Sometimes, the most difficult part of raising children lies in knowing where to go for information and assistance. Resources are available, but how do you find them? The following are a few suggestions to help you in your search.

Start with your child’s school

Teachers see a side of your child that you don’t. Get their input; work as a team. Also, every elementary and middle school in Granite District has a gifted facilitator. Check with them for books, resources, and information. Have you checked out teacher websites? Many have links to information for both parents and students. For specific gifted issue links, check out the websites in our links section. At the district level Granite has Carolyn Schubach, Associate Director,
Advanced Learning Programs and Gifted Coordinator Sheri Sorensen. In addition, principals have been asked to designate a parent liaison to attend monthly Parent Gifted Facilitator meetings.

Join your affiliate

Check with other parents. Your support and membership in GAGC will help us expand our work. Let us know of your needs and interests so we can better serve you. Information is being added frequently to our website. Particpate in the GAGC Message Board on this site and help each other. Sign up for the GAGCNews Listserv at our website and receive timely information via email. Membership in GAGC also includes a full membership in the Utah Association for Gifted Children (UAGC). These organizations can help you network with other parents facing similar challenges or guide you to books, internet links, or other sources of information that may be helpful.

Visit the Utah Association For Gifted Children web site

Check out the Utah Association for Gifted Children website. This is an ever-evolving site with information about upcoming events and links to further resources. There you can sign up for a UAGCNews Listserv. Also check Hoagie’s Gifted Education Page, which is the most comprehensive site listing gifted resources on the internet.

Have you looked at the National Association for Gifted Children website?

The National Association for Gifted Children has a parent specialist to whom you can submit questions as well as a myriad of links to specific articles regarding gifted education.

What about local libraries and bookstores?

The Murray and Salt Lake County Libraries have a growing collection of books on differing aspects of giftedness. If there is a title you would like to library to acquire, request it. Companies such as Freespirit, Great Potential Press, Prufrock, and Creative Learning Press specialize in materials for gifted children. Some of these publications can be found at local bookstores.

Above all, in the words of Winston Churchill, “Never, never, never, never give up.” Keep searching until you find an answer. It is out there, the challenge lies in the hunt.

Teacher Websites © 2010 SchoolWorld