Kids programs
Bright Lights workshops
Saturdays, Oct 14 - Nov 04, St. Paul's High School
ABC Ottawa is pleased to announce that we will be hosting another Bright Lights children's/youth program this fall! We have once again partnered with a host of terrific instructors and organizations in Ottawa to provide a unique range of programming for bright & gifted students from 6-14 years of age. Costs vary according to the class as some have associated material fees.
For more information on the courses, timing, location, and to register, please view our Eventbrite page:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/bright-lights-abc-ottawas-2017-fall-series-tickets-37681740099
Socio-emotional skills training for gifted children (ages 6-8)
Saturdays, November 11-25, 10am-12pm, Saint Paul University (Counselling Centre, Residence, 2nd floor, 150 Hazel Street)
Be part of a research project aiming to develop supports especially for gifted children! DREAM - or Developing Resilience through Emotions, Attitudes, & Meaning - is a program being developed especially for gifted kids by researcher Laura Armstrong, a Clinical Psychologist & Assistant Professor at Saint Paul University.
In the DREAM program, children aged 6-8 years will learn social and emotional skills to manage the challenges associated with giftedness--such as emotional intensities, perfectionism, and much more. The goal is to have fun while learning lifelong, evidence-based skills through games, music, drama, and crafts. Parents are encouraged to attend so that they can help children practice the skills learned at home.
Save the dates; registration info will be provided soon!
Parent workshops
Gifted....with something else going on - Carol Barnes
Tuesday, September 26, 2017; 7:00 – 9:00 PM. (Revel Academy, 1550 Laperriere Avenue, #200)
Is your gifted child failing to thrive? Do you often feel frustrated that they are "just not trying"? Do you suspect that maybe there's more getting in the way than just boredom? Many gifted children have additional exceptionalities, such as learning disabilities, autism, or attention, behavioral or mental health challenges. However, gifted kids are extremely good at hiding those challenges, and often remain undiagnosed until they are much older.
Dr. Barnes is a Canadian researcher working in Australia, who specializes in twice-exceptional (2E) children. If you’re keen to learn practical strategies which will enhance your relationship with your child and with their teachers - next week and next decade - then come along and compare experiences with other parents.
Register at:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/giftedwith-something-else-going-on-tickets-36892643891
ABC's Gifted 101 and 201
Late October/ early Nov, dates to be confirmed shortly
- Gifted 101: Are you experiencing unusual challenges with your child, and suspect that giftedness may have something to do with it? Are you wondering whether it would be helpful to have your child tested? Unsure of pros and cons of private testing vs. in school testing? Confused by the acronym soup? Looking to understand the options available to your child in your school board?
- Gifted 201: Are you feeling overwhelmed? Struggling to support your gifted child at home or at school? Wondering if your child might have additional learning challenges as well as giftedness? Don't know where to go next? Share your questions and experiences with ABC volunteers and fellow parents.
Save the dates; registration info will be provided soon!
Other Parent Events
Additional parent workshops will be added through the fall/winter. We welcome your suggestions for topics and/or speakers!
This winter, we are also planning for some "Catharsis nights" - drop-in social events our community. Parents of gifted children can feel quite isolated. Support usually comes from sharing our kids' academic, social or behavioural challenges with friends and family, but those discussions can become unwelcome when giftedness is part of the issue. So we're looking to set up some casual get-togethers over coffee or drinks, where you can share your worries, without judgement, with other parents who have been there, done that. Dates and venues coming soon, suggestions welcome!
Want to make things happen? Volunteer with ABC!
Did you know ABC Ottawa is an all-volunteer organization? We are all fellow parents, sharing our time and experiences to help each other out. We work with school boards, develop parent and kids' workshops, advocate for supports and policy change, and provide individual advice to families in need. We are always looking to do more - - - and for the people who can help make it happen. Bring your ideas, and let's do it!
All the best to you and your families for the new school year,
Your ABC Ottawa volunteers
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