hahaha the G and t "reader"(wtf???) is now way behind

[ImNotInterestedInYourKids]

1. being g and t for reading is odd

2. kdis mum went on adn on about it

3. kid now in year 5 and is still on level 10

hooray

I posted this earlier on the thread, perhaps its wide of the mark but I'd be interested what you all think:

One possible reason why the G&T topic is so vexing:

There are a few forms of talent where very exceptional ability can be possessed at an early age and might call for some sort of special eductational intervention. I'm thinking of mathematical/musical precociousness (chess-playing skills might fall into htis category I guess)

But for the vast majority of manifestations of intelligence, the intelligence is not something that exists on a single dimension, like height, or weight, or whatever. It is a complex involving narrow features like IQ but also much broader things like personality, emotion, character, maturity. As such, it can't be separated from the person as a whole, and can't be perceived except across the child's whole life and experience.

Parents know their own children well and see this growing intelligence like no outsider can, and so they might tend to feel that when a child is singled out onthe basis of narrower criteria it unresonably downgrades an equally valuable but more nebulous and slow-maturing intelligence.

Completely agree, niceglasses and clandestine. It is impossible to discuss the topic nowadays without it being taken personally.

Oh yes, excellent post Threadworm.

Have to say I much preferred it throughout priamry when instead of G+T children were able very able and exceptionally able

I'm 33 but my reading age is actually 37.

Definitely threadworm. Agree with every word you've said.

I wish in the most heartfelt way that the label had never been invented. As MB and others have said, it is meaningless in the context of schools since those of us who are teachers know that all we are asked to do is identify bright kids in our subject - bright but they are not for the most part gifted and talented.

Children who are genuinely gifted and talented in a particular way are so much more rare. And they do, despite what was said earlier, usually find a way to fulfil their potential - not just because they have a 'label' but because they are passionate about their particular talent. But why does it have to become a matter for so much handwringing and angst among parents?

very good posts, clandestine and Threadworm

fwiw, I'm glad my DSs have been put in the G&T bracket at school because it means that they do get extra work, and more challenging work, because of it. But I agree with whoever it was (PPH I think) who once posted that all schools, whether state or fee-paying, should be doing this for their pupils with no need for anything like a G&T label.

good though i must say

cant stand massively pushy parents they make me want to STRANGLE THEM and show them a film of little Jimmy in 2022 in a suit in an office job with no mates

What is the purpose of that label? It seems to me that there was no way that it could fail to be divisive but I am assuming there is some sensible purpose behind it?

This thread convinces me more and more htat the whole G&T topic is divisive and could be much better if absorbed into education as a whole. It creates an impression of an 'elite' where some kids meet the entry requirements.

For ds, dino, he's being shown how to do mind-mapping. And he loves that .

What is mind-mapping?

i think my kids reading ages were something like 16 at 6 it is soo all bolleaux

Yes, Threadworm, I completely agree with that.

It is divisive, although I suppose you could argue that any selection, even grouping children for different subjects according to ability, is divisive.

Yes, good post clandestine.

I would also say there are probably a few posters on this thread who would also have been lablled G&T when they schoolchildren.

Buzan is one of the experts but it's something all children would enjoy and benefit from IMO

oo marina I saw a mind-mapping book for kids on schoollink .. you might be interested in it

I think mind-mapping is an excellent tool .. particularly for creativity as well as in terms of memory

I am interested thanks Twig!
We are getting the bird for not knowing as much about it as his teacher does

I too think we should move off of the kids and start celebrating the achievement of the G&T adults amongst us.
Did I mention I got 85% in my last two OU essays? Thats an A you know.

here

bugger see you already know about it

well mine's cheaper

threadworm .. I very much like your posts

You are hothousing yourself I'm afraid Rosa
Cheap is good, thanks for that Twiglett