Choice is considered by many to be an inherited right.  In the United States, we make a choice as easily as we breathe.  We usually don’t stop to think about it.  So, why write a blog about “choice?”  Teaching gifted children presents another part of the problem.  Once a choice is made, how does one live with it comfortably?

    Gifted children love to try anything and everything just for the experience.  Once something has been experienced, interest ceases and boredom sets in and the child is off for another new choice.  One of my rules with gifted children is that if a child signs up for an activity, he/she must stay with it for the duration of time originally set forth.  I will not let a child just quit.  Completion of a task is a very important life skill.  With the many choices offered on cell phone applications today, children have become accustomed to quitting with the touch of a button!  Life cannot be treated the same way.

    Gifted children do not like to fail at anything.  Usually the choice is made to “just forget it” rather than to “give it a try.”  I am one of those teachers who make all children step out of their comfort zone from time to time.  Usually, the students find the experience good and are quite happy for their new success.  If it wasn’t satisfying to the child, I tell him/her it is now his choice to never do it again.  But at least he is now making that choice based upon a real experience.

    It is a new school year, and we are introducing students to scholar dollars again.  This experience teaches children to make choices in behavior, responsibility, spending, saving, rewarding and receiving fines.  The days are coming when the treasure chest will be set out and children will make a choice to spend, save, seek gratification, or learn to handle delayed gratification.  Last year’s first graders had a very successful experience which worked beautifully all year right through a very successful student auction at the end of school.

    Tomorrow, we have our first day of regular classes.  Students will be in various classrooms with different teachers.  A new classroom and teacher means new choices will need to be made in each new situation.  This experience will help the students deal with real life…for no two days are exactly the same!  Opportunities will come and present themselves daily, and the choice will be up to students to respond to each one.  I look forward to seeing much growth!    Kay