In our text, the author states in the "Working Conditions For Alternate Activities, #6: Never brag about your opportunities to work on the alternate activities." While I agree about this to some extent, I want to pose the question to open a discussion and please feel free to correct me if I am wrong.
Don't we brag about everything to do with sports? If our team beats the other team, we make an announcement to the entire school. If we win the championship, we buy banners and post them for all to see with the child's name & player #. You hear teachers and other students congratulating the team members in the halls etc. When is it okay to brag about being super smart?
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IF we give all students opportunities to shine - you mentioned sports - so true! Truth is there is stuff to celebrate about every child but schools are not very good at finding it for some kids which is were the problems begin. We MUST find it. Also, when providing activities for gifted kids make these opportunities available to all kids then there is no issue - those who choose not to be a part of it can then appreciate and learn from those who do. So yes - if the teacher finds out what there is to celebrate about every kid in the class (not just the sporty kids) gifted students who do extraordinary things should brag and celebrate!!
ReplyDeleteI think we need to define "bragging" before we go much further. I don't consider announcing a win to *our school* bragging. Bragging happens specifically in front of whoever you "beat."
ReplyDeleteIn the TAG context, I see bragging about being super smart only as bragging when it's done specifically to show up other students, as in "I'm super smart, *and you're not.*" If it's just a matter of talking about what you've had the opportunity to do, I don't consider it bragging. But that could just be me. :)
I also think that parents need opportunties to brag about their kids without making others defensive. I have had GT parents together and made them brag on their kids to each other. We all knew that we'd be happy for each other and acknowledged that all kids have different strengths. We didn't try to one-up each other, just share in each other's joys.
ReplyDeleteI find that if gifted kids want to show off their gifts, it is bragging. When athletes want to show off their gifts it is considered celebration. Do I believe that their are sudents and athletes alike that brag -- absolutely! But when is it okay for a gifted student to show off what they can do and when does it become bragging to a point that it is a negative?
ReplyDeleteMarlene, I think it crosses the line from showing what they can do to bragging when they stop showing and begin telling (and not showing).
ReplyDeleteMy high school football coach had what I consider a humbling adage: don't tell me how rocky the ocean was, just bring the boat in to shore. I always took it to mean, we can celebrate getting the job done, but we don't need to belabor the point.
Russ is right. Work and ability speaks for itself and is what was recognised by others in the first place. An athlete can brag all they want, but if they do not perform, they are old news.
ReplyDeleteRuss: I love what your coach said! I think that I will use it if you don't mind.
ReplyDeleteSeveral of our teachers attended a differentiated conference recently where they visited a middle school that is known for differentiated instruction. The one comment they all brought back with them was how student work was showcased. All the hallways had long narrow bulletin boards where teachers could showcase the best of the best work from their students. They said students took pride in having their work displayed and worked hard to make their projects shine.
ReplyDeleteI am interested in knowing how other schools showcase high quality work? I only have the isolation of my classroom to work with and would like to see more displays at our school.
As to the bragging thing . . . I agree it is a fine line and the research indicates that most gifted students do not want others to know they are gifted. The problem is not with the gifted students bragging about some project they just completed . . . but about the bullies out there that will do everything in their power to bring down those who want to express their good works.
Sadly (at least at our school), the bullies have the louder voice.
You are right and it is very sad. I'm thinking of my class that I have right now. I have 2 very gifted kiddos in the class & 2 'bullies'. The bullies are just mean! They think that it is cool to put others down for some reason. I know this has been going on for years...but can we change it?
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