100 Words of Wisdom: Evelyn King Metcalf

100 Words of Wisdom, Social & Emotional Development

Kahlil Gibran’s poem 'On Children' inspires reflection on listening to gifted children and prioritizing emotional well-being over academic potential. A child’s metaphor of a kite illustrates the need to support their present emotions and growth, reminding parents to be present and value emotional health as foundational.

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Kahlil Gibran’s poem, On Children, frequently comes to my mind when I speak to gifted parents of gifted children: “Your children are not your children. They are the sons and the daughters of a life longing for itself.” When I was in India several years ago making a cross-cultural metaphor quilt, a young boy drew a kite. When I asked him to explain, he said simply: “I am a kite. I want to go high, but my parents are holding me down.” Listen to your children! Be in the present! Living for “academic potential” oftentimes misses the mark of emotions now. Emotional well-being is the foundation for all growth!

Evelyn King Metcalf

Evelyn Metcalf, MAT, currently teaches second grade at the Barringer Academic Center, Charlotte, NC. She has taught in regular and gifted education for the past 20 years in both Ohio and NC. Evelyn is a facilitator for SENG Model Parent Groups and represented SENG as NC's state liaison. She has presented at OAGC and NCAGT conferences, in addition to the New Hanover County School system in Wilmington, NC. For the previous four years she taught third grade at a charter school for highly gifted in Charlotte, NC and served on its Vision Committee. Evelyn earned her masters degree and gifted license at Kent State University. Evelyn serves as the 2015 SENG Board Finance Director.

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