August 21, 2000

Don't be blue over 'orange' kids
___By Ken Camp
___Texas Baptist Communications
___FORT WORTH--Parents with an imaginative and unorganized "orange" child should see that personality classification as a challenge, not an academic death sentence, according to veteran educator Martha Oldenburg.
___Oldenburg, a retired Fort Worth elementary school principal, led a seminar on personality types during the Texas Baptist Family Reunion at Glorieta this summer. She identified four color-coded personality types: "gold" sensing thinkers, "blue" sensing feelers, "green" intuitive thinkers and "orange" intuitive feelers.
___As reported in the July 31 Baptist Standard, Oldenburg noted that the curious and insightful "orange" child thrives on speed, variety, competition and creative outlets. He or she does not understand time limits, has trouble keeping detailed notes, tends to be very unorganized and can be impulsive and unpredictable.
___Pointing out that "gold" children fit most easily into a structured classroom environment, Oldenburg noted, "Ninety percent of high school dropouts are orange."
___That observation caused at least one reader to react with alarm. She recognized her 8-year-old son as an "orange," and she wanted to know how to keep her son from becoming a dropout.
___Don't be alarmed, Oldenburg responded. "Dropouts tend to be orange. That doesn't mean all oranges will drop out."
___"Orange" children are "square pegs trying to fit into a round hole world," she said. "But with a lot of love and support at home, these children can make a difference as they learn to use their imagination and creativity to do something productive."
___Oldenburg offered several suggestions for parents of "orange" children:
___ Help them learn to adapt to a non-orange world. "The goal is to try to learn in all the different styles, not just the one in which we are most comfortable," she said. "Orange" children need guidance in knowing when they can let their creativity flow and when they need to conform to structures. Parents can help them learn to recognize appropriate times for creative expression.
___ Remind them to read instructions. "Orange" children often have difficulty with standardized tests because they fail to read the directions before starting, she noted. "Oranges tend to jump in without looking at what is being asked."
___ Explore their talents. Many "orange" children are gifted in the fine arts, she said. "Give them an opportunity to have private lessons to go along with their area of interest, whether it's music, drama, art or whatever."
___ Stimulate their imaginations. Take them to visit museums, she suggested, particularly if there is a children's museum in the area that offers classes and hands-on learning opportunities.
___ Offer opportunities to compete. "Orange" children enjoy competition, Oldenberg said. If they are athletically inclined, give them an opportunity to play competitive sports. If they are more attuned to the fine arts, make sure they have a chance to participate in music, art or drama contests.
___ Communicate with teachers. Help the teacher recognize the child's personality type and preferred learning style. Work with the teacher to discover learning opportunities that allow the "orange" child to be somewhat self-directed.
___ Don't lose hope. There are plenty of success stories. "I'm an orange myself," Oldenburg said. Three of her four children also are "orange" personalities, she added, "and they're all productive members of society."


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