Many parents wonder why their child High Intellectual Potential, although brilliant, can encounter difficulties in school.
The answer often lies in an inappropriate pedagogical approach which does not meet the specific needs of the children HIP.
As an expert in early childhood education, having accompanied hundreds of HIP and their families, I understand these unique challenges.
Here I share with you proven strategies to help your child develop fully and avoid school failure, taking into account its particular intellectual and emotional functioning.
Why HIP Do you have any school problems?
High-potential children may encounter educational difficulties despite their impressive intellectual abilities.
These challenges are often linked to:
- One dyssynchronous between advanced cognitive development and emotional maturity. One child HIP may understand complex concepts well before his comrades, but his emotional development does not always follow.
- Trouble school curricula are rarely adapted to the specific needs of children HIP. They often complete the exercises faster than others. When they are not intellectually stimulated, their motivation falls, and their behavior in class can become problematic: chatter, agitation, or dreaming. I myself experienced this situation where, from the primary level, I finished the exercises in a few minutes and spent the rest of the course to draw to spend time, which often attracted criticism.
- Children HIP are also often hypersensitive and anxiety. Their ability to perceive the details and feel the emotions intensely can become a source of stress.
- The associated disorders Such as dyslexia, ADHD or other learning difficulties further complicate their educational path. These disorders often go unnoticed, as the child compensates by his intelligence.
How does a HIP In class?
High-potential children often exhibit behaviour in the classroom that can be surprising.
- Used to succeed easily, these students do not always develop the skills necessary to persevere in more difficult tasks. When they encounter complex exercises, they can quickly get discouraged. I myself experienced this feeling in high school: the first time I really had to invest in a job, I felt a deep frustration, unable to accept that I could not succeed at the first time..
- Dispersal and Inattention are also typical behaviours of children HIP. Their thought in tree, fast and abundant, pushes them to escape easily in their thoughts. They are often attracted to everything that happens around them, from noises outside the movements of their comrades. They can also get lost in their internal reflections, imagining a thousand scenarios instead of taking the course.
- Lnegative Pygmalion effect also plays a crucial role. When the teacher expects the student not to perform, the student may unconsciously meet these expectations. One child HIP, perceived as lazy or rebellious, will eventually adopt this behavior. In the video below, J
- For some children HIP, the temptation to melt into the mass becomes a survival mechanism. Not attracting attention and appearing "normal" becomes a priority for social integration. These students then pretend not to understand or not to know to avoid distinguishing themselves.
What are the difficulties of HIP ?
High-potential children face specific difficulties in their schooling, often linked to their way of thinking and learning.
- Unlike their comrades, they have trouble organizing their ideas linearly and follow logical steps. This difficulty is particularly evident when it comes to explaining their reasoning. They know the answer, but they struggle to describe how they got it. For my part, I remember many mathematical duties where, although the answer was correct, I lost points because I had not justified my approach.
- The writing and reading disorders add a layer of complexity. Children HIP often encounter slow writing or difficulties with repetitive tasks such as copying.
- The psychological fragility Children HIP should not be underestimated. Their increased sensitivity makes them very receptive to critics, which undermines their confidence in them. Despite their obvious skills, a mere negative comment may cause them to doubt their abilities. In class, this sensitivity results in reluctance to participate or take risks, fear of harm or disappointment.
How to help a gifted school failure?
To help a gifted child avoid school failure, it is essential to put in place strategies tailored to their specific needs.
- The early diagnosis personalized plays a key role. By identifying from an early age intellectual precocity and possible associated disorders such as dyslexia or ADHD, you allow the child to benefit from targeted accompaniment. One psychometric assessment helps to better understand its profile and adapt the necessary interventions.
- Child HIP needs intellectual challenges in order not to lose interest in school. Offer him some Educational adaptations (enriching and differentiated activities that stimulate its curiosity). Class jumping can be a relevant option if the child is emotionally and socially ready.
- Lpsychological support is just as important. The gifted children are often perfectionists and anxious. Follow-up with a psychologist specialized in anxiety management can help them develop strategies to overcome their fears.
- Learning to learn is also essential. Teach him appropriate methods, such as mental management or task planning, to compensate for his lack of sequential organization.
- Finally, never forget the importance of encouragement and positive strengthening. Create a caring environment where effort is valued as much as the result. Every success, however small, deserves recognition. This constant support strengthens his confidence in him and encourages him to persevere despite the obstacles.
All HIP are not in school failure
Contrary to what one might think, children HIP are not necessarily in school failure.
A recent study, led by Ava Guez, Hugo Peyre, Marion Le Cam, Nicolas Gauvrit and Franck Ramus, questions the ideas received about the link between high potential and academic failure.
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The researchers followed more than 30,000 French college students between the 6th and 3rd grades.
These data suggest that children HIP are often more motivated and manage to maintain their academic commitment. It also reflects my personal experience: although I often felt out of step, I loved deeply learning and passionate about the subjects that stimulated me.
These results point out that school failure among the HIP is not a fatality. With appropriate support, these children can not only flourish, but also excel academically.
Conclusion: HIP and school failure
Children HIP have a unique intellectual and emotional functioning that requires a specific pedagogical approach. To prevent school failure, it is crucial to raise awareness among teachers, parents and education professionals of the importance of personalized support. This requires better recognition of their needs, adaptation of teaching methods, and appropriate psychological support.
Together, we need to rethink our educational approach so that these children can fully express their potential. Far from being a burden, their difference is a wealth to exploit.
Let us explore innovative educational methods that respect their uniqueness and pave the way for successful schooling. Each of us has a role to play in creating an environment where children HIP can not only succeed, but also flourish fully. The path to inclusive education begins with a collective awareness.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the link between HIP and school failure
Does all children HIP Are school failure?
No, all children. HIP are not failing school. Studies show that HIP Often get better grades than their neurotypical peers and get less from school. School failure occurs especially when their specific needs are not taken into account. With suitable accompaniment, they can not only avoid failure but also excel academically.
Why Some Children HIP Do better than others?
School success of children HIP Much depends on their environment and the support they receive. Those who benefit from early diagnosis, educational adaptations, and appropriate emotional supervision are more likely to succeed. Personal motivation, teacher engagement, and family support also play a crucial role. Without these elements, even the most gifted children may encounter difficulties.
How do I know if my child HIP Need special school support?
If your child HIP shows signs of discouragement, frequent boredom, or declining results, it could benefit from particular support. A diagnosis by a specialist psychologist can identify its specific needs and recommend adaptations. Observe his behavior in class and talk to his teachers. One child HIP who feels understood and stimulated will be more likely to flourish academically.
What to do if my child HIP refuse to work at school?
If your child HIP refuse to work, it is often a sign of boredom or frustration. Get involved in a dialogue to understand what's blocking it. Talk to its teachers to adapt the activities to its pace and level. Psychological support can also help to manage your emotions and make your school effort more meaningful. Stimulating your curiosity with interesting projects and valuing each progress can also revive your desire to learn.
Is class jumping always a good solution for a child HIP ?
Class jumping can be beneficial, but it must be carefully evaluated. This choice must take into account not only the academic level of the child, but also his emotional and social maturity. Talking with professionals, such as school psychologists or specialized teachers, is essential. A class jump must allow the child to find suitable challenges without destabilizing him/her. It is not a universal solution, and every situation deserves an individualized approach.
