Some people, like Karen Quinn, author of Testing for Kindergarten (read our interview with her here, here, and here) are self-aware and honest about what they do: They are blatantly helping parents prep their children to take a series of tests that will label them "gifted" in the New York City school system (citywide criteria, here) and hopefully give them a leg up in securing a seat in a good private or public school.
Others are less forthright.
For instance, an upcoming workshop entitled: Supporting Early Giftedness Through Play promises a "play-based session for parents. What do advanced abilities look like in young children? What clues or qualities might a parent, caregiver or teacher notice that would suggest giftedness? Dr. Julia Osborn, a psychologist who specializes in gifted children, will explore the qualities often recognized early and offer concrete actions to support them. This hands-on workshop will help parents understand and support their young children (ages 18 months to 5 years) through play-based strategies and Reggio-inspired examples, from Tribeca Community School's program director, Kirsten Pallonetti."
This must, in no way, be construed as prep. Don't worry, your children are already gifted (fact is, in some NYC neighberhoods, close to 50% of the kids are in the Top 10th percentile; get a mathematical breakdown, here). The workshop is merely here to help you... keep it from going away?
Interested parents can RSVP at: http://palworkshops2012.eventbrite.com/
Date: Feb. 28
Time: 6:30 - 8:30
Place: Downtown Community Center - 120 Warren Street between Greenwich and West Street in Tribeca
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