Bloomington SENG Model Parent Group
Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG)
Book Study: A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children, by Webb, et al
Bloomington Public Schools will be offering a guided discussion group for parents, guardians or caregivers of bright/ gifted/ talented children in grades K-8. We invite you to register for this 5-week group. Your child does not have to officially be recognized as gifted by the district to enroll in this course.
The facilitators are both certified SENG model parent group facilitators, and also both parents of
at least one gifted child. Class is limited to 25 participants.
Join us for guided discussion about the social and emotional needs of bright, gifted, and talented children and how to parent to meet those needs. Learn why bright kids are different or unique. Understand and gain ideas for how to effectively communicate with, motivate, discipline, etc., your talented child. Share your successes and concerns in a safe and confidential environment and learn from the successes and experiences of other parents and caregivers in the group
*We give kudos and credit to Carol Malueg for training your facilitators, for helping with the handout, and for also her commitment to the social and emotional concerns of Gifted. Ms. Malueg is the President of the MN Council for Gifted and Talented.
Location: Ridgeview Elementary Media Center
Time: 6:30 to 8:00 pm.
Discussion facilitators: Robin Stubblefield and Rick Halley
Fee: There is a $20 charge per individual, $40 per couple.
*Please make checks out to ISD #271 and bring them (or cash) the first night of the study.
Additional Services:
Free child care provided by National Honor Society
Parenting books for loan
Spanish translation available - must indicate this need prior to the first meeting.
April 4: Chapter 1: Defining Giftedness; Chapter 13: Identification
Chapter 2: Characteristics of Gifted Children
Chapter 3: Communication
April 17: Chapter 4: Motivation and Underachievement
Chapter 5: Discipline and Self-Management
April 24: Chapter 6: Intensity, Perfectionism, and Stress
Chapter 7: Idealism, Unhappiness, and Depression
May 1: Chapter 8: Acquaintances, Friends and Peers
Chapter 11 Complexities of Successful Parenting
May 8: Chapter 15: Finding a Good Educational Fit
Chapter 12: Twice-exceptional (2e) children
● Open to all families currently enrolled in a Bloomington school on a first-come basis until the group is full. Your child does not need to be formally identified as gifted or enrolled in a gifted program. If we do not fill the group by April 1, we would then consider out-of-district enrollments.
● The topics and facilitated discussion format are based on the SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted) model of parent support groups. For more information on the SENG model, visit www.sengifted.org.
● The weekly discussions will be based on chapters from A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children, by James Webb, et. al. This book is available for loan to each registered family through the a grant provided by a 2016-2017 Bloomington Education Foundation Grant.
● Families may sign up at registration for free child care, offered by Jefferson/Kennedy National Honor Society at Ridgeview Elementary.
● Refreshments will be provided!
FAQ (Most questions compiled by past SENG facilitator, Carol Malueg)
· Q: What is a ‘guided discussion group?”
A: The facilitators guide the discussion so that everyone gets a chance to contribute, the conversation stays on topic, and the meeting ends on time. This is not a lecture. The participants share their questions, challenges, and experiences in an informal group conversation about the challenges and joys of raising bright/gifted/talented children. For the group to be successful it is imperative that the participants who enroll make every effort to attend all of the meetings.
· Q: Why is the Bloomington district offering this?
A: The Gifted and Talented Services department recognizes that “it takes a village” to raise a child. This is a great way of helping families form a support group based on similar parenting challenges and joys. Families can share ideas and advice on a variety of issues in a safe environment.
· Q: Why is this just for bright, gifted, or talented? Why not for everyone?
A: Bright, gifted, and/or talented children have unique characteristics and needs. Families are not always comfortable sharing stories of a gifted child’s abilities or achievement with people who may think the stories are far-fetched or bragging. This parent discussion group provides a community of families who understand and share the experience of raising a gifted child. This is about the social and emotional needs of gifted children and their families, which does affect academic confidence and performance.
· Q: How do I know my child is gifted and/or talented? Is this group for me?
A: Chances are that if you are reading this, your child has exhibited advanced ability or achievement in one or more areas (this doesn’t have to be in academic areas—it can mean leadership, creativity, or artistic talent.) If the topics listed for the discussion series sound valuable to you, this group is for you!
Registration Checklist
· Please provide names for all adults in your family (parents/guardians, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.) who may attend. You may take turns, or come together for no additional fee. (No more than 2 books will be issued to a family)
· Please let someone else know about this group! This is a great time to learn together, and from each other!
· If you have signed your child(ren) up for the free childcare, please be sure to bring them along. Call 952-681-6489 as far in advance as possible if you will not be bringing your child on one of the dates you signed up for.
· Please let your facilitators know if you will not be attending a session, so we don’t wait for you.
Copy of Book/s:
We will want to get the book/s to you prior to the first meeting. We will be distributing books between March 20 - March 31. You will be asked to read over Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 13 prior to the first meeting. Please let us know how many books you need (1 or 2), the name of your oldest child, and what school they attend. We will then get books sent to you via your child. If you haven’t received a book during this time please contact .
You will be able to “use” the book but not keep it. If you’d prefer to purchase your own copy, this is the text we will be using.
Please return this registration form, call, or send an email to:
Bloomington Public Schools
Gifted & Talented Programs
1350 W 106th St.
Bloomington, MN 55431
Contact: Rick Halley
Email:
Phone: 651-242-4920
For daycare: Call 952-681-6489 or
Name(s):______
Address______
Phone:______
Email Address:______
Childcare is free.
We will be utilizing the Kennedy High School and Jefferson High School National Honor Society Students, and possibly Kid Safari Staff from the district.
If you would like to make a donation to the National Honor Society you may but you certainly don’t have to...
Total money enclosed: $______Cash___ Check#_____ (Payment may be made at the first session)
Would you like to enroll your child(ren) in the free child-care offered by National Honor Society students and/or Kid Safari Staff?
Yes___ No___ (if yes, please complete and return next portion of page with your registration.)
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Registration for Child Care
Child(ren)’s Name(s)______
Ages______
Parent or Guardian Name (s)______
Food allergies (snacks will be provided) ______
I understand that my child will participate in the activities provided by the National Honor Society, or may work on homework, and will be offered a snack. Any allergies listed will be taken into account and discussed with me, the parent/guardian. I understand that the childcare staff is here to provide these services because I have signed my child(ren) up for childcare, and I will call 952-681-6489 at least 24 hours in advance if these services will not be needed.
Parent/Guardian Signature______