SENG Training

Ann Koch

 

 

On August 2nd, a group of twelve gifted education enthusiasts gathered at Dumas Bay in Federal Way to be trained in the SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted) Model in order to be able to facilitate discussion groups for parents of highly capable kids.  They spent two intense days together, including some hands-on training time with parent volunteers from the Seabury School in Tacoma. It was a lively event led by trainers Linda Colby, a classroom teacher and past president of WAETAG from Wenatchee, Glenda Kohls a Spokane teacher and therapist and Ann Koch, a parent from Kent and current president of Northwest Gifted Child Association.

 

Participants worked from two books: Guiding the Gifted Child and Gifted Parent Groups:  The SENG Model Training Manual.  They addressed ten topics as laid out in the books.  These included:

 

 Identification             Communication of Feelings

 Motivation               Peer Relationships

 Discipline               Sibling Rivalry

 Stress Management         Tradition Breaking

 Depression              Parent Relationships

 

 

The SENG groups are not advocacy groups nor therapy groups but a safe haven for parents to come together to “swap parenting recipes” and gain new strategies in raising their gifted children.  Parents typically have few places to share experiences surrounding their gifted children. These discussion groups can provide that opportunity.

 

Trainees which include parents, teachers, administrators, and counselors are now ready to begin guiding parent discussion groups in these areas of our state:  Edmonds, Mill Creek, Central Kitsap, Spokane and Tacoma.

 

E-mail Ann Koch for more information at northwestgca@gmail.com

“If you have knowledge,

let others light their candles at it.

~Margaret Fuller