I teach gifted kids in grades 1-6 at two elementary schools in my district. We use a pull-out program, so I see my kids every day. Alice (not her real name) comes to me at the end of the school day, after second recess and before dismissal. Yesterday she was tired, and I could tell. Her eyes were half closed and she had very little patience for the suggestions I was making about her work.
Alice is very talented, not just in academics, but also in art. However, her perfectionism can get in the way. We were doing an art project in the form of Jean-Michel Basquiat. We watched a video from a Pace artist from the Acadiana Center for the Arts. Following the directions of the teaching artist resulted in a Baquiat-esque painting. Alice did not like what happened when she created her background. “I hate it,” she cried. And tears fell down her little cheeks.
I knew this melt down was not just about the art. She was tired. She had an idea in her head of what she wanted her art to look like, and it wasn’t happening. She’s a calm child. She didn’t tear up the paper. She didn’t cry loudly or need to take a break. I let her figure it out, and by the end of class, she had cut out one of her practice drawings and glued it to a solid background. And I think she left for the weekend somewhat pleased with how she had gathered the strength to at least have something to put in the hall display.
But before all this happened, we talked about her exhaustion. I know that gifted kids have a hard time shutting down their brains to sleep. I also know that research shows you should turn off all screens at least an hour before going to sleep.
Alice: “I’m just tired.”
Me: “Did you watch TV before you went to sleep?”
Alice: “Yes, I always do.”
Cringe on my face, “You know research says that TV stimulates your brain so you won’t get restful sleep if you use it to fall asleep.” I tried to sound logical and not degrading.
A: “I just can’t stop thinking! I need a Notes app for my brain!”
I couldn’t help but laugh! Then I explained to her how a notebook next to her bed could be her notes app for her brain.
She admitted that she would probably totally forget this conversation by the time she would be going to bed. I think we could all use a Notes app for our brains.
Reflections on the Teche 
You teach art, but your teaching is an art in itself. What a blessing you are to your students!
You are so right about not being able to turn off their brains at night. I’m currently my district’s gifted program coordinator, but when I taught gifted ELA/SS in middle school, this was one of the battles I silently fought: tired 13 year-olds who stayed up until 2 AM thinking. The gifted exhaustion struggle is real. I love your idea of a paper notebook to help with the thoughts and the screen fatigue. Hopefully your student will take your advice.
I don’t think I could take tired middle schoolers. A is in 4th grade.
Thanks for sharing. Hopefully, your student gets some extra rest this weekend.
I love this gentle interaction with Alice. I love how she still created something through her frustration and I love how you suggested the notebook. I wonder if she will do it??
Oh, I’m with Alice – I need a notes app for my brain. Thank goodness for the original notes app: the bedside journal.
Love the notes app for my brain – but the thing that resonated most was: She had an idea in her head of what she wanted her art to look like, and it wasn’t happening…. This is always how I feel when I try to do art! I get Alice! I loved reading about this artful conversation.
Such a lovely conversation. A notebook on my nightstand works for me, as does a book. I never make it further than a page or two, if I’m lucky. I hope “Alice” gives it a try!
Oh, I’m glad she had some success. That was sweet. A notebook next to my bed is definitely my Notes app for my nighttime brain. I hope Alice will give it a try instead of T.V.
What a wonderful slice – a glimpse into your gifted classroom! I love that you let her work it out and come to a solution. And it’s clear she trusts you, and that is worth some rest!
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