Many parents start encouraging their child's brain development early - playing Mozart even before birth, or exposing their toddlers to educational toys and games. By the time their child is ready for kindergarten, those first days of school are full of promise.
But excitement turns to surprise when parents discover that school isn't actually ready for their school-ready child. Such children are already reading, writing and doing arithmetic above their age level. They have a drive to learn, but are told to put on the brakes when they enter the classroom.
That's when parents find that they themselves must hit the books to become experts in educational theory, intelligence testing and curriculum modifications. They must acquire the lingo needed to negotiate with the school system so it will work better for their child.
Bright kids don't all fit the same mould. But most need more challenge in the classroom, emotional support, and in some cases help with learning disabilities that are combined with their giftedness.
On Saturday, November 14, the Association for Bright Children (ABC) Ottawa is offering a full-day workshop to help parents understand what gifted children need during their school years and what strategies they can request from schools.
The workshop is presented by Dr. Karen Rogers, Professor of Gifted Studies at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis. As well as a distinguished educator and psychologist, she is the mother of three gifted children and grandparent of seven.
Dr. Rogers has published over 150 articles and four books on the education of the gifted. She is Chair of the American Educational Research Association's Special Interest Group on Research on Giftedness and Talent, and her latest book, Educating the Gifted in Mainstream Schools: Stories of Change, will be published in April 2010.
The workshop will also look at what parents can do at home and in extra-curricular activities to develop their children's talents. Parents will be encouraged to share the strategies they have found useful.

Where: The RA Centre, 2451 Riverside Drive (west of Bank St.), Ottawa
When: Saturday, November 14, 2009 - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Registration: Register information is on-line at www.abcontario.ca <http://www.abcontario.ca/>

The cost for the day is $30 per person or $50 per couple. Space is limited.