Parents of Gifted Offspring - POGO

The Gifted Youth Program recognizes that academically gifted young people face their own set of challenges because of their gifts. These challenges can range from perfectionism, concerns about political or global issues, high expectations for themselves, the stresses of challenging academic work, or feelings of being marginalized because they don’t share the interests or abilities of most of their peers.  POGO (Parents of Gifted Offspring) was established more than a decade ago by a group of concerned parents to provide opportunities to meet and discuss these and related issues.  Led by experts in the field of gifted education and child and adolescent psychology, POGO seminars take place while students are in classes on the Montclair State University campus and generally last an hour.  All parents of gifted students – not just those whose children are enrolled in the program – are invited to participate.  Admission to all POGO seminars is free and open to the public.

Where: University Hall 1060

Time: 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

October 15th and 16th:
Topic: Gifted Identification: Portfolios and Checklists and Tests, Oh My!
Speaker: Dr. Angela Lycan

Description: What are typical procedures for identifying gifted students? Why do they vary from school district to school district, and state to state? How do summer enrichment programs and talent searches identify students? What kinds of tests are used, and what options are there other than tests? What’s the difference between ability and an achievement test? These questions and more will be answered in this presentation about the methods of identification of gifted students. Information will be presented on common identification practices, with special attention given to both the benefits and drawbacks the practices. Participants will walk away with a better understanding of identification through testing, portfolios, and recommendation checklists.

October 22nd and 23rd:
Topic: What Do Programs and Services for Gifted and High Potential Children Look like?
Speaker: Donna Vaupel

Description: Based on over 30 years in the field of gifted education and experience in leadership roles in the state, Donna Vaupel will define and discuss  critical components of a variety of programs and services for gifted and high potential children in NJ and nationally. These basic elements are applicable to public, private or home-schooled children.

October 29th and 30th:
Topic: Teaching Thinking Skills in the Home, Developing Thinking through Enjoyment.
Speaker: Greg Murin

Description: This session is designed to help parents inspire their children to develop thinking through a variety of enjoyable activities. It will introduce various games, brainteasers, websites, and other sources to develop the mind while having fun in the process. It will also further look into advanced ideas that can be used by parents to expand the thinking ability of their gifted children (and themselves) in a family fun way. The presenter will address the “why” for the need to explore these areas by sharing research and thought provoking insights, as well as further explore the meaning of creative and critical thinking.

November 5th and 6th:
Topic: Managing Stressful Emotions: Tools and Techniques for You and Your Child
Speaker: Dr. Belinda Seiger

Description: The inner world of the gifted child is often more intense and filled with stress inducing worries and preoccupations. These may include: internal pressure to achieve, social issues and a flood of new ideas and inventions. Whatever the causes, learning how to deal effectively with stress and overwhelming feelings are essential tools for gifted kids and their parents. This workshop will explore the different ways that kids and grown-ups become stressed and offer a five point practical approach to effectively managing feelings; for moms, dads and children.

November 12th and 13th: (Please note: Sunday, November 13th the Program will meet in Dickson Hall, Room: Brantl Hall.)
Topic: The Gift and the Challenge: How Understanding the Paradox of Our Child's Unique Needs Can Cultivate Connection and Empower Them to Thrive
Speaker: Lu Hanessian

Description: Parents of gifted kids know at least two powerful truths about raising their children. One is that a child's gifts can spark creativity, inspiration, brilliance, and joy in him. The other is that these same gifts can trigger anxiety, frustration, rigidity and chaos in their child. How does a parent reconcile the gift and the challenge in order to raise a child to know himself, develop patience and self-acceptance, reframe negative self-perceptions, and work with his own nature instead of unknowingly fighting or limiting the highest expression of his gifts? Join Lu Hanessian as she explores this question, sheds light on our own perceptions, fears and reactions, from emotions to mirror neurons, and shares insights on how we can cultivate emotional intelligence and resilience in our child.

November 19th and 20th:
Topic: Helping the Underachieving Gifted Students
Speaker: Dr. Alan Groveman

Description: Parents are often frustrated by their child who has excellent ability, but poor academic performance. This workshop will explore how to identify the underachieving gifted child, types of underachievers, and factors that contribute to underachievement. The underachieving gifted student is often an enigma who challenges conventional educational approaches and requires unique interventions to achieve success. The workshop will target specific strategies that parents can employ when dealing with their underachieving child.

November 26th and 27th: Thanksgiving, No classes.

December 3rd and 4th:
Topic: Characteristics and Behaviors of Gifted and High Potential Children
Speaker: Donna Vaupel

Description: Understanding the characteristics and behaviors of gifted and high potential children, and how they apply to your child,  will enable parents to be better advocates, as well as enhance positive family dynamics and communication at home and at school.  

December 10th and 11th:Topic:
Topic: Teaching Thinking Skills in the Home, Developing Thinking through Enjoyment.
Speaker: Greg Murin

Description: This session is designed to help parents inspire their children to develop thinking through a variety of enjoyable activities. It will introduce various games, brainteasers, websites, and other sources to develop the mind while having fun in the process. It will also further look into advanced ideas that can be used by parents to expand the thinking ability of their gifted children (and themselves) in a family fun way. The presenter will address the “why” for the need to explore these areas by sharing research and thought provoking insights, as well as further explore the meaning of creative and critical thinking.

December 17th and 18th: Student Expo/Open House
Details to Follow.