Can a freshman take individual IB classes?

Olymom
Tue, 16 Nov 2010 23:23:58 +0000

I am suggesting that it might be shrewd to develop in other areas besides where the gifts lie. Think of competition jumping (with horses) – it’s a constant balancing act – one wants a fast time (slow times loose) but one also wants as few errors (knocked rails) as possible.

So one has to judge where to gallop and where to collect and approach a fence carefully. A course has obstacles that are challenging in different ways. One filly might do terrific on a high jump but struggle with the broad water jump. So, through much practice and wise thinking, we know the filly can go straight out for three high fences and then it is time to gather in, slow down and concentrate on that water hazard.

The goal is to be well rounded and fast enough to “own” the whole course. Beginner riders/trainers tend to focus only on the strengths of the young horse – they will delight in her abilities and not take time to train/experience the other obstacles.

Now I’ve probably offended you yet again by comparing a student to a pony but it is a valid analogy (and how I see things).

Some young ponies are so talented that they can bomb around a local course well even without shrewd guidance. But, eventually, at the higher levels, the lack of breadth in training and experience gets beaten out by another who has put in the hours on the whole spectrum.

I specifically mentioned the Arts because that is the area where my two math dominant offspring were hazy. They’ve done lots of public service and lots of public speaking, both of which have been a blessing on many levels. Just look beyond the obvious gifts . . . please.