted Underachiever?

All the tests show that your child is very bright. But your student's report card gives a different picture. Teachers say your child is disorganized and doesn’t complete work. Your child isn’t interested in what’s going on in class. As a result, grades are low or dropping.

All children have strengths and weaknesses. Families should not expect a child—even a gifted child—to be equally strong in every subject. But when achievement is well below ability, it’s time to find out why.

Talk to your child’s teacher. It may be that your child is bored in school. The teacher might allow your student to work on a related project that would provide a creative challenge. Discuss ways that you and the teacher can work together to help your child.

Next, look for after-school activities that match your child’s strengths. There, your child will meet kids who share interests. This can motivate your child.

Finally, if the situation continues, ask your child’s pediatrician how to find out if your child may have a learning disorder (LD). Gifted children with LD may not get the help they need for either their giftedness or their LD without family support.


Brought to you by:

Jackson County Schools

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