Gifted in France

2012-01-28T10:45:00.000+01:00

GIFTED inFRANCE

January 27, 2012

“I still have pretty much the samefears I had as a kid.
I’m not sure I’d want to give them up;
a lot of these insecurities fuel themovies I make.”
Steven Spielberg

Dear Friends,

Pleasejoin us for a viewing of Michele Kane’s webinar on:

Stress, Anxiety and Gifted:

Coping with Everyday Life
90-minute RecordedWebinar Presentation
featuring Michele Kane Ed.D.
Thursday February 16, 2012 – Two presentations,choose one.

Morning 11h30-14h00(bring your lunch)

Evening 19h30-22h00 (bring a light snack for thetable)

RSVP: Deadline mandatory by February 12

EMAIL:giftedinfrance@gmail.com, Subject: Coping With Everyday Life. Please specify which time youare attending. Minimum attendanceof 5 people is required. First come-first served. Space limited.

PARTICIPATION FEE:

5 euros for GiF members, 10 euros for non-members.(Checks payable to Gifted in France must be mailed in advance: Giftedin France, 39 ave de Versailles, 75016 Paris.

HANDOUTS: Slides of the PowerPoint will be distributed. Pleasereserve your spot in advance so copies can be prepared by February 13.
LOCATION:Paris, 75016 (near Radio France.)

Description of the Webinar:

Perfectionism,sensitivities, moral concerns, peers, expectations, and career confusion areonly some of the issues facing gifted youngsters. This Webinar examines thesources of stress as well as explores specific strategies designed to minimizestress and develop self-awareness. In the webinar, Ms.Kane points out that stress is universal and experienced by everyone, and that“being bright, talented, creative, motivated, smart, ambitious, and even goodlooking can add to the stress in your life.” “Academic successand drive aren’t enough to make life manageable. The world is too complicatedand intense, and it’s changing too fast.” She adds, “There are no easy answers,simple solutions, or quick fixes for managing stress” but says, “You can learnto understand why your life gets oppressive, depressive, stressed or otherwiseunhealthy. You can learn to live in a new and better way.” Webinar is presented in PowerPoint format.

About Michele Kane:

Michele Kane,Ed.D. is an Associate Professor and the Coordinator of the Master of Arts inGifted Education Program at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. She isthe past President of the Illinois Association for Gifted Children and formerChair of the Global Awareness Network of the National Association for GiftedChildren. A major focus of Michele’s work is related to parenting giftedchildren, social and emotional needs of gifted learners, and the affectiveaspects of educational programming.

This Webinar wasorganized and hosted by SENG. Pleasejoin us and invite your partner, caretaker, friends to participate in thisinformation-rich session.

Gifted in France is a loi 1901 non-profit association. GiF does not endorse speakers ortheir material, but aims to provide a wide variety of ideas and discussionsabout the gifted andtwice exceptional population.

Finally, please takesome time to read the two attachments, which you will find very useful inunderstanding your ‘intense,’ gifted children, relatives, partners, coworkers.Printing these articles and keeping them in your library could also be useful.

a. Formsand Expressions of Intensity, Lisa Rivero recaps Piechowski.

b. The Inner World ofthe Young and Bright, by Michael M. Piechowski

(thanks Michalisfor forwarding this chapter to GiF from the book: Morality,Ethics, and Gifted Minds, by Cross and Ambrose.)

Best regards,
Helen SahinConnelly
President, Giftedin France
giftedinfrance.blogspot.com
parisfrancespellingbee.wordpress.com

French Education System

2011-10-20T21:49:00.000+02:00

GIFTED in FRANCE

October 20, 2011

They say that we are better educated than ourparents' generation.

What they mean is that we go to schoollonger.

It is not the same thing.

~Richard Yates

Dear Friends,

Please join us for a lively discussion on How to Work the French Education System with guest speaker FlorenceCréneguy on Thursday November 17^th.We hosted Mme Créneguy a yearago and it was one of our most popular events. It was a clear indication of howlittle we understand the system and howfew opportunities there are to talk about it with people in the know. Space islimited, meeting is open to everyone, but members have priority. RSVPmandatory.

HOW TO WORK THE FRENCH EDUCATION SYSTEM

Guest speaker: Florence Créneguy

ThursdayNovember 17, 2011 -- 19h30-22h00

RSVP: Deadline mandatory byNovember 10, first come first served.

Email: giftedinfrance@gmail.com, Subject: French Education

Space islimited to 20.

Admission fee: 5 euros for GiF members, 10 euros fornon-members.

Location: 75016

Description(Presentation is in English):

“Mme Créneguy will explain how the French system works from primaire through Lycée, some‘problems’ that gifted children encounter in the traditional system; idealgrades for skipping/grade acceleration and some options your child may haveoutside of the ‘classical’ track for entering and succeeding in Lycée. Thistalk is generally aimed at helping parents manage the French system by understandinghow it’s structured and opportunities to make it work for your child. With yourRSVP, please send along your questions, with the ages and grades of yourchildren. This will help us understand the needs of the participants.General information on the French system can be found at this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_France.

Background on thespeaker:

Mme Créneguy is Enseignante Education Nationale et Formatrice pour EnfantsIntellectuellement Précoces pour AFEP

She has been a teacher of gifted children for more than 15years. She currently teaches in the secondary section of Ecole Gerson, aCatholic semi-private school (in the 16^th). She also givestalks on behalf of AFEP to teachers andparents around the country and participates in conferences and meetings about giftedchildren in France. She is French, but speaks English quite well. She hasparticipated at previous GiF meetings. We are grateful for the time she taking to help us better understand our education system.

Munchies/Potluck: Please bring alongsomething to drink or eat, something very easy you can pick up from thegrocery store to add to the nibble selection. No stress!

Gifted in France is a loi 1901non-profit association. GiF does not endorse speakers or their material, butaims to provide a wide variety of ideas and discussions about the educational,emotional and social needs of the gifted and twice exceptional population.

See you soon.

Best regards,

Helen Sahin Connelly

President, Gifted in France

giftedinfrance.blogspot.com

parisfrancespellingbee.wordpress.com

Story of Stuff

2011-10-13T21:38:00.000+02:00

GIFTEDin FRANCE

October 13, 2011

Modern technology,

Owes ecology,

Anapology.

~Alan M. Eddison

THE STORY OF STUFF (Ages 9-13+)

Date and time: Sunday November 6, 2011 at 14h00-17h00

RSVP: Mandatory

Email: giftedinfrance@gmail.com, Subject: TheStory of Stuff

Participation Fee: 10 euros / Checkspayable to Gifted in France.

Location: 75016, near Radio France

Workshop led by: Corinne Coughanowr, Ph.D. Chemical Engineer,

specializingin recycling, waste management and sustainability

Description:

We allknow something about recycling, but have you ever wondered where all the stuffwe buy comes from? What about where it goes when we throw it out? How oftenhave we thought about all the steps that occur before that newiPod or T-shirt joins our possessions? How was it made, where did all theingredients come from, who was involved…?

In thisworkshop, we will start with the short film “The Story of Stuff”, then look atthe materials that make up our possessions, and start thinking upstream,downstream and in circles to understand the production and utilization of oureveryday goods, and options for their “end of life."

This isan interactive workshop for kids, age 9-14+, parents are welcome to stay andparticipate as long as there is enough space.

We aregrateful to Corinne for her time and interest in helping us understand TheStory of Stuff!

See yousoon,

HelenSahin Connelly

Common Misdiagnoses and Dual Diagnoses

2011-10-08T09:53:00.000+02:00

GIFTED in FRANCE
October 7, 2011
Not all who wander are lost.
~J.R.R. Tolkien

DearFriends,

Please joinus for a viewing of Dr. Webb’s webinar on common misdiagnoses of giftedchildren and adults. Bring along your partners, pass the word to your teachers,administrators, health care professionals and others helping your children.This is one of my favorite discussions on the subject gifted, talented and twice-exceptionalchildren.

Space is limited,RSVP is always mandatory in advance.

Common Misdiagnoses and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children andAdults.

90-minute Recorded WebinarPresentation
by James T. Webb, PhD

Thursday October 20, 2011 – Two presentations, chooseone.

Midday 11h30-14h00 (bring your lunch)
Evening 19h30-22h00 (bring a light snack for thetable)

RSVP: Deadline mandatory by October16.
Email:giftedinfrance@gmail.com, Subject: Misdiagnoses.
Please specify which time you are attending. Space is limited to 20.
Cost: Free for GiF members andMessage members, 10 euros for non-members.
(Checks payable to Gifted inFrance).

Description of the webinar,presented in PowerPoint format.

“Because they lack training,mental health professionals are misdiagnosing gifted and talented children andadults as having mental disorders. The characteristics of gifted/talentedchildren and adults - particularly if not understood at school, home, or work -often are mistaken for significant behavioral or emotional problems that can bemisdiagnosed 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 theseissues.

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

This session providesinformation to help parents, educators, and health care professionalsunderstand how they can differentiate gifted behaviors from behavioralpathology. Dr. Webb will describe commonalities and contrasts between thecharacteristics of gifted children and adults and the behaviors described inthe DSM-IV that are used by mental health professionals to make differentialdiagnoses. In addition, Dr. Webb will discuss dual diagnoses and how treatmentapproaches with gifted children and adults often need to be modified.”

About Dr. Webb:

“Dr. James T. Webb founded SENG in 1981, and is the lead author ofaward winning books including Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of GiftedChildren and Adults, Guiding the Gifted Child, A Parent's Guide to GiftedChildren, Grandparent's Guide to Gifted Children, and Gifted Parent Groups: TheSENG Model. He was previously President of the American Association for GiftedChildren, on the board of directors for the National Association for GiftedChildren, President of the Ohio Psychological Association, and a member of theCouncil of Representatives of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Webbwas recognized as one of the 25 most influential psychologists in a nationalsurvey published in Gifted Child Today.” This webinar is a production by SENG.

Gifted in France is a loi 1901non-profit association. GiF does not endorse speakers or their material, butaims to provide a wide variety of ideas and discussions about the gifted and twice exceptional population.

More meetings for adults andactivities for kids coming up soon.

Best regards,

Helen Sahin Connelly
President, Gifted in France
giftedinfrance.blogspot.com
parisfrancespellingbee.wordpress.com

Paris Science Fair

2011-10-03T10:50:00.000+02:00

GIFTED in FRANCE

October 3, 2011

OCTOBER = SCIENCE

PASS THE WORD

Dear Friends,

In case you have notheard, here is some information about the two big SCIENCE events happening inParis over the next couple of weekends - for families and individuals aswell as schools. Take a few minutes to walk through the links and RSVP wherenecessary.

PARISCIENCE- INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FILM FESTIVAL

October 6-11, 2011 - Museum of Natural History.

Click here to go the page where you can chooseand RSVP the films you want to see. They book fast. Great for the family,depending on the film you chose. Great location too!

FETE DE LASCIENCE 2011

October 12-16,2011 - throughout Paris, see links below.

Many science institutionsand museums are participating in activities geared to schools, families andprofessionals. Some of the major museums like the Palais de la Decouverte and Cite des Sciences are open for Free to the public on 15-16October. Other museums, universities, and institutions are also participatingin this nation-wide festival.

Take a few minutes to lookthrough the following links to choose something of interest. It can get a bitoverwhelming when so many outlets schedule city-wide events, but hang in there,keep your searches simple and manageable for the family.a. go to this link for general info:

• b. go to this link, to customize your activities, http://www.fetedelascience.fr/pid25662/programme-des-manifestations.html?region=12

• c. when you reach the link under 'b' then ---chose your "region" "department," "villas,""Dates" (chose the weekend 15-16, unless you can go during the week;"types de public," will let you enter your desired age group, thenhit return. A list of activities around Paris, for example, will be listedbelow. You can start your research over again, using different criteria.

See you soon.

More information from GiFcoming your way soon.

Best regards,

Helen SahinConnelly

Little Mad Scientist

2011-09-26T10:26:00.000+02:00

GIFTED in FRANCE

September 26, 2011“

Curiosity is thevery basis of education and if you tell me that curiosity

killed the cat, I sayonly the cat died nobly.”

~ Arnold Edinborough

LITTLE MAD SCIENTIST'SCLUB

Ages: 4-7 years-old

Date: Sunday 9 October 2011

Location: PALAISDE DECOUVERTE

Meet: in the lobby at 10h30

Avenue Franklin Delano Roosevelt

75008 Paris

Museum: 01 56 43 20 20

Click HERE for map:

more info click here: http://www.palais-decouverte.fr/index.php?id=339

Must RSVP by 4 October, by email, JulieHarris julie.harrisguiader@gmail.com

DearFriends,

Weare kicking off the 2011-12 Little Mad Scientist season, with a meetingon Sunday 9 October at 10h30, at the Palais de la Decouverte. The purpose of this group will beto expose children to all things science throughout the year.

Themeeting place will be in the lobby at 10h30, just in time to buy entrancetickets (7 euros for adults, free for under 6's, 4.50 euros for ages 6-25). In addition to their temporary and permanent exhibits, each day (or by19h00 the day before) the museum releases a schedule of activities from whichto choose. Here's an example of one for today. The"Electrostatique spectaculaire " is a crowd-pleaser, for example.(It's usually a popular activity, so you want to be in place ahead of time.) When you get to the museum, you can either walk around with GiF membersand discover the museum on your own, or join in one of these activities,providing it's age-appropriate. (Please note that if you have amembership to the Cites des Sciences, it usually works at this museum, so bringit along. There's also a coat and stroller check-in and there should be plentyof room on a Sunday morning before the midday crowd pours in.)

Thegroup can pause for lunch around 12h00 (bring your own lunch or buy it attheir small snack bar.) After lunch, you can opt to choose a second orthird activity according to interest, go to a nearby park or leave for theday.

For this outing,please RSVP to Julie, julie.harrisguiader@gmail.com Subject: Little Mad Scientist. Thisevent is open to GiF members.

Welook forward to developing and growing the Little Mad Scientist Club. Wewelcome parents leading talks, doing show and tell, and sharing their expertisewith children.

Thank you Julie for leading the October 9th event,and thank you to Heather for leading last April's visit. We hope to hear from more parents who canvolunteer for other science-related venues in the coming weeks and months.

Bestregards,

HelenSahin Connelly

Gifted in France

giftedinfrance.blogspot.com

parisfrancespellingbee.wordpress.com

Plasma Tokamak Part III

2011-09-09T23:47:00.000+02:00

GIFTED in FRANCE

9 September 2011

"Sometimes I think the surest signthat intelligent life

exists elsewhere in the universeis that none of it has tried to contact us."

-Calvin and Hobbes

PLASMA FUSION, PART 3, WITH GUEST PHYSICISTSTEVE M. ELLIOT:

Workshop on Tokamak Pulsed Confinement Magnets

DATE: Sunday October 9, 2011

TIME: 14H00-16H00

AGES: 9-14+up

LOCATION: Same as before

RSVP: September 20th, latest byresponding to this email.

COST: 10 euros

NOTE: PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS TIME BOTH AGE GROUPS WILL BECOMBINED INTO ONE AND WE ARE NOT SURE IF WE CAN ACCOMMODATE EVERYONE, SO PLEASERSVP ASAP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND. PREVIOUS PARTICIPANTS HAVE PRIORITY. THE EVENT WILL BE OPEN TO OTHERS, SPACE PERMITTING.

Description

Highmagnet fields are required to compress the plasmain the Paris Small Tokamak, which is being created under the direction of Mr.Elliot. "Practical magnets cannot be operated continuously due to asevere heating problem. The problem may be solved by operating the magnets withvery short, high power pulses followed by a cooling rest period. The workshopwill focus on challenges and solutions for designing suitable magnets and apulsed power supply to drive them. An experimental plasmacompression magnet used with the Paris Small Tokamak will be demonstrated alongwith new computer simulations of Paris Small Tokamak operation. Attendees areencouraged to bring a digital camera or cell phone with a camera function, ifavailable, for recording observations of Tokamak operation." Also, bringyour notebooks, and handouts.

Resources:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_confinement_fusion

2. Two-minutevideo from ITER.

Parentsare invited for a brief introduction to the activity at drop off time, and asummary at the end. During the workshop, parents are invited to gather at thenearby Cafe Les Ondes for a little brainstorming and friendship session.

Note toour young scientists: We will also be getting ready to start our own blog onwhat we've done to date. If blogging, graphics design, illustrating, orwriting... --even writing songs and poetry about our beloved Paris SmallTokamak -- is of interest to you, please let me know as soon as possible. Whenemailing about the blog project, indicate your area of interest, if you haveone, though it's not mandatory. This is all a work "inprogress," and we'll figure it out as we go.

Asalways, we are indebted to Mr. Elliot for all his time and devotion to thisproject.

See youall soon!

Bestregards,

Helen Sahin Connelly

Gifted in France

Happiness and Education

2011-04-27T10:01:00.002+02:00

HAPPINESS AND EDUCATION: HOW DO WE GET THERE?

Peter Gumbel and Wenda Sheard

Saturday May 21, 2011 at 10h30-13h30

American University of Paris

RSVP: Due to space and security reasons, RSVP is mandatory by Saturday May 14th. Please email: giftedinfrance@gmail.com, Subject: Gumbel/Sheard
Cost: 10 euros per person. Checks, payable to Gifted in France, must be received in advance.
Location: American University of Paris, 75007

Organized by Gifted in France and Hosted by the American University of Paris

French Schools, and the Elusive Search for Happiness, Peter Gumbel

Journalist, teacher, author of, "On achève bien les écoliers,"

Out-Of-The-Box Education Ideas,

Wenda Sheard, J.D., Ph.D.

Educator, attorney

Over the past three decades, a growing body of academic research has highlighted the importance of enjoyment and fulfillment as important learning tools. If you are passionate about a subject, you're more likely to excel at it - and in excelling, derive more intellectual satisfaction out of it. Instinctively, that seems obvious, and there are now more and more studies to prove it. The latest is the new international PISA report, published in December, which clearly demonstrates that teenagers around the world who read for enjoyment score much higher in tests than those who don't. Yet in France, the notion of enjoyment or happiness at school remains taboo. The heavy national curriculum leaves little room for pleasure, and instead relies on the opposite, punishment, as a principal pedagogical tool. Learning in a French classroom all too often is a passive activity, and

highly stressful. It can sap the self-confidence of even the brightest children. On TV talk shows and in the media, there's no shortage of so-called experts who continue to insist that learning is only effective if combined with suffering. In his talk, Peter Gumbel will discuss the importance of happiness at school, why France is such an exception, the prospects for change - and what concerned parents with children in the French system can do to compensate for and counteract the difficult classroom culture.

Peter Gumbel is a British-born former journalist for the Wall Street Journal and TIME Magazine who now works at Sciences Po, where he directs the Center for the Americas and teaches at the Journalism School. His critical book about French classroom culture, "On achève bien les écoliers" (Grasset), created a national stir and hit the non-fiction best-seller list when it was published in September. He has lived in Paris since 2002, and has two daughters at school here. You can follow discussions on the impact of the book on Facebook.

Dr. Sheard will begin by sharing philosophical quotes by John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, J.S. Mill, John Dewey, Margaret Mead, Albert Einstein, and Leta Hollingworth about gifted children and their education. Dr. Sheard will then describe how educational gold standards—the curriculum, the teacher, the diploma, the grade level, the report card—are all constructs of convenience that creative parents and teachers can by-pass by focusing on the true purposes of education. Unique education ideas—theo-therapy, anthropology-lensing, meta-cognition learning, hobby immersion, credentialing by alternative means—can provide positive experiences that protect children’s minds and souls from negative education environments around their bodies. The social and emotional considerations for choosing education ideas for certain children will be considered. Many ideas cost little or nothing to implement, and most take advantage of a child’s natural curiosity.

Wenda Sheard is an attorney, teacher, and mother of three twenty-something gifted children. After practicing law for nearly twenty years, she earned a Ph.D. in political science with an emphasis on education policy. She currently serves as a trustee on the Council of Management of the UK’s National Association for Gifted Children, and she is director emeritus of SENG, Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted based in the US. Dr. Sheard is a recipient of an Ohio Association for Gifted Children award, a presenter at state and national gifted conferences, and a writer of articles about gifted children. She has helped teach the highly gifted portions of on-line gifted education courses and has presented at teacher in-service days. From 2004-2006, Dr. Sheard lived in Hangzhou, China and taught at Hangzhou International School. She currently lives outside London and teaches at TASIS, The American School in England.

This is a community event organized and sponsored by Gifted in France and hosted by the American University of Paris. We are grateful to the AUP for its support in hosting this educational gathering.

Please be sure to RSVP in advance as space is limited to 70 people; please email: giftedinfrance@gmail.com, Subject: Gumbel/Sheard. Checks must be received in advance to secure your space. Please mail checks payable to Gifted in France, 39 ave de Versailles, 75016 Paris. Space will be given on first come, first served basis.

Gifted in France is a non-profit loi 1901 association, aimed to help parents, educators, and mental health professionals understand the social, emotional and educational needs of gifted and twice-exceptional children.

If you would like to become a member of GiF, the annual membership is 30 euros, good for a year from the time you join, and for the whole family. Gifted in France organizes educational meetings for adults and enrichment activities for children, including the annual Paris Spelling Bee.

Best regards,

Helen Sahin Connelly

giftedinfrance@gmail.com

parisfrancespellingbee.wordpress.com

Creativity Workshop for Parents and Kids

2011-04-04T08:42:00.017+02:00

GIFTED in FRANCE

April 4, 2011

Think left and think right and think low and think high.

Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!

~Dr. Seuss,

CREATIVITY WEBINAR FOR PARENTS, Tuesday May 3, 2011
CREATIVITY ACTIVITY FOR CHILDREN, Sunday May 1, 2011
Please take note of the different dates, and
RSVP deadlines, see below.

FOR PARENTS, Tuesday May 3:

Developing Your Child’s Creative Thinking Ability:

Strategies for Parents and Teachers

With Dr. Joyce Juntune

(a recorded Webinar in PowerPoint presentation by SENG)

Morning: Tuesday May 3, 12h30-15h00 OR
Evening: Tuesday May 3, 19h30-22h00
RSVP: Mandatory by April 22, reply to this email, indicate your choice of time, space limited.
Cost: 10€ for non-GiF members, 5€ for members.

Webinar description:

Creative and innovative thinking are valued as skills in today’s rapidly changing world. Creativity also provides an important and necessary outlet for gifted children. What can parents and teachers do to make the development of creativity a natural part of family and school life? Join creativity expert Dr. Juntune for activities that foster creative and critical thinking in younger and older children.

Please feel free to invite your partners, friends, teachers and others who want to learn how we define creativity, how we develop and nurture it, statistics about why children are generally more creative before they enter their formal schooling years and how we can avoid some of the pitfalls that discourage creative and innovative thinking.

RSVP is mandatory, space is limited, Slides to the PowerPoint will be distributed.

Background:

"Joyce Juntune is a Lecturer in the Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University. She teaches graduate level courses in gifted education and undergraduate courses in creativity. Dr. Juntune was one of the developers of Project REACH – a staff development program for integrating creative thinking into content area classrooms, and served as its Director for 5 years. She was the Executive Director of the National Association for Gifted Children for ten years and the Executive Director of the American Creativity Association for six years. She has traveled extensively across the United States and Canada providing training to thousands of teachers in over 500 school districts in the areas of creative thinking, instructional improvement, differentiated curriculum, creative problem solving, and gifted education. She has also provided training in creative thinking and problem solving to law firms, hospital and health care professionals, corporate managers, small business owners and managers, and members of the transportation industry."

FOR CHILDREN, Sunday May 1:

Creativity Workshop for Children, 8-14 years-old

With Cybèle Troyan and Cathy Altman Nocquet.

Date: Sunday May 1, 2011, 14h45-17h00.
RSVP: Mandatory, by April 22 to this email, activity limited to 12 participants, please reply to this email, indicate your child’s name, age, grade, and your cell number.
Cost: 10€, This is a fund-raiser for GiF. Cathy and Cybèle are graciously donating their time.
Location: Near Radio France, 75016

Activity description:

Art teacher Cybèle Troyan and Creative Writing teacher Cathy Altman Nocquet will lead a two-hour session of art and writing exercises to give kids' creativity a healthy jolt. Kids and parents will come away with new ideas for creative activities at home. Parents are welcome and encouraged to stay for a brief introduction about the subject before the activity starts with the children. We are grateful to Cathy and Cybèle for their time and expertise.

GiF is a non-profit, loi 1901 association. If you wish to become a member, the form is attached. The annual membership is 30 euros for the year, from the time you join, and good for the whole family.

2. Sir Ken Robinson on the power of the imaginative mind

Thank you for your continued interest and support.

Best regards,

Helen Sahin Connelly

giftedinfrance.blogspot.com

parisfrancespellingbee.wordpress.com

Little Mad Scientist

2011-03-24T12:02:00.002+01:00

GIFTED IN FRANCE

March 24, 2011

“Children are one third of our population and all of our future.”

LITTLE MAD SCIENTIST

Ages: 4-7 years-old

Sunday April 3, 2011

PALAIS DE DECOUVERTE

Meet: in the lobby at 10h30

Avenue Franklin Delano Roosevelt
75008 Paris
Museum: 01 56 43 20 20
Click HERE for map:
more info click here: http://www.palais-decouverte.fr/index.php?id=339

Dear Friends,

Get ready to start a series of visits to science museums with GiF’s Little Mad Scientist meetings, where the aim is to expose children to all things science throughout the year. Our first visit will be to Palais de la Decouverte on Sunday April 3 at 10h30. We will meet in the lobby in time to buy entrance tickets (7 euros for adults, free for under 6's, 4.50 for ages 6-25). Children and parents will chose a couple of topics to focus on based on how well you know the place. We will pause for lunch around 12h00 (you can bring your own sandwiches and just buy drinks there in their small snack area, which also sells sandwiches, cookies and drinks.) After lunch, we can chose the second or third activity depending on the group’s interest. After that and depending on the weather, we can get our sillies out by going to a nearby park.

In addition to instilling and encouraging interest in science and technology, another important project goal is for children and parents to meet like-minded peers.

We look forward to developing and growing the Little Mad Scientist Club. We welcome parents leading talks, doing show and tell, and sharing their expertise with children. (Please note that if you have a membership to the Cites des Sciences, it should also work at this museum, so bring it along. There's also a coat and stroller check-in and there should be plenty of room on a Sunday morning.)

Best regards,

Helen Sahin Connelly

Gifted in France

giftedinfrance@gmail.com

Parenting Successful Children

2011-03-18T12:00:00.003+01:00

GIFTED IN FRANCE

March 18, 2011

PARENTING SUCCESSFUL CHILDREN

Tuesday March 29,
(two different times to chose from)
12h30-15h00 -or-19h30-22h00

DVD Presentation --Description:

James Webb, in this DVD, talks to parents about how, "frequent breakups of families, the fast pace of technology, the information explosion, and other changes in today's evolving world make parenting more difficult. Learn more than two dozen strategies to set successful limits, avoid power struggles, minimize sibling rivalry, promote self-esteem, and more."

Dear Friends,

I would like to invite you to the follow up session to Gifted 101. This one, as you can see from the description above, is focused on parenting.

At the last meeting and through emails, some of you indicated that you are only available during the lunch hour showing (12h30-15h00), so we'll offer the same presentation twice on the same day. Please RSVP by Sunday 27 March, latest, if you are interested, available and for which time. Please feel free to pass this on to your friends, partners or child minders, but RSVP is absolutely mandatory.

Here is the information.

Session 1: Tuesday 29 March
Time: 12h30-15h00 (As before, bring your lunch, I'll provide coffee and dessert.)
Session 2: Tuesday 29 March
Time: 19h30-22h00 (please bring a drink or a snack to add to the table.)
Address: (near Radio France, 75016).
RSVP: Sunday 27 March, latest.

Thanks for your continued support.

Kind regards,

Helen Sahin Connelly
GiF
giftedinfrance@gmail.com
parisfrancespellingbee.wordpress.com

Gifted 101

2011-02-11T15:06:00.001+01:00

GIFTED IN FRANCE

February 11, 2011

Hide not your talents. They for use were made.
What's a sundial in the shade?
– Benjamin Franklin.

Dear Friends,

Please join us for the following presentation on understanding gifted children, to be held in the 7th arrondissement on Tuesday March 8, 19h30-22h00. You are welcome to join us even if you've already attended it in the past. The second part to this DVD presentation, Parenting Successful Children, will be held on Tuesday March 29th (there will be a separate announcement on this after the February break.)

Gifted 101:
Tuesday March 8, 19h30-22h00

Two DVD presentations by , James T. Webb, 45 minutes each.

Followed by a brief discussion and getting to know other parents.

Bring along a drink or nibble to add to the table.

Location: Paris

RSVP: RSVP by 5 March is mandatory as space is limited and event is being held at a private residence.

A. 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."

B. DO 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."

Resources:

1. 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.) I'll have a copy or two you can have a look at.

2. What is Giftedness: http://www.nagc.org/index.aspx?id=574&ir

3. Gifted 101: http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/gifted_101.htm

4. SENG articles library: http://www.sengifted.org/articles_index.shtml.

With your RSVP, please indicate your portable and home numbers where you can be reached in case of an emergency.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me. Hope to see you soon.

Kind regards,

Helen Sahin Connelly

Gifted in France

giftedinfrance@gmail.com

parisfrancespellingbee.wordpress.com

Plasma Fusion Part II

2011-02-11T01:19:00.002+01:00

GIFTED IN FRANCE

February 11, 2011

PLASMA FUSION, PART II:
Science workshop for Kids 9-14+ years-old.
Sunday March 13, 2011
Time: Two groups, two different times:
Group 1: 9-10 years-old: 12h00-14h00 (up to 8 kids per session)
Group 2: 11-14+ years-old and up: 15h00-17h00 (up to 8 kids per session)
Location: near Radio France, 16th

PLASMA FUSION, Part II
Stephen M. Elliott

The development of plasma fusion power plants will provide an abundant and environmentally clean supply of electrical power. Once fully developed, this method of producing electrical power will produce more energy than is needed by our growing population, will not contribute to climate change, and avoids the problem of high level radioactive waste.

Following the popular plasma fusion power seminar last September, Steve Elliot is returning (as promised) for Part II.

This time he will present, “ the first development stage of the Split Torus Small Tokamak (STST), an actual plasma device that we will use to gain experience with ionized gas and tokamak machines. The STST will be developed over time and will continue to be part of future GiF workshops.” Part II discussion will focus on ionized gas plasma and a review of the principles of tokamak fusion machines.

RSVP: February 14 for returning students to secure your spot

March 4, for everyone else, space limited.

In part I workshop, on September 5, 2010, Steve discussed basics of fusion reactions, the tokamak fusion machines and tokamaks in different countries including the ITER tokamak being built in France.

If you are interested in the environment, energy, and big science, bring your ideas and join us. Aside from Plasma Fusion Power, in the fall of 2009 Steve also did a two-part GiF series on Thought Experiment/ Designing With Your Mind with two groups of 8 children who worked on the project over two weekends in a row. Steve is based in Colorado and travels to Europe for his work once or twice a year.

More About Steve:
Stephen M. Elliott: In 1975 at the Scaife Nuclear Physics Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh, Stephen M. Elliott started working in charged particle physics. During his career, Mr. Elliott has worked on the development of ion beam sources, electron guns, linear accelerators, field emitting devices, magnetron sputtering cathodes, and plasma and ion deposited thin film coatings. In 1991, he founded Thin Film Consulting to provide charged particle beam device design and thin film process development services. In 1993, Mr. Elliott began using Vector Fields software for space charge beam device development. Since then, he has developed models for the simulation of X-ray tubes, neutron generators, plasma and surface ion beam sources, electron guns, cavity resonators, klystrons, and ion spacecraft thrusters. In 2008, Mr. Elliott became the CEO and Sr. Scientist of Lamplighter Technology Inc.

Related links to Fusion Power:

a. http://www-cadarache.cea.fr/gb/activites/fusion/

b. http://encyclopedia.kids.net.au/page/fu/Fusion_power

See you soon!

Best regards,
Helen Sahin Connelly
Gifted in France
giftedinfrance@gmail.com

2011-01-02T01:34:00.010+01:00

GIFTED in FRANCE

January 1, 2011

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.

~ Alfred Lord Tennyson

Dear Friends,

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful New Year full of laughter,

friendship, compassion and wisdom…

Here are two video links raising questions on our current education system...continued food for thought from those pushing for a revolution in the way our children are being educated.

"Trailer: We are the people we've been waiting for..."

"Changing Educational Paradigms, by Sir Ken Robinson."

Thank you for your continued support of Gifted in France and the Paris Spelling Bee.

Best regards,

Helen Sahin Connelly

Gifted in France

giftedinfrance.blogspot.com

parisfrancespellingbee.wordpress.com

2010-11-23T13:38:00.003+01:00

GIFTED in FRANCE

21 November 2010

Both optimists and pessimists contribute to our society.

The optimist invents the airplane and the pessimist the parachute.

~Gil Stern

Dear Friends,

News Flash! Gifted in France was able to get a last-minute, sought-after tour slot!

We are pleased to announce a very special educational outing to the Musée Air + Espace: the Mécaniques du Vol! This unique event will take place Sunday, December 12 from 10h00 -16h00 at the museum, and is limited to 15 children (ages 11-18). The day will include a guided tour (in French) of the museum's Grande Galerie and an atelier led by the museum staff: Explanation is below and attached. First come first serve, payments must be received by 28 November, (this is a requirement by the museum).

Journée Mécanique du vol

Au cours de cette journée, chaque enfant alternera les activités suivantes :

Visite des collections du musée avec un jeu parcours de la Grande Galerie distribué à chaque enfant.
(Durée de l'activité : 2h30)
Activités prises en charge par les animateurs du musée :
Eléments constitutifs d’un avion (maquette, démonstrateur).
Les forces en action (utilisation d’une soufflerie).
Visite du Boeing 747.
(Durée de l'activité : 2h15)

This event has been a year in the making by the museum! The cost for each person attending is 15 euros (does not include transportation costs). Parents must accompany children, or designate another adult (see below). We must have at least 5 adults to accompany our group to the museum.

We suggest you bring a bag lunch, in order to keep up with our guided adventure. It is a full, action-packed day!

WHAT: Daylong-visit to the Musée Air + Espace (at Le Bourget)

(Duration 6 hours on-site)

WHEN: Sunday, 12 December, 2010
TIME: 10H00-16H00 on-site (Meeting place at Gare de Lyon at 09h00, returning there by 17h00), details to be confirmed.
WHERE: Le Bourget

RSVP: You must reserve your space and all payments must be made in full and received before November 28, 2010. Space is limited to 15 children. These fees are set by the museum for group tours.

NOTE: Children must be accompanied by an adult to the meeting point and we must have five adults going on site to the museum with the group. If you wish to get their on your own, children and parents can meet us at the museum no later than 9:45. Don't forget your bag lunch!

Please consider joining Gifted in France, a small but growing non-profit association. We have many goals for this coming year, among them are to purchase our own video projector for presentations; more webinar recordings with experts in the field; and several hand-held GPS devices for geocaching/.educaching activities we hope to host for children via geocaching.com and other outlets. Please consider helping us with your time in sharing your expertise with children, with coordinating an outing to a museum, or being part of the community development and planning committee. This is a genuine plea as we can not accomplish much without your help.

We hope to see you all soon. Don't forget to send in your RSVPs and payment before 28 November - this event will fill up quickly.

Best regards,

Helen Sahin Connelly

giftedinfrance.blogspot.com

giftedinfrance@gmail.com

2010-11-11T13:20:00.000+01:00

GIFTED in FRANCE

11 November 2010

Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent

if no birds sang except those that sang best.

~Henry van Dyke

Dear Friends,

Just a quick and final reminder of the upcoming recorded Webinar by SENG on Superachiever or Underachiever – Parents and Teachers Make the Difference on Thursday 18 November 19h30-22h00, must RSVP in advance (see below). Dr. Rimm will discuss the importance of perceived expectations, self-efficacy, resilience, appropriate curriculum and parenting styles as key contributing factors to children's success at home and at school. We'll take a look at peer pressures and how children go 'under cover,' and what parents and schools can do to help reverse under-achievement, oppositional behavior, perfectionism etc.

Please bring your partner, and invite a teacher who is interested in helping children succeed. RSVP is mandatory for reasons of space, security, and a 29-page PowerPoint handout that has to be copied in advance.

Here are the details:

What:	The Gifted Child: Superachiever or Underachiever – Parents and Teachers Make the Difference Recorded Webinar in PowerPoint format: Presented by Dr. Sylvia Rimm
Date:	Thursday 18 November, 2010 at 19h30-22h00
*RSVP:*	by Saturday 13 November, respond to this email, giftedinfrance@gmail.com, Subject: GiF: Sylvia Rimm 18 Nov. (please indicate your phone number)
Cost:	5€ for members, 10€ for non-members (GiF membership form is attached)
Location:	75016
ote:	RSVP is mandatory due to limited space and preparation of handout materials. Refreshments: Please bring something to add to the table of nibbles and drinks. Nothing fancy or stressful!

“About the presenter: Dr. Sylvia Rimm is a psychologist who directs Family Achievement Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio and specializes in working with gifted children. She is a clinical professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Dr. Rimm speaks and publishes internationally on family and school approaches to achievement. She has authored 22 books, including Why Bright Kids Get Poor Grades, and co-authored the popular textbook, Education of the Gifted and Talented. Dr. Rimm was a longtime contributing correspondent on NBC's Today and a favorite personality on public radio. She also served on the board of the National Association for Gifted Children.”

Gifted in France is a loi 1901 non-profit association. GiF does not endorse speakers or their material, but aims to provide a wide variety of ideas on parenting and relationships with a focus on understanding the gifted and twice exceptional population.

Kind regards,

Helen Sahin Connelly
President, Gifted in France
giftedinfrance.blogspot.com
ParisFranceSpellingBee.wordpress.com

2010-10-12T14:01:00.007+02:00

GIFTED in FRANCE
10 October 2010

“The pupil who is never required to do what he cannot do,

never does what he can do.”
~John Stuart Mill

HOW TO WORK THE FRENCH EDUCATION SYSTEM?

Guest speaker: Florence Créneguy

DATE: Tuesday 19 October, 2010

TIME: 19H30-21H30/22H00

RSVP TO: giftedinfrance@gmail.com, Subject: French Education System

Space Limited. RSVP Deadline, latest, Saturday 16 October.

Please include your emergency /cell phone numbers.

LOCATION: in the 16th, near Radio France

COST: 5€ for members, 10€ non-members.

Mme Créneguy will explain how the French system works from Primary through Lycée, what are some of the ‘problems’ that gifted children encounter in the traditional system; what are the ideal grades for skipping/grade acceleration and some of the options your child may have outside of the ‘classical’ track for entering and succeeding in Lycée. This talk is generally aimed at helping parents manage the French system by understanding how it’s structured and opportunities to make it work for your child. With your RSVP, please send along your questions and the ages and grades of your children. This will help us understand the needs of the participants. General information on the French system can be found in this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_France.

Background: Mme Créneguy has been a teacher of gifted children for more than 15 years. She currently teaches in the secondary section of Ecole Gerson, a Catholic semi-private school (in the 16^th). She also gives talks on behalf of AFEP to teachers and parents around the country and participates in conferences and meetings regarding gifted children in France. She is French, but speaks English quite well. She has participated at previous GiF meetings.

Munchies/Potluck: Please bring along something to drink or eat, something very easy you can pick up from the grocery store to add to the nibble selection. No stress!

Membership Forms: Annual membership form is 30€ per family, email giftedinfrance@gmail.com for a copy of the form.

Side note: Peter Gumbel, the author of the recently published book On achève bien les écoliers, has provoked a debate about the French education system. His next presentation will be held at the American Library in Paris on 16 November. It is not a GiF event. Visit ALP's link for Gumbel's talk. To follow ongoing discussions, you can track him on the book's facebook page.

I hope to see you soon!

Best regards,

Helen Sahin Connelly

President, Gifted in France

giftedinfrance.blogspot.com

2010-09-17T13:15:00.000+02:00

GIFTED in FRANCE
15 September 2010
“I think in the coming decade we will see well-conducted research demonstrating that emotional skills and competencies predict positive outcomes at home with one’s family, in school, and at work. The real challenge is to show that emotional intelligence matters over-and-above psychological constructs that have been measured for decades like personality and IQ. I believe that emotional intelligence holds this promise."
--Peter Salovey, from “Emotional What?” EQ Today

Dear Friends,

We're going to declare the weekend of 2nd and 3rd of October Family Weekend focusing on building a better relationship with our children with a DVD presentation for parents on Saturday 2 October 10h30-14h30 and the Odyssea walk/run race for the entire family on Sunday 3 October 09h45-13h00. (See the previous post.)

WHAT: Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child,

DVD Presentation featuring a lecture by John Gottman, PH.d
(Duration 1h40mins, followed by parents networking)

WHEN: Saturday 2 October, 2010
TIME: 10H30-14H30 (DVD presentation will run from 10h30-12h00/12h30, followed by parents making friends and comparing notes.
WHERE: Maison des Association du 16ème, near Radio France.
RSVP: Please RSVP giftedinfrance@gmailcom by Monday Tuesday 28 September --Subject: Emotional intelligence
NOTE: RSVP in advance is mandatory. The venue is usually closed for business on Saturdays. The conference room is located in the basement of the building, phone reception is not always reliable.

We chose this DVD since the topic of Emotional Intelligence has been one of the more popular subjects among parents looking to improve communication with their children. With the rentrée already underway, we are, once again, going to need all the help we can get. So, come with your partners, parents, grandparents and friends and lets get on the same page in building stronger bridges with our children. Dr. Gottman's expertise is also in relationships between adults, see his bio at the end of the page.

DVD Description:
" Every parent wants to equip their child with social and emotional skills necessary to succeed in school and life. In this 90-minute community talk to parents, John Gottman reveals how successful parents us "emotion coaching" with their children. Based on evidence gathered from his studies of families and parents, Dr. Gottman says that when parents offer their children empathy and help them to cope with difficult feelings like anger, sadness, and fear, they build bridges of loyalty and affection. Within this context, emotion-coaching parents will still need to effectively set limits, but misbehavior is no longer the main concern. "Compliance, obedience and responsibility come from a sense of love and connectedness children feel within their families," he says. "In this way, emotional interactions among family members become the foundation for instilling values and raising moral people." Source: http://www.gottman.com/51166/Books-and-Lectures.html

About Dr. Gottman:
"He is the author of 190 published academic articles and author or co-author of 40 books, including the bestselling The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work ; The Relationship Cure ; Why Marriages Succeed or Fail ; and Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child , among many others. Dr. Gottman’s media appearances include Good Morning America, Today, CBS Morning News, and Oprah, as well articles in The New York Times, Ladies Home Journal, Redbook, Glamour, Woman’s Day, People, Self, Reader’s Digest, and Psychology Today. "

Gifted in France does not endorse speakers or their material, but aims to provide a wide variety of ideas on parenting and relationships with a focus on understanding the gifted and twice exceptional population.

Please consider joining Gifted in France, a small but growing non-profit association. We have many goals for this coming year, among them are to purchase our own video projector for presentations; more webinar recordings with experts in the field; and several hand-held GPS devices for geocaching/.educaching activities we hope to host for children via geocaching.com and other outlets. Please consider helping us financially or with your time in sharing your expertise with children, with coordinating an outing to a museum, or being part of the community development and planning committee. This is a genuine plea as we can not accomplish much without your help.

We hope to see you all soon. Don't forget to send in your RSVPs for the Emotional Intelligence event above on 2 October, and sign up with Odyssea for the family event on 3 October.

Best regards,

Helen Sahin Connelly, President
Rose Burke, Vice President of Events
Gifed in France

2010-09-17T13:04:00.000+02:00

GIFTED in FRANCE
13 September 2010
Go the extra mile. It's never crowded.
~Anonymous

Dear Friends,

I hope your rentrée is going well.

I should have some meeting dates coming your way in the next few days.

In the meantime, I would like to invite you and your children to join us as we RUN or WALK the Odyssea race against breast cancer on Sunday 3 October. Many of you already know of this race and know how much fun it can be for the family.

This is the first year that Gifted in France is entering as a group. The race is open to children 8 and older, though there are child care/garderie arrangements by the Odyssea organizers, not GiF, for children who can't participate in the race. Space is limited in the garderie. We did the race as a family a few years ago and it was encouraging to see so many children running or walking alongside adults through the Esplanade du château de Vincennes Click here for a map of the 5km route/path.

Just yesterday, I registered online for the whole family, it was quite easy and quick. You can register multiple people (family, friends) following their easy steps.
Please do not feel obliged to do this event as a group, but if you wish to join us and walk together, here are some steps to follow:

Register yourself and/or your family online or in person directly with the organizers as indicated on their website.Gifted in France is not authorized to register anyone, or take any payments.
Once you've registered, please email us at giftedinfrance@gmail.com, Subject: Registered for Odyssea and we'll add you to the list of people interested in meeting up before the start of the race.
Indicate names of adults registered and for which race. Also indicate name, age, grade of children registered to walk with you. Please also include cell phone numbers for your party.
Indicate if you will be running or walking the 5k and/or 10k race. We (my family) are only registered to walk the 5k race for the moment. Please note that for the 10k you need a doctor's note saying it's OK for you to participate in this event. See their website for information regarding this.
Please NOTE: All children participating in the event must be accompanied by adults. GiF will not be responsible for looking after unattended children, or be responsible for children walking the race unaccompanied. We don't have the volunteers or the means to provide this accommodation at such a popular event.
Here is the information you need to register:

· Schedule of events for Sunday 3 October, note that the 10k runners start first http://www.odyssea-paris.com/pages/programme.php

· Link to register online: Once you start the first registration, the system allows you to keep adding names to your order, and give you a final receipt for payment at the end. http://www.odyssea-paris.com/pages/index.php

· GiF Meeting time for the 5k race will be at 09h45, location to be determined. This gives you a chance to get there, retrieve your numbers, t-shirts, etc and find us. Warm ups, organized by Odyssea, are at 10h45. 5k race begins at 11h00.

· Reminder: Once again, GiF will not be making any payments or taking in any registration. All these transactions must happen directly between you and the organizers of the race.

See you there,
Helen Sahin Connelly
President, GiF

2010-08-13T09:40:00.000+02:00

GIFTED IN FRANCE

The joy of discovery is certainly the liveliest that
the mind of man can ever feel.
--Claude Bernard (1813-78) French physiologist.
August 13, 2010

PLASMA FUSION ELECTRIC POWER
Science workshop for Kids 9-14+ years-old, see info below.

Sunday September 5, 2010
For Ages and Time: Two groups, two different times:
9-10 years-old: 12h00-14h00 (up to 8 kids per session)
11-14+ years-old and up: 15h00-17h00 (up to 8 kids per session)
Location: near Radio France, 16th
RSVP: by email before August 27th, space limited.

PLASMA FUSION ELECTRIC POWER
Stephen M. Elliott

The development of plasma fusion power plants will provide an abundant and environmentally clean supply of electrical power. Once fully developed, this method of producing electrical power will produce more energy than is needed by our growing population, will not contribute to climate change, and avoids the problem of high level radioactive waste.

Steve Elliott will present a seminar on plasma fusion power. The seminar will cover basic fusion reactions, the principle of the tokamak fusion machine, several tokamaks in different countries, and the ITER tokamak being built in France.

If you are interested in the environment, energy, and big science, bring your ideas and join us. Steve's first workshop for GiF was in the fall of 2009 when he did a two-part series on Thought Experiment. He is based in Colorado and travels to Europe for his work once or twice a year.

Related links to Fusion Power:

a. http://www-cadarache.cea.fr/gb/activites/fusion/

b. http://encyclopedia.kids.net.au/page/fu/Fusion_power

See you soon!

Best regards,
Helen Sahin Connelly
President, Gifted in France

2010-05-25T16:29:00.003+02:00

GIFTED in FRANCE

May 24, 2010

"When we all think alike, then no one is thinking."

--Walter Lippman

Dear Friends,

Please take a moment to read the following updates as we approach the end of the academic year and go our separate ways until the rentree!

FOR PARENTS: Three June webinars (see the 2 charts below) are coming up and they are likely to be of great interest to you on different levels, especially for those of you wanting to foster creativity at home, for those of you who are in the midst of exhausting the system trying to understand your gifted child’s puzzling issues, and for those of you struggling with twice exceptional (2E) kids (gifted children with learning or other issues). These recorded webinars, in power-point format, feature three highly respected experts in the gifted, educational, and mental professional community. They are well spoken, and one of the most interesting points each of them makes, regardless of the situation at hand, is not to overlook your child’s potential talents and not to take their areas of strengths for granted. Each webinar is information packed. Please note that there are morning and evening showings for each of the three webinars, so respond accordingly in the SUBJECT. Even though the month of June is full of many activities, I hope you’ll join me for the following presentations that will hopefully give you a leg-up on options and different perspectives you did not previously consider. The only trick is I need a minimum of 5 people to keep each presentation. Please send in your RSVP asap if you are available to join us. Please remember to update your membership so we can continue to purchase these kinds of webinars to enlighten ourselves and those around us. Membership is 30euros and it’s good for a year from the time you join. Email: giftedinfrance@gmail.com

FOR KIDS:

1. Gifted in France is in the middle of hosting its 3rd annual Paris Spelling Bee. We had 73 students from over 30 schools register for the preliminaries. They are heading to the finals on Sunday May 30th with 16 finalists in each group, which consists of children in CE2-CM2 and 6eme-4eme. We wish them luck. The event is only open to the contestants and their families.

2. Also, a reminder that on June 6th for kids 9+up there's a creativity workshop, which will combine words and visual arts: "Making Characters Jump off the Page" A Creativity Workshop for Kids 9+ with Cybèle Troyan and Cathy Altman Nocquet. Sunday June 6th 2-6pm (see end of page for details).

List of upcoming Webinars presentations by GiF, courtesy of SENG:

RECORDED WEBINARS

DATE

COST

Developing Your Child’s Creative Thinking Ability: Strategies for Parents (and teachers),

with Dr. Joyce Juntune

Morning Presentation:

Thursday June 3^rd : 10h00-12h00 RSVP by May 31^st

10€ for non GiF members,

5€ for members

Evening Presentation:

Thursday June 3^rd: 19h30-22h00. RSVP by May 31^st

Navigating the Quest for Help: Understanding Your Gifted Child’s Puzzling Behavior,

with Dr. Steven Curtis

Morning Presentation:

Thursday June 10^th 10h00-12h00. RSVP latest by June 6^th.

10€ for non members,

5€ for members

Evening Presentation:

Thursday June 10^th, 19h30-22h00. RSVP latest by June 6^th.

The 2E Enigma: How Do I Know My Child is 2E -- and How Can I Best Support Him/Her?

With Susan Baum, Ph.D

Morning Presentation: Thursday June 17^th: 10h00-12h00. RSVP latest by June 12^th.

10€ for non members,

5€ for members

Thursday June 17h: 19h30-21h00. RSVP latest by June 12^th.

IMPORTANT NOTE: please be sure to note the morning or evening presentation in your RSVP and reply by the given deadline so we know whether or not to hold the presentation for that day. We need a minimum of 5 people to proceed. The presentations are by a laptop hookup to a tv monitor. Since the handouts/slides to these presentations are numerous, I’m not sure if I can guarantee copies for everyone. We’ll see how it goes.

These Webinars are 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 these webinars.

BELOW ARE EXPLANATIONS OF THE WEBINARS:

Developing Your Child’s Creative Thinking Ability: Strategies for Parents

with Dr. Joyce Juntune

Creative and innovative thinking are valued as skills in the workplace. Creativity also provides an important and necessary outlet for gifted children. What can parents do to make the development of creativity a natural part of family life? Join creativity expert Dr. Juntune for ways to have fun as a family while fostering creative and innovative thinkers.

Joyce Juntune is a Lecturer in the Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University. She teaches graduate level courses in gifted education and undergraduate courses in creativity.

Dr. Juntune was one of the developers of Project REACH – a staff development program for integrating creative thinking into content area classrooms, and served as its Director for 5 years. She bookmarkwas the Executive Director of the National Association for Gifted Children for ten years and the Executive Director of the American Creativity Association for six years.

She has traveled extensively across the United States and Canada providing training to thousands of teachers in over 500 school districts in the areas of creative thinking, instructional improvement, differentiated curriculum, creative problem solving, and gifted education. She has also provided training in creative thinking and problem solving to law firms, hospital and health care professionals, corporate managers, small business owners and managers, and members of the transportation industry.

Navigating the Quest for Help: Understanding Your Gifted Child's Puzzling Behavior with Dr. Steven Curtis

Parents of gifted children often struggle to understand how to best meet their son's or daughter's needs. When a gifted child has some type of puzzling behavior, or social or learning challenge, this struggle can intensify which can result in numerous visits with professionals and people in the know. This "quest for help" can be a very frustrating and exhausting experience.

In this webinar, Dr. Curtis will begin with a description of the pathway of the "quest for help" that so many parents of gifted children take. This will be followed with a presentation on the common characteristics of gifted children, how gifted children are identified, common controversies and myths, and how gifted children are often misunderstood and mislabeled as having something else. Participants will then learn about possible educational options and ways to create/implement a strength-based strategy of success. The goal of this webinar is to help parents better understand the needs of their child, know how and when to intervene, have a better understanding of whom to turn to for help, and feel more empowered to help their gifted child find success. It will also empower positive communication between parents and educators. By participating in this webinar, parents and caregivers will find that the quest for help is much less costly and more effective in the long run.

Dr. Steven Curtis is a Child Clinical Psychologist and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. He has worked in medical, school, and university settings for 25+ years. He was trained at Utah State University and at the University of Washington School of Medicine. He is the former Special Education Director at Seattle University and teaches part time at Antioch University. Dr. Curtis engages in private practice with Lifespan (www.lifespanps.com) and specializes in helping gifted children with Behavioral, Social and Learning Challenges.

The 2E Enigma: How Do I Know My Child is 2E -- and How Can I Best Support Him/Her? With Susan Baum, Ph.D

An increasing number of gifted students experience learning disabilities, attention deficits or social and emotional issues. Simply addressing these difficulties without consideration of their advanced abilities is rarely effective. In this session we will:

• Discuss the characteristics of 2E students including those gifted students with ADHD, learning disabilities, or Aspergers Syndrome.

• Dispel the myths and misconceptions concerning their needs.

• Introduce The Talent Centered Model for 2e Students, with specific strategies for helping parents and professionals meet the needs of these special youngsters.

Susan Baum, Ph.D. is co-director of the International Center for Talent Development and Director of the National Institute for 2E Research and Development at Bridges Educational Center for twice exceptional education. Professor Emeritus from The College of New Rochelle, Susan is an expert in twice exceptional education. An international consultant, Susan is published in the areas of twice exceptional students, primary-aged gifted students, and social and emotional factors affecting gifted students. She served on the Board of Directors of the National Association for Gifted Students and is past president and co- founder of the Association for the Education of Gifted Underachieving Students.

Creativity Workshop for Kids 9+up: "Making Characters Jump off the Page"
with Cybèle Troyan and Cathy Altman Nocquet
Sunday June 6th 2-6pm
RSVP: directly with Cathy Altman Nocquet altman.nocquet@free.fr 06 99 85 40 98 – For more information, visit http://can.writing.free.fr/

Kids in this four-hour workshop will use words and visual arts in concert to make fully developed characters, then deploy them in a variety of poems, scenes and stories. What is unique about the friendship between the Ninja palm reader and the rutabaga minstrel across the room? Why are the lioness and rocking chair characters rivals? Work with new friends on this fun and surprising project, then present your creations to parents at the end of the session.
Cost: 22 euros
10% discount for GIF members and for siblings
Location: near La Motte Picquet Grenelle metro

Finally, here’s an interview with Wenda Sheard by SENG regarding her speaking engagement with Gifted in France last February. Her topic was Gifted Third Culture Children.

Best regards,

Helen Sahin Connelly
President, Gifted in France
giftedinfrance.blogspot.com
giftedinfrance@gmail.com

2010-01-16T10:41:00.010+01:00

GIFTED IN FRANCE
January 15, 2010

The reasonable man adapts himself to the world;
the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself.
Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.
– George Bernard Shaw, Man and Superman (1903)

Dear Friends,

Gifted in France wishes you and your families a very Happy New Year.

I am thrilled to announce a special guest speaker event with Dr. Wenda Sheard who will be addressing a topic that is likely to be of great interest to many bi-cultural or multicultural families living in France. GiF members have priority, but the invitation will open up to non-members as well. Please RSVP as soon as possible if you can join us.

Gifted Third Culture Children:
Strategies for Meeting Educational, Social, and Emotional Needs
Guest Speaker: Wenda Sheard, J.D., Ph.D.
Past President of SENG
Tuesday 16 February, 2010
19h30-22h00

RSVP is mandatory: deadline February 10, 2010, Space is limited (members have priority)
EMAIL: giftedinfrance@gmail.com, Subject: Gifted Third Culture Kids
(please include your cell phone/emergency numbers with your RSVP)
LOCATION: 16eme, near Radio France
COST: 5€ for members, 10€ non-members

"Striking similarities exist between gifted children and third culture children. Children in both groups experience feelings of aloneness, feelings of knowledge beyond that of their classmates, and feelings of gaps between them and their classmates. Children in both groups experience clashes between their school environment and their learning needs. Dr. Sheard will share successful strategies for meeting the academic, social, and emotional needs of children who are both gifted and living away from their home country. The presentation will include time for questions."

“Originally developed by sociologist/anthropologist Ruth Hill Useem over 40 years ago (Useem, 1999; see also Pollack & Van Reken, 1999), the concept of TCK (Third Culture Kids) refers to children who have lived outside their passport country with their parents during childhood; these children have blended elements of their passport culture and the foreign culture into a third culture (Kidd & Lankenau, n.d.). Pollack and Van Reken describe the third culture as an interstitial culture, a culture between cultures.”

Wenda Sheard, J.D., Ph.D., is a U.S. attorney, teacher, and mother of three gifted children. After practicing law for nearly twenty years, she earned a Ph.D. in political science with an emphasis on education policy. From 2004-2006, Dr. Sheard lived in Hangzhou, China and taught at an international school. She's currently living near London, England and teaching at an international school. She’s the immediate past president of SENG (www.sengifted.org), a recipient of an Ohio Association for Gifted Children award, a presenter at state and national gifted conferences, and a writer of articles about gifted children, including "Lessons from our kissing cousins: third culture kids and gifted children" published in Roeper Review in 2008. She has helped teach the highly gifted portions of on-line gifted education courses and has presented at teacher in-service days

We will be making a donation to SENG as a gesture for the support and guidance they give to countless families and professionals in the US and overseas through their online publications, webinars and DVDs. Now, they are extending their support to Gifted in France with Wenda Sheard’s special guest appearance.

We hope you can join us.

Best regards,

Helen Sahin Connelly
President, GiF
giftedinfrance.blogspot.com
giftedinfrance@gmail.com

2009-10-29T11:32:00.005+01:00

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 16^th, 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.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I hope to see you soon.

Kind regards,

Helen Sahin Connelly

President, Gifted in France

giftedinfrance.blogspot.com

2009-10-11T00:38:00.000+02:00

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

2009-08-24T03:16:00.000+02:00

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

2009-04-24T23:49:00.002+02:00

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.
GIFTED 101	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. DO 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

2009-03-23T07:48:00.005+01:00

2009 PARIS SPELLING BEE For more information on the bee, visit the new blog: parisfrancespellingbee.wordpress.com