October 29, 2009

GIFTED IN FRANCE
October 28, 2009

"The biggest mistake we make in life is to treat everyone equally when it comes to learning."
Mel Levine

Gifted in France: Upcoming morning and evening presentations for November:

Please take a moment to review and RSVP ASAP the meetings that are of interest to you. These are recorded Webinar presentations that were purchased from SENG and will be shown on a screen via projector/laptop. We welcome and encourage spouses, caretakers, teachers and other professionals to attend these information rich meetings. Open to all, GiF members have priority. GiF is extremely grateful to SENG for addressing these topics that are seldom understood and seldom shared in such a complete manner.

Cost: 10€ for non-members, 5€ for GiF members. RSVP: giftedinfrance@gmail.com

Location: Near Radio France, 16eme arrondissement. Details upon RSVP. Please respond by the indicated deadlines for planning and security reasons. Some of these presentations will take place at Maison des Association du 16eme, also in the 16th, so please be sure to check your RSVP confirmations for correct locations.

MORNING PRESENTATIONS

TOPIC

DATE OF PRESENTATION

RSVP giftedinfrance@gmail.com DEADLINE

Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses

of Gifted Children and Adults
Recorded Webinar Presentation

by James T. Webb, PhD

Tuesday 10 November,

10h00-12h30
 
 

RSVP: Mandatory,

by 6 November.
Subject: Misdiagnosis.
Space limited.

The Autonomous Learner Model

for the Gifted and Talented

Recorded Webinar Presentation
George Betts, PhD

Thursday 12 November,

10h00-12h30

RSVP: Mandatory,

by 7 November.

Subject: The Autonomous Learner

Space limited.

Understanding the WISC-IV: What

EveryParent of a Gifted Child Should Know
Recorded Webinar Presentation by

Paul Beljan, PsyD, ABPdN, ABPN

Tuesday 24 November,

10h00-12h30

RSVP: Mandatory, by 18 November

. Subject: Understanding WISC IV. Space limited.

EVENING PRESENTATIONS

TOPIC

DATE OF PRESENTATION

RSVP giftedinfrance@gmail.com DEADLINE

Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses

ofGifted Children and Adults
Recorded Webinar Presentation

by James T. Webb, PhD

Friday 13 November,

19h30-22h00

RSVP: Mandatory,

by 8 November.
Subject: Misdiagnosis.
Space limited.

The Autonomous Learner

Model for the Gifted and Talented

Recorded Webinar Presentation
George Betts, PhD

Friday 20 November,

19h30-22h00

RSVP: Mandatory,

by 13 November.
Subject: The Autonomous Learner.
Space limited.

Understanding the WISC-IV: What Every Parent of a Gifted Child Should Know
Recorded Webinar Presentation by Paul Beljan, PsyD, ABPdN, ABPN

Tuesday 24 November,

19h30-22h00

RSVP: Mandatory,

by 17 November.

Subject: Understanding WISC IV .

Space limited.

DETAILS OF THE RECORDED PRESENTATIONS:

1. Common Misdiagnoses and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults: What Parents, Educators and Psychologists Need to Know Presented by James T. Webb, PhD

SENG




Because they lack training, mental health professionals are misdiagnosing gifted and talented children and adults as having mental disorders. The characteristics of gifted/talented children and adults - particularly if not understood at school, home, or work - often are mistaken for significant behavioral or emotional problems that can be misdiagnosed as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Conduct Disorder, or Bi-Polar Disorder... Parents and educators, therefore, must become more informed about these issues.

However, for other children and adults, their giftedness is related, but often overlooked, for diagnoses that are accurate such as Existential Depression, Bi-Polar, Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, Sleep Disorders or Multiple Personality Disorder. That is, these children and adults do indeed have dual diagnoses - giftedness and some disorder. It is important that the aspects related to giftedness not be overlooked or misunderstood by professionals.

This session provides information to help parents, educators, and health care professionals understand how they can differentiate gifted behaviors from behavioral pathology. Dr. Webb will describe commonalities and contrasts between the characteristics of gifted children and adults and the behaviors described in the DSM-IV that are used by mental health professionals to make differential diagnoses. In addition, Dr. Webb will discuss dual diagnoses and how treatment approaches with gifted children and adults often need to be modified.

Dr. James T. Webb founded SENG in 1981, and is the lead author of award winning books including Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults, Guiding the Gifted Child, A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children, Grandparent's Guide to Gifted Children, and Gifted Parent Groups: The SENG Model. He was previously President of the American Association for Gifted Children, on the board of directors for the National Association for Gifted Children, President of the Ohio Psychological Association, and a member of the Council of Representatives of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Webb was recognized as one of the 25 most influential psychologists in a national survey published in Gifted Child Today. www.giftedbooks.com


2. The Autonomous Learner Model for the Gifted and Talented

Presented by George Betts, Ed.D.

SENG




The Autonomous Learner Model is one of the leading models used in the field of gifted education. It was created by-and for-gifted kids. The flexible design of this model allows teachers, learners and parents to use this model in the school and in the home. The major goals are to meet the cognitive, emotional, and social needs of the gifted and talented and to facilitate the total growth as independent, self-directed learners. Not only is this webinar for teachers, parents and counseling professionals, but for students who seek to be autonomous learners.

George Betts is a professor of special education in the area of gifted and talented education at the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado, and former teacher/facilitator at Arvada West High School, Arvada, Colorado. He is the director of Center for the Education and Study of the Gifted, Talented, and Creative and the director of the Summer Enrichment Program at the University. He received the 1990-91 Distinguished Service Award from NAGC and was honored with the Life-Time Achievement Award by the Colorado Association for the Gifted and Talented in 1996. In 2003, George was selected as one of the 50 Most Influential Leaders in the Field of Gifted Education by the National Association for Gifted Children. In 2006, he was awarded the M. Lucile Harrison Award for Professional Excellence, the highest award presented to a professor at the University of Colorado.

3. SENG: Interpretation of the WISC IV: What Every Parent of a Gifted Child Should Know
Information about Special Topics in Assessment of Gifted Children
Presented by Paul Beljan, PsyD, ABPdN, ABPN

The WISC IV offers more than IQ scores. While informative, the various domains of Full Scale IQ, Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, Working Memory, and Processing Speed can be misleading.

This session focuses on WISC IV sub-test interpretations that will help parents get the most out of this robust tool. Too often parents receive scores from a WISC IV administration, but without the key meanings behind each subtest. It is most important for parents of gifted children to have an advanced understanding of the WISC IV, since they will generally be in the advocacy role for their child

Dr. Paul Beljan is a Diplomate and Past President of the American Board of Pediatric Neuropsychology (ABPdN). He is in private practice at Beljan Psychological Services, Phoenix, AZ.

Webinars provided by SENG, www.SENGifted.org. SENG is committed to sharing complex issues relating to the social and emotional needs of giftedness. Webinars reflect the opinions of their speakers and do not necessarily represent the philosophy of SENG. SENG invites your comments and discussion about this webinar following the session.

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I hope to see you soon.

Kind regards,

Helen Sahin Connelly

President, Gifted in France

giftedinfrance.blogspot.com

October 11, 2009


GIFTED IN FRANCE
October 10, 2009
Creativity requires the courage to let go of uncertainties.
~Eric Fromm


Dear Friends,

A special thanks to Mr. de Alcantara for his time and support of GiF.


OBJECT WISDOM
Creativity Workshop with Pedro de Alcantara
Date: Sunday, November 22, 2009
Ages: 9 -13+
Cost: 10 €
RSVP: Open to all, but priority will be given to GiF members.
Must register in advance: Please submit the attached form by November 12th.


“How many things can you do with a broom? Well, you can sweep the floor, for instance, or you can use the broom to prop a door open. Wait, you can also use it as a pendulum, a baton, a weapon, a musical instrument… and you could even use it to fly over the moon. If you open your mind and your eyes, you’ll discover that every object in your life has the potential to do a hundred different things you never suspected before. Pedro de Alcantara will provide the objects, you provide the mind and eyes!"


Mr. de Alcantara is the author of two novels for young readers, Befiddled and Backtracked (available at Red Wheelbarrow ) as well as several works of nonfiction for adults. To learn more about him and his books for young people, visit www.pedrodealcantara.com

Gifted in France is a non-profit association that is self-funded. We are indebted to the families who’ve extended their support through their membership.

Kind regards,
Helen Sahin Connelly
GiF,
giftedinfrance.blogspot.com

August 24, 2009

GIFTED IN FRANCE
August 23, 2009
If a man does not keep pace with his companions,
perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.
Let him step up to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.
~ Henry David Thoreau


Dear Friends,

Happy Rentrée to everyone!
We are slowly getting off the ground for 2009-2010.Here’s a brief announcement for a workshop to get those creative juices flowing. We thank Cathy Altman Nocquet for offering this fundraiser activity for GiF.

MEET YOUR MIND: THE FERTILE FACTORY
Creative Writing Workshop with Cathy Altman Nocquet
Date: Saturday September 12, 2009
Ages: 9 and up!
Time: 15h00-17h00
Cost: 10 euros
Priority will be given to members
Deadline for signing up: September 5, 2009, first come first serve.
RSVP: giftedinfrance@gmail.com ; Subject: Creative Writing with Cathy

Cathy Altman Nocquet made a career of creative thinking while working in international advertising as a writer and strategist. Her after-school, creative writing workshops use offbeat, inspiring exercises to develop creative thinking long term. Kids ages 9 and up will invent unexpected characters to populate the strangest of settings, concoct revolutionary plots, turns colors and senses inside out.....And see that their ideas are limitless!
Bring a spiral notebook and your favorite pen!!

(For more information about Cathy’s weekly workshops, please contact her directly at: altman.nocquet@free.fr)

Gifted in France is a non-profit association that is self-funded. We are indebted to the families who’ve extended their support by becoming members.

Kind regards,
Helen Sahin Connelly
GiF,
giftedinfrance.blogspot.com

April 24, 2009

GIFTED IN FRANCE
April 22, 2009

"People think genius a fine thing if it enables a man to write an exciting poem, or paint a picture.
But in its true sense, that of originality in thought and action, though no one
says that it is not a thing to be admired, nearly all, at heart,
think that they can do very well without it."
~J.S. Mill

Dear Friends,

Here are the upcoming events in May, which is a good month to learn or relearn a host of topics addressing the emotional, educational and social needs of gifted and talented kids, and twice-exceptional children. Summer is coming up fast so don't miss out on the end of year events and activities.
HIGHLIGHTS:

FOR CHILDREN

2009 PARIS SPELLING BEE

May 24 and June 7, for finalists

Due to space restrictions, oral finals will be open to family members only.

Lights OUT! Living with Science

Saturday May 16, 2009 14h00-17h00
For ages 8-13

RSVP: May 8th. Subject: Lights OUT! Priority will be given to GiF members. Cost: 5€ for members, 10€ for non-members, limited space.

FOR PARENTS

GIFTED 101

Tuesday morning May 5th 09h30-12h00 and

RSVP: By Thursday April 30:. Subject: Gifted 101 indicate the date you prefer.

Wednesday evening May 6th 19h30-22h00

GRADE SKIPPING and ACCELERATION vs. BOREDOM AND FRUSTRATION IN SCHOOL

Tuesday May 12, 2009, 19h30-22h00

RSVP: By Tuesday May 5: Subject: School Frustration and Acceleration Cost: 5€ for members, 10€ for non-members

HOW DOES YOUR ENGINE RUN? SENSORY MOTOR STRATEGIES FOR SELF-REGULATION

Wednesday May 27, 2009, 19h30-22h00-

RSVP: By May 20th, Subject: How Does Your Engine Run?
Cost: 5€ for members, 10€ for non-members

GIFTED/ TWICE-EXCEPTIONAL ONLINE CONFERENCE WITH THE EIDES

Possible date: Saturday May 23, 2009 10h00-18h00

If you are interested, please email me asap so I can proceed with the venue. Subject: Gifted/2E with Drs. Eides.

GIF MEMBERSHIP

Registration form attached

30€ extended until the end of May


FOR CHILDREN
Lights OUT! Living with Science
Saturday May 16, 2009 14h00-17h00
For ages 8-13, St. Germain-en-Laye

What happens when you suddenly lose electricity and have no power? None! For one day, two days, three days? What will you miss most? What will you need most? Are they the same? Write down and bring with you a list of electrical things you will miss and/or need during during a blackout. There are no right or wrong answers. We'll compare our lists and then get down to business and build our own electric generator. Pablo Martinez Diaz, our favorite mad-scientist who has already taught us how to build a telegraph and a radio, is inviting us back again. After building our generators, we will make time for any budding scientist who wants to do a little presentation on a 'scientific' experiment he or she wishes to share with the group. If you have done a project for school, or for fun, we'd love to see it. If you're passionate about an area in science, Pablo wants to know about it. If you need help with your project, need outdoor space or special arrangements, Pablo wants to hear from you. If you don't have a presentation, not to worry. It's not an obligation or a requirement. There are couple of kids who will present their work and the rest of us can watch and listen. The important thing on this day is to learn about electricity, and then get a chance to see more science in action. (Because there are so many holidays in May, we're not sure if we'll have another science activity before the summer break.) Location: Chambourcy. Those of us leaving from Paris will meet at a convenient location, like last time, before getting on the RER A. Then, Pablo will give us a ride from the train station in St Germain-en-Laye to his home in Chambourcy. If you are driving, we will send you directions after your confirmation.
RSVP: May 7th. Subject: Lights OUT! Priority will be given to GiF members. Cost: 5€ for members, 10€ for non-members, limited space.

2009 PARIS SPELLING BEE
There are 34 participants going to the 2nd annual Paris Spelling Bee finals on June 7th at the American Library in Paris. All contestants braved the written preliminary round on April 4th and are now preparing for the practice session on May 24th. There are 17 kids in each group: the Gazelles (7-9 year-olds) and Cheetahs (10-13 year-olds). We wish each of them lots of fun! And a bit of luck! Due to space limitations, the final event will be open only to the contestants and their family members. We are grateful to the American Library for their support and for making special arrangements to host us.
Check out the new spelling bee blog: parisfrancespellingbee.wordpress.com

FOR PARENTS
Gifted in May:

Make the month of May your Gifted Education Month. Please feel free to join us for a first or repeat viewing of these information rich videos. If you haven't already seen these presentations on the gifted child, we strongly encourage you to attend. If you've seen them before, it's always rewarding to meet new parents and refresh your memory. Everyone is welcome.

GIFTED 101:
Tuesday morning: May 5th, 09h30-12h00 Come by for a cup of coffee and croissant!
Wednesday evening May 6th, 19h30-22h00 Bring your snack/sandwich with you if you haven't eaten before the meeting.
Each meeting includes two DVD presentations by James T. Webb

1. IS MY CHILD GIFTED? IF SO, WHAT CAN I EXPECT? (45 mins)
-
Dr.Webb describes the most common basic characteristics of gifted children and shows how/why some of these traits can actually result in underachievement, power struggles and failure to be recognized as bright.
2. D
O GIFTED CHILDREN NEED SPECIAL HELP (40 mins)
- As they enter school, gifted children are frequently criticized for the very characteristics that make them who they are. Dr. Webb describes the traits, common behaviors, and challenges for gifted children from preschool through adolescence.
(Note: a very useful book that is often used as a companion to the DVD's and SENG's parent workshop is called: A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children, by Webb, Gore, Amend and DeVries.)
RSVP: By Thursday April 30:. Subject: Gifted 101 indicate the date you prefer.
Location: At my place, near Radio France, in the 16th.
Cost: 5€ for members, 10€ for non-members


GRADE SKIPPING and ACCELERATION vs. BOREDOM AND FRUSTRATION IN SCHOOL
Guest Speaker: Mr. Daniel Le Roch, Vice-President of AFEP
Tuesday May 12, 2009, 19h30-22h00
Join us for a discussion on common concerns gifted children face in school such as boredom, frustration, underachievement, anxiety and other behavioral issues. We will also review the "typical" French system; what to do when your request for acceleration is turned down and how the French Education Department views gifted children's needs. "There is a substantial amount of research to indicate that gifted children spend at least one-fourth to one-half of the regular classroom time waiting for others to catch up. Boredom is rampant because of the age tracking in our public schools. Peer relations for gifted children are often difficult, all the more so because of the internal dyssynchrony (asynchronous development) shown by so many gifted children where their development is uneven across various academic, social, and developmental areas, and where their judgment often lags behind their intellect. Clearly, there are possible (or even likely) problems that are associated with the characteristic strengths of gifted children. Some of these typical strengths and related problems are shown in Table 1..." (go to the article to view this useful table) source: http://www.sengifted.org/articles_counseling/Webb_MisdiagnosisAndDualDiagnosisOfGiftedChildren.shtml
Background reading:

A Nation Deceived: How Schools Hold Back America's Brightest Students http://www.accelerationinstitute.org/Nation_Deceived/Executive_Summary.aspx
A Nation Deceived - International Versions-
http://www.accelerationinstitute.org/Nation_Deceived/
General Q & A
http://www.accelerationinstitute.org/Resources/QA/General.aspx
Possible Problems That May be Associated with Characteristic Strengths of Gifted Children:
http://www.sengifted.org/articles_counseling/Webb_MisdiagnosisAndDualDiagnosisOfGiftedChildren.pdf
Position Statement: Acceleration:
http://www.nagc.org/index.aspx?id=383


RSVP: By Tuesday May 5: Subject: School Frustration and Acceleration
Location: Near Radio France, on ave de Versailles, 75016 Cost: 5€ for members, 10€ for non-membersBy Tuesday

HOW DOES YOUR ENGINE RUN? SENSORY MOTOR STRATEGIES FOR SELF-REGULATION
Wednesday May 27, 2009, 19h30-22h00

Guest Speaker:
Zara Harris, Occupational Therapist
Experienced Occupational therapist will describe how we can teach children to regulate their activity level by using their own sensory preferences. As adults, we do this on a daily basis, for instance, when we have to sit through long and maybe dull meetings and remain alert. What do we do? Drink coffee? Doodle on paper? Our kids have similar experiences but don't always know what to do. Everyone attending the meeting, will have the opportunity to explore their own "Sensory Diet" in order to understand the concepts that can be used to teach children how to either 'calm' their nervous system down or to 'Jazz' it up. The term " Sensory Diet", was coined by OT Patricia Wilbarger in the USA and is used successfully as part of the Alert Program (based on How Does Your Engine Run?) in many American schools.
"If your body is like a car engine, sometimes it runs on high, sometimes it runs on low, and sometimes it runs just right.. Students learn what they can do before a spelling test or homework time to attain an optimal state of alertness for their tasks. Teachers learn what they can do after lunch, when their adult nervous systems are in a low alert state and their students are in a high alert state. Parents learn what they can do to help their toddler's nervous system change from a high alert state to a more appropriate low state at bedtime," source: http://www.alertprogram.com/about.php

RSVP: By May 20th, Subject: How Does Your Engine Run?
Location: Near Radio France, on ave de Versailles, 75016 Cost: 5€ for members, 10€ for non-members. Members have priority.



GIFTED/ TWICE-EXCEPTIONAL ONLINE CONFERENCE WITH THE EIDES
-Part 1: Understanding Gifted Children
-Part 2: Dyslexia and Writing Challenges in Gifted Children
-Part 3: Attention, Sensory Processing, and Social Challenges of Gifted Children
Tentative date: Saturday May 23, 2009 10h00-18h00
Experts: Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide are strong advocates for neurologically-based approaches to learning and learning differences. They are the authors of: The Mislabeled Child., which is among the books I try to loan out to parents who come to the GiF meetings)
The Eides are doing an online webinar from April 21-23. GiF is a registered participant and we are now trying to figure out a way to make this very informative and much needed information available to GiF members. This is a three-day seminar, with about 2-hours per day (about 6 hours total) of material to be heard and seen in a power point format with the Eides and then a recorded Q and A session with the participants. (you can see some of the questions already posted by clicking here.)
I have a conference room reserved at the Maison des associations du 16ème arrondissement on Saturday May 23 where we can share this presentation in three parts with short coffee and lunch breaks. (This is pending approval by the authors.) More information about the online conference is at: http://eideneurolearningblog.blogspot.com and for daily updates click here:
If you are interested, please email me asap so I can proceed with getting permission and keeping the venue. Subject: Gifted/2E with Drs. Eides. (Special note: This conference is an effort to help Eides' 12-year-old daughter, Karina, who has metastatic cancer.)

GiF MEMBERSHIP FORMS AND DUES:
GiF membership form is attached. Membership dues will remain at 30€ until June.
Please take a moment to fill out the form and mail it with your check to the indicated address. If you prefer not to become a member, but wish to make a donation, any contribution would be appreciated.
Membership is good for one year from the payment.
Thank you in advance for supporting GiF through your membership.

GiF SUPPORTERS/VOLUNTEERS:
Planning Meeting Thursday April 30th
09h30-11h30. Coffee, croissants and fruit will be served.
We are looking for parents who wish to play a key role in helping GiF map out its goals and execute existing projects. We need your help in most aspects of this organization. Even if you can't come to the coffee-hour, could you please email me if you can help with membership data and networking, fund raising, 2009 Paris Spelling Bee, Twice-Exceptional/Learning Differences group, and planning more science and creativity projects for children (4-7 and 8-13+ years-old.)
RSVP for coffee hour by April 28, Subject: GiF Supporters//Volunteers


Kind regards,


Helen Sahin Connelly
GiF
giftedinfrance.blogspot.com