Does your child look forward to school each day, or do they experience physical symptoms or dread going? As parents of bright and quirky kids, we know that the right school environment can make all the difference in your child’s emotional and academic well-being.
In this vlog, Dr. Susan Baum, educator and executive director of the twice exceptional (2e) Center at Bridges Academy, shares expert advice on evaluating whether a school is a good fit for your neurodiverse child. Dr. Baum provides valuable questions to ask as you assess your child’s learning environment and determine whether it supports their unique needs and strengths.
Signs Your Child’s School Environment May Not Be a Good Fit
The first thing to pay attention to is how your child feels about school. Dr. Baum recommends observing whether they seem excited to go to school, or whether they exhibit signs of reluctance like complaining, physical symptoms (e.g., stomachaches), or a lack of enthusiasm.
Some signs that a school might not be a good fit include:
- Constantly negative talk about school.
- Physical symptoms (like stomachaches) before school.
- Repetitive or unchallenging work that your child already knows.
By tuning into your child’s behavior and attitude, you can gain insights into whether the school environment is supportive or overwhelming for them.
The Twice Exceptional (2e) -Friendly Environment
Dr. Baum suggests evaluating schools through the lens of a twice exceptional-friendly environment, which addresses the intellectual, creative, physical, social, and emotionalneeds of bright and quirky kids. Here are key areas to look for:
- Intellectual Environment
- Are there advanced resources and materials for gifted children?
- Does the school offer opportunities for ability grouping, where kids can work with peers of similar intellectual abilities?
- Creative Environment
- Are there times for kids to explore curiosity, brainstorm, and engage in projects that spark their interest?
- Physical Environment
- Is the classroom too busyor overwhelming?
- Are there quiet areasor spaces for your child to focus without distractions?
- Does the school allow your child to move aroundand have some freedom during the day?
- Social Environment
- Does the school provide social opportunitiesfor your child to connect with like-minded peers?
- Emotional Environment
- Does the school make your child feel accepted and valued?
- Does your child feel like they are part of a supportive community or just someone to “put up with”?
By focusing on these key areas, you can ensure that your child is in a supportive learning environmentthat nurtures their unique talents while addressing any challenges they may face.
Key Takeaways:
- Pay attention to how your child feels about school: Are they excited or reluctant?
- Evaluate the intellectual, creative, physical, social, and emotional environments of the school.
- Find a good-fit school that supports your child’s strengths and challenges, and fosters a sense of belonging.
If your child is struggling at school, this vlog offers valuable insights on how to determine whether their environment is a good fit and what you can do to help them thrive.
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