tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post2601145959137654820..comments2023-09-29T06:00:09.242-05:00Comments on Julie Pippert: Using My Words: There's no On-Star for the Olympic Mommy HighwayJulie Pipperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03169574697104642479noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-77086293509633657812007-10-15T05:30:00.000-05:002007-10-15T05:30:00.000-05:00What struck me was that you found a spot in what I...What struck me was that you found a spot in what I would classify as the very best kind of school. We've had to move a lot, and it makes me anxious b/c I want zachary in preschool. He needs it. He has a lot to learn and he is behind the other kids.<BR/><BR/>When I say that, you probably picture academic lags. Well, he just turned 3 and the other day he added 3 and 2 together in his head without counting. No academic lags here. But, he REALLY needs a good school environment so he can keep working on the critically important skills: learning to share, learning how to fit in with the others in the way he would like to, learning not to call names, learning when not to follow his peers and when it is OK, that kind of stuff.<BR/><BR/>So, the moving makes me anxious, because I am very concerned to find the right school -- the school where he is excited to go every day. That's usually the school with the most fun. And, lo and behold, whenever we move, I find the BEST school has places. Now, the school with the worksheets and the tracing and the neat little art projects that the kids clearly did not do themselves is always booked up years in advance. But, the school that makes him say "Am I going to school today?" That one always has a slot.<BR/><BR/>Lucky us.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-67036775163709801682007-10-13T20:14:00.000-05:002007-10-13T20:14:00.000-05:00People need to realize that reading at three doesn...People need to realize that reading at three doesn't mean the child is brilliant. Kids who can solve problems, relate to others, and think independently do better in life. I know a lot of Type A preschool Moms and I avoid them like the plague. I don't want our girls exposed to that craziness yet.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-8795635602895675762007-10-12T22:38:00.000-05:002007-10-12T22:38:00.000-05:00i believe in preschool, but i believe in it as a p...i believe in preschool, but i believe in it as a place to teach (with lots and lots of love) how to listen, follow instructions, interact with others, and how to LOVE school. All the rest... gravy.painted maypolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06446625015003854710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-19244290844789343572007-10-12T18:44:00.000-05:002007-10-12T18:44:00.000-05:00Patience reminds me of Jack, who had the IQ thing ...Patience reminds me of Jack, who had the IQ thing down but needed more in the way of EQ.<BR/><BR/>And his Montessori has helped him mature socioemotionally more than I could possibly have imagined.Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05602868040771218507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-90106656116354964502007-10-12T11:54:00.000-05:002007-10-12T11:54:00.000-05:00I'm not concerned about this tender age. I'll pro...I'm not concerned about this tender age. I'll probably wake up with a start in about 3 years...<BR/><BR/>I fully expect to be a partner with the school, and most likely to have many gaps to fill or tangents to explore on our own.<BR/><BR/>I'm hoping for "well-rounded" as opposed to intensely focused.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-57498956519761172082007-10-12T10:50:00.000-05:002007-10-12T10:50:00.000-05:00BTW, the G&T program is, IMO, as Ali put it, there...BTW, the G&T program is, IMO, as Ali put it, there to help kids make their IQ a gift not a burden.<BR/><BR/>I checked our ISD's site and sure enough, yes, it is a special needs designation:<BR/><BR/>(Blank) ISD understands that gifted and talented students have special needs. “Students who are intellectually gifted demonstrate many characteristics, including: a precocious ability to think abstractly, an extreme need for constant mental stimulation; an ability to learn and process complex information very rapidly; and a need to explore subjects in depth. Students who demonstrate these characteristics learn differently. Thus, they have unique academic needs.” Marie (blanked for privacy).<BR/><BR/>(Blank) ISD’s Gifted and Talented Program is designed to meet the unique academic and emotional needs of the gifted students in each of our district’s schools.<BR/><BR/>As Ali said, high IQ can be a burden without high EQ and special support to learn how to handle it.<BR/><BR/>If a kid needs G&T, I think of it the same as when I sent Patience to get support with her mirroring.<BR/><BR/>I think it got this cache with parents because it became a status due to the name: gifted and talented.<BR/><BR/>Who doesn't want to be gifted and talented?<BR/><BR/>But I think it's more about learning to manage this "gift" and less about Being the Best and Superior, which is the rep it has too often (sadly).<BR/><BR/>G&T was not available to me but it was to my sister. I think she ended up better off from it, as a result. She is certainly less traumatized about school (I think) (academically at least).Julie Pipperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169574697104642479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-81065141457821157932007-10-12T10:41:00.000-05:002007-10-12T10:41:00.000-05:00Kim, I wouldn't feel like a hypocrite...you consci...Kim, I wouldn't feel like a hypocrite...you consciously and mindfully made the best choice to help your son get his best education.<BR/><BR/>You recognized what he needed and did that.<BR/><BR/>I think that's the best you can do. <BR/><BR/>Hypocritical are the people who think G&T is superior and means fast track to Ivy League and who get tutors to help their kids pass the screening test and get in. That totally defeats the entire purpose of the program.Julie Pipperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169574697104642479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-77823252798759575582007-10-12T10:27:00.000-05:002007-10-12T10:27:00.000-05:00OK, now reading all the comments I feel like a tot...OK, now reading all the comments I feel like a total hypocrite. My oldest is in the gifted program. Does it count that we struggled with this decision because like you EQ is so much more important than IQ? Does it count that we only agreed to placement because all of his friends were in the program? Oh man I could spend all day confessing the struggle we've had with our idealism and reality on the whole gifted issue. We still haven't really figured this one out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-55620697269895521262007-10-12T08:56:00.000-05:002007-10-12T08:56:00.000-05:00Suki, yeah, there are actually schools that adhere...Suki, yeah, there are actually schools that adhere to the principle of developing the whole child. There are also ones that promise to graduate your kid top of his Harvard class. The former is my preference and let me tell you, it takes careful screening to find it. Once you do, IME, you start finding a lot of other "middle of the road-scenic route" families like yourself.<BR/><BR/>Like you, I was youngest in my class and yes, it was tough. I think I am only now really understanding how much so. This is why I never pushed my daughter forward. She's about middle for age, younger than a few, older than some.<BR/><BR/>And, homeschooling, when well-supported and well done, has plenty of socialization. A large number of my neighbors and friends do it. The kids play with each other in the neighborhood, the school lets homeschool kids come in for music, PE, computer...whatever class support the parent wants. Then there are extracurriculars like soccer, gymnastics, etc.<BR/><BR/>Heidi, thanks, I am so glad! This was sort of my journey from taking the (for us) wrong route to getting back on track, so that's why it meandered a bit (also, SOP for me LOL).<BR/><BR/>Ali, thanks for explanation! A new term, woo hoo!<BR/><BR/>Mama Sarita, you know, I've noticed that happens sort of area-based. You might expect it here, based on the demographics of my town, which is chock full of Super Highly Educated Smartie McGeniuses. I mean, you can't swing a dead raccoon without hitting a PhD in rocket science. But maybe these people feel nothing to prove, KWIM? Because while they do want good schools and academic excellence, they are pretty low-key on the whole. It's a "do your best" and the super competitive sort---and I've met some, they are here---really aren't the majority. I think, based on who I know.<BR/><BR/>Glad you found a good school for you guys!<BR/><BR/>Gwen, WTF? Are you SERIOUS? I am *afraid* my kid will get screened in to the G&T. Yes, it is the same program as all special needs for learning. You know how much I angst about that with Patience LOL.<BR/><BR/>I just keep running with my pack, where it's easier to not get swept up into the craziness. <BR/><BR/>Your acquaintances would be appalled I am sure to know some parents I know opted to NOT put their kids in G&T, based on what the kids preferred.<BR/><BR/>La la la la la la I can't hear you in your second para la la la la la.<BR/><BR/>No, seriously, I know. I know what you mean. You hit, very clearly and succinctly, the reason my radar will never go off of High Alert while my kids are in school.<BR/><BR/>Now wait wait wait, once again, I do not disagree completely with your extraordinary theory. Plus, I do agree with you goal of growing children who find happiness and meaning in who they are and what they can do, be it large or small.<BR/><BR/>I'm not sure about your academic, school, brilliance and eschewing point. I think it's because no coffee yet?<BR/><BR/>I guess, hmm, I don't know.<BR/><BR/>Can you elaborate on that thought?Julie Pipperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169574697104642479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-69002542379311922272007-10-12T08:15:00.000-05:002007-10-12T08:15:00.000-05:00We have acquaintances who hire tutors so that thei...We have acquaintances who hire tutors so that their kids can get into the gifted and talented programs. Huh? I think that completely misses the point. G&T isn't "better;" it's a special ed designation. But we have sort of lost our minds about academics and our children. When I'm not weeping over it, I'm trying very hard not to buy into the craziness.<BR/><BR/>The thing is, you can have a school that tries very hard to achieve your personal set of standards (I think ours does, for example). But schools are made up of individual teachers and some are better at living your dream than others, if you know what I mean.<BR/><BR/>Finally, just to be ornery, I find it curious when people don't buy into a school's academic system but still congratulate themselves for their children's brilliance despite that system. If the point isn't academic achievement, then having brilliant children shouldn't matter. I know you disagree with my idea that while we are all unique and special, very few of us can truly be empirically extraordinary, but the struggle for me, still, is to work out how to grow children who have meaningful, contented yet "average" lives.Gwenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12526629366170486737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-55983178903060409482007-10-12T06:49:00.000-05:002007-10-12T06:49:00.000-05:00I so love this post. Lucky for me and diva child ...I so love this post. Lucky for me and diva child I completely stumbled into the preschool closest to me that was play based. It is a brutal get-my-child-ready-to-get-into-the-ivys-now! world here.Mama Saritahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17585263802271835586noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-10637280973940858692007-10-12T06:25:00.000-05:002007-10-12T06:25:00.000-05:00Dux is top of the school, highest academic achieve...Dux is top of the school, highest academic achiever.<BR/><BR/>AliMaisyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05309794913406397044noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-29122817227935451602007-10-12T04:51:00.000-05:002007-10-12T04:51:00.000-05:00Hi Julie,I just found you via Kellan's blog. And I...Hi Julie,<BR/><BR/>I just found you via Kellan's blog. And I am so glad I did. What a fantastic post! Initially, I thought this would going to be a "pro-Olympic High Way" post, but then you turned it around. <BR/>You put my thoughts into writing. Only much more eloquently than I could have done. Thank you for writing this. I wish all anxious parents wanting the best for their kids could read it!<BR/>- HeidiFamily Adventurehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00093360285075029799noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-41769717387447277092007-10-12T00:19:00.000-05:002007-10-12T00:19:00.000-05:00WOW! There are actually schools that help develop ...WOW! There are actually schools that help develop EQ over IQ(get this - Spell Check recognises IQ but not EQ), and that genuinely work for toddlers to be happy and broken into society as gently as possible rather than shoving them up the so-called "success ladder" and charging insane fees for it?! Lady, I'm moving to wherever you are when I'm old enough to have kids!<BR/><BR/>I've suffered badly from being underage in school - even now I'm 1-2 years younger than my classmates. The sad part is, no one really realised what was going on, because I was really good at hiding it and playing strong, doing very well and being very interactive. <BR/>I'm glad that moms like you absolutely refuse to surrender to that temptation to give your kids that supposed "boost" up the ladder. Congratulations!<BR/><BR/>PS: Am a big supporter of home schooling, as long as social skills don't take a backseat. Would agree totally with your "have the cake and eat it too" policy.Sukhalokahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08839282055547314024noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-63331396776440123322007-10-11T23:17:00.000-05:002007-10-11T23:17:00.000-05:00Jeanie, you are my new best friend. Thanks!Ali, um...Jeanie, you are my new best friend. Thanks!<BR/><BR/>Ali, ummm...what is dux? All in all, regardless of dux, you sound like my role model. We need to talk. Mainly about my CHOICE as PARENT wrt to my kids and school, the public one. <BR/><BR/>Chani, thanks and thanks! Good to be back. For a day, anyway.<BR/><BR/>Annie I STG that is like the highest compiment. Thank you!! GOOD LUCK tomorrow. I hope you know I will try to find time to stalk you for info about how it went.<BR/><BR/>Marie, I think homeschool rocks. My state (believe it or not) is a big supporter of it. People move here for that. It's big in my neighborhood/town and I wish in a way I was Like That because those kids are awesome. If you feel good about it, GO FOR IT!<BR/><BR/>M-L, if you didn't (a) live in a place about to fall into the ocean (boy, can I throw stones in a glass house or what LOL) and (b) a place that would LIAO at the idea of me thinking I could afford to live there in any way whatsoever, I'd be tempted to move. Really. And yea, you're back too, Miss Stressed Out. Hope all is okay!!<BR/><BR/>B&P, the key is social development, isn't it. I love it. So glad you and Bub have found it.<BR/><BR/>Atypical, HI!!! Thanks!<BR/><BR/>Flutter, my friend, it's simply an error...mistaking "different" for "stupid." So no worries. You are very, very brilliant. And I'm smarter than the average bear. ;)Julie Pipperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169574697104642479noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-7293142647075157302007-10-11T22:49:00.000-05:002007-10-11T22:49:00.000-05:00if you are dumb, I am comatose.if you are dumb, I am comatose.flutterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11828689769747130419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-77671374475172244532007-10-11T22:17:00.000-05:002007-10-11T22:17:00.000-05:00amenamenatypicalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09332618564238120593noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-51087630619151345972007-10-11T21:58:00.000-05:002007-10-11T21:58:00.000-05:00It's so true. At Bub's school, the emphasis is on...It's so true. At Bub's school, the emphasis is on social development and learning through play. And they are challenging him all the time to join activities, tolerate changes ... it's absolutely amazing the change in him already.<BR/><BR/>The right nursery school is a VERY good thing.Beahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15957626443087438904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-29985168048928548502007-10-11T21:41:00.000-05:002007-10-11T21:41:00.000-05:00First let me say... Yeah! You're back. I was ver...First let me say... Yeah! You're back. I was very happy to see your name in the comment on my last post.<BR/><BR/>Second, I am so with you on the environment that kids need, especially at preschool age. Marley has benefited to much from the developmentally-based program she is in. It is every one of the things on your list.<BR/><BR/>I've written about this before but Colin was in an environment which stressed academic achievement. It was a good school with caring teachers, a small environment, etc., but the push for academic excellence took its toll on him. It was one reason I was so determined to find something different for Marley. I can't tell you how fortunate I feel that I found an alternate program in a public school.<BR/><BR/>Finally, one more time, Yeah! Julie's back!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10270726693980247861noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-44937510456771675372007-10-11T20:09:00.000-05:002007-10-11T20:09:00.000-05:00Ugh, I find myself slipping into panick mode a lit...Ugh, I find myself slipping into panick mode a little when I think about all I want my kids to Achieve and wonder if I'm doing enough. It's a terrible mindset to give in to...comparing them with others, setting unreasonable goals, etc. <BR/> I loved your treatment of the subject. I'm so glad you found a preschool that fit Patience so well! <BR/> I think you're so wise to be so careful about schools...when your kids spend so many hours there, it matters a lot what they're like. <BR/> I've pretty much come to the conclusion that I want to educate my kids myself, because I think that I can do a better job than most schools can, and because I really want to be involved in what they're learning and how. I love your approach to your kids education, too. You've made sure you found a school that can really do the job, and I know your kids will benefit strongly.Christiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14864160931635627468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-19099722768552331662007-10-11T20:02:00.000-05:002007-10-11T20:02:00.000-05:00I so needed to read this tonight. I have an appoi...I so needed to read this tonight. I have an appointment with my daughter tomorrow to check out a preschool. It's not a fast track place or anything - from what I understand it too is full of love and lets kids be kids - the only spot they have left is in the 3.5 to 4 year old class and your post has given me pause for thought. My daughter needs preschool, and I need her to have preschool - for several reasons, like the ones you mention.<BR/><BR/>It is about the child, about letting them learn at their own pace, and allowing them to be a kid. I will be making sure that this is absolutely the case in the place I see tomorrow, instead of rushing to sign her up because it is *somewhere*that has an opening.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for this post!Anniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07387168103798629268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-23191042475366291112007-10-11T19:55:00.000-05:002007-10-11T19:55:00.000-05:00Wow.. I love the way this is written. I've really ...Wow.. I love the way this is written. I've really missed your brain. :) <BR/><BR/>I think you're exactly right. It's a matter of finding the right match for the right person. <BR/><BR/><BR/>Peace, <BR/><BR/>~Chanithailandchanihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10171731740204067889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-17282637189728007392007-10-11T19:01:00.000-05:002007-10-11T19:01:00.000-05:00I have made myself a little unpopular with the pri...I have made myself a little unpopular with the primary school my 12 year old son attends. I kept my daughter and my son out of the gifted and talented classes, which they thought was madness and I was told I was holding them back. What I was doing was protecting their EQ because I believe that has far more importance. IQ can be a debilitating burden if there is no EQ to support it.<BR/><BR/>The teachers who frowned on my decision were not impressed when my daughter left primary school as dux. How could this be? She had not been exposed to the additional stimulus and yet out achieved those who had. Heck, with her parents' full support, she hadn't even handed in the meaningless homework sheets each week (project work, yes, photocopied homework sheets, no)!<BR/><BR/>I'm told by my son's teacher (who is supportive of my stand), that it's more than likely my son will also be dux at the end of his primary schooling in 11 weeks time. I wickedly asked her to pass on my apologies for not caring more to the teachers who will be most annoyed by this. :0)<BR/><BR/>AliMaisyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05309794913406397044noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-1049341350174573062007-10-11T17:04:00.000-05:002007-10-11T17:04:00.000-05:00What a brilliant post - at first I thought it was ...What a brilliant post - at first I thought it was about one thing, but you developed it further and further and had me nodding along - I know that song!jeaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17322709527738134797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13083972.post-60213275878983283072007-10-11T16:53:00.000-05:002007-10-11T16:53:00.000-05:00Suz, amen and I'm holding you to reminding me of t...Suz, amen and I'm holding you to reminding me of this when I lose sight, okay?<BR/><BR/>Mary G, it's awesome to hear someone I have admiration and respect for tell me I sound like I've got some of my act together. :) I know I shouldn't need that but I don't mind admitting I do, it's a validation and relief.<BR/><BR/>Kim, you are also in charge of reminding me when I lose sight of this. It's easy to get caught up in the "edge" stuff, but you're right: eyes on the long run.<BR/><BR/>LM, you know that's the point, nothing dumb about me or Jon (okay sure we make stupid mistakes like anyone would now and again, and we lack talent in certain areas like everyone else). BUT, we made different decisions in life that our families didn't approve of and so instead of it being a Difference, it was Stupid. KWIM?<BR/><BR/>And yeah, they know it's rare but they expect Genius in offspring. Apparently.<BR/><BR/>Patience graduated that preschool and I strongly, firmly believe that school is a key to her current success in kindergarten. Persistence is happily enrolled there and I'm sure wishes it were all five days of the week. Make that two of us. ;)<BR/><BR/>GL to us both for NO BAD TIMES in school.<BR/><BR/>Although the school is chapping my hide about the days we went on vacation. Bug time.Julie Pipperthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03169574697104642479noreply@blogger.com