part III
Introverted Kids at School
As I mentioned previously, Western culture celebrates extroverted behavior. Schools are microcosms designed to promote extroverted behaviors. High-stakes testing is geared toward the ways extroverts tend to learn. Competition and collaboration, both well-suited for the extrovert, has replaced innovation and creativity as the norm of our educational system. It’s no wonder that schools can provide a unique challenge to our introverted children. This can be particularly true for both gifted children and those with learning challenges.
The upcoming chapters examine introverted children at school, addressing how introverts learn, the common misperceptions that happen in the educational environment, dealing with competition, and dealing with failure.
As we begin to evaluate the introvert in the school setting, I want you to take a moment and reflect on your thoughts about your introverted child and school. Take a moment to answer the questionnaire on page 94 before moving into this section.
Ideas About Learning and the Introvert
1. My introverted child feels that school is … (complete the sentence).
2. I think my child’s schooling has been … (complete the sentence).
3. I believe teachers understand temperament and think about that as they work with my child.
❑ True ❑ False
4. I believe that my child could do better at school than he or she does.
❑ True ❑ False
5. I think schools are geared more toward extroverts.
❑ True ❑ False
6. If I answered “true” above, I think the biggest difficulties facing introverts at school are … (complete the sentence).
Once you are finished, take a moment to reflect on your answers and consider the following questions: What, if anything, would you like to see change for your child at school? What type of schooling does your child currently participate in—homeschooling, charter schools, private schools, traditional public school? Do you think one or the other is of more benefit to your introverted child? Take a moment to write down your thoughts regarding temperament and your goals for this book.