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Gifted and talented

Talk to other parents about parenting a gifted child on this forum.

Original poster

Tutor thinks DD is G&T school don't - WWYD ?

165 replies

Hideehi · 02/10/2006 11:27

My DD moved from a crap private school to a good state one, but we knew there were issues with her maths so we found a good tutor for her to see twice a week and all has been going well.
However the tutor basically says DD's writing and drawing is exceptional and her reading is very good too, she regularly does 8 year olds homework, but she doesn't seem to show this in class.
The school think she is struggling with reading (i know this is not true) and last week despite getting 10/10 on her spellings in the morning she got 4/10 in the class test.
What on earth is going on ? I thought she was happier in the state school she has more friends who are like us if you know what i mean and has lots of treats, the theatre, holidays, nice outings etc.
Just not sure how to make the school see the child the tutor sees ?

OP posts:
Gobbledispook · 02/10/2006 13:42

cod, you're just not bright enough - you need tutoring mate!

magnolia1 · 02/10/2006 13:44

I have only commented and the stuff you have said. Not off on a tagent at all You asked in your title WWYD?? but seem oblivious to anyone saying they would stop using the tutor!!

magnolia1 · 02/10/2006 13:45

on the stuff, not and the stuff

Obviously I need some tutoring

Original poster
Hideehi · 02/10/2006 13:45

Ok, well thanks but no thanks

OP posts:
Gobbledispook · 02/10/2006 13:46

This thread is most odd!

magnolia1 · 02/10/2006 13:47

yes it is and its stopping me from ironing!!! So keep posting

beckybrastraps · 02/10/2006 13:49

I think most people were imagining a more traditional tutor. I think it sounds good. A bit like a after school club really. But possibly more expensive

How long has she been in the school? You say it's a good one and if so they should soon spot any talent she has. If she hasn't been there long then a talent for art or storytelling may not have shown itself yet. I really would give it a bit longer at the school, and if you're happy with the tutoring, and she is, then continue it by all means. The thought of four hours of extra teaching did make me gulp a bit too, but if it isn't like that then fair enough.

I might go in and ask about their concerns about the reading, and talk about the spellings too. I did this with my son's teacher and she was lovely about it. They know what the problem is with him, and they know what he can and can't do. Perhaps your child's teacher can put your mind at rest. Her talent and inclination appear to lie in drawing and stories. She will have opportunity to do that at school, and she is also enjoying doing it out of school. I'm not dure you can ask for more than that at age 6.

Piffle · 02/10/2006 13:50

You do not have the time and the patience to do leaf collecting and that sort of thing?

Ok then bluntly is response to your original question
How to make the school see what the tutor sees.
Make an appt, take the tutor with you.
I also would like to know what benefits you suspect might ensue form being on the G+T register
I can tell you quite honestly at primary school the answer is sweet f all

Original poster
Hideehi · 02/10/2006 13:51

Thanks Becky

OP posts:
Original poster
Hideehi · 02/10/2006 13:52

Piffle I didn't say I wanted her on the register I just found it odd the school and teacher could see the same child so differently. I could give a rats arse about the G&T register personally.

OP posts:
foundintranslation · 02/10/2006 13:56

I find it a bit telling tbh that you have clearly been through a great number of different structured 'activities' with her at age 6.

Even if the tutoring is play-based etc. etc., I do think she will be picking up on the fact that her 'potential' is to be 'stimulated' in these environments and in fact could be feeling the pressure.

Children need space, not just to relax, but also to be bored.

magnolia1 · 02/10/2006 13:59

Hideehi, It seems that you are more bohered about the school not agreeing with you and the tutor rather than seeing her differently. Of course she will be seen differently at scholl to what she is at home. She isn't a robot she is a child!

magnolia1 · 02/10/2006 13:59

Blimey my keyboard hates me

LIZS · 02/10/2006 14:00

I think

a) cut down the Tutor for now (you could have additional sesion at half term if you felt there was time/benefit)
b)ask the tutor to make what he does more relevant to KS1 to support her school learning (not the other way round) or as an ego trip for him having a bright and attentive student
c) speak to the school to identify where they perceive her specific strengths and weaknesses to be which the tutor can help work on

tbh there doesn't seem to be much benefit to this arrangement unless everyone works together otherwise she'll get confused and compartmentalise the learning as only relevant to each setting.

beckybrastraps · 02/10/2006 14:05

I think there are some harsh words on this thread. I think it might be true HiDeeHi that you are projecting a bit onto your daughter. But I think you know that. You seem to have found a way for her to explore the things she loves to do. If she isn't feeling pressurised by that, and you can afford it, then I can't see a big problem. Give it some time. Let her enjoy her hobbies.

beckybrastraps · 02/10/2006 14:06

Is there an Art club at the school?

Original poster
Hideehi · 02/10/2006 14:09

Unfortunately there aren't any art classes locally for children, i have even considered moving house to be near one she could attend.
her languages are brilliant too, English, French and Spanish, so clearly one side of her brain works very well indeed.
Again the school haven't really had much opportunity to see that side of her I guess.

Anyway I'm off to Tesco's thanks for everyone's imput, you can all bitch about me once I'm gone lol

OP posts:
Piffle · 02/10/2006 14:11

It's not bitching HDH honest :
You asked for advice etc adn as your parenting and situation varies so wildly from so many other peoples, you got a negative response your your approach.
Maybe between what you are doing and what we are saying, somewhere in the middle lies the right path?

Piffle · 02/10/2006 14:12

Also the G+T subject is a bit of a touchy subject on here.
I know I've been flamed plenty in the past on it

LIZS · 02/10/2006 14:13

How long has she been at new school ? Maybe she needs time to adjust and settle in too.

bluejelly · 02/10/2006 14:13

Crumbs she is trilingual! V impressive

beckybrastraps · 02/10/2006 14:14

No! Don't uproot the whole family so your daughter can go to an Art class. You see, this is the worrying bit. You're investing so much in her - it's a lot of pressure.

Original poster
Hideehi · 02/10/2006 14:16

Becky, there's a bit more to it than just the art class, my sister runs it.

OP posts:
yoyo · 02/10/2006 14:19

I might have missed something but this sounds more like an after-school club than tutoring. Drawing, writing stories, puzzles, gazing at the sky - it doesn't sound pressurised at all. My children have gone to various after-school things - junk club, games club, ICT - not for four hours a week but coupled with swimming and Brownies it does add up to quite a lot. Let her settle in to school and see what her teachers say at the end of this half term. They barely know her if she has just joined after all.

beckybrastraps · 02/10/2006 14:20

That's what I reckon yoyo.