How to discover the giftedness
It is possible to accurately determine the availability of giftedness in a child only under the guidance of a specialist, but there are common characteristics through which parents can assume that they have a gifted child.
- The child does not sleep much.
- Very quickly learns to read.
- He pronounces the first word at the age of 6 months.
- Speaks the first sentence at the age of 12 months.
- At the age of 18-24 months can support the dialogue, using a very rich for his age vocabulary.
- At 2.5 years he teaches the alphabet and counts to ten.
- Solves simple tasks for addition and subtraction by 3 years.
- Beginning at the age of 3, he asks about the meaning of unfamiliar words.
- From an early age asks the questions "why?".
- Demonstrates the imagination.
- Very susceptible to the outside world.
- He is concerned with questions of justice and morality.
- The child is energetic and self-confident.
- Very observant, ready for non-standard situations.
- He is critical of himself and others.
- Very attentive, able to fully concentrate.
- He prefers a society of older children.
- He has low self-esteem and a propensity for depression.
- In the lessons, he is bored, since the standard curriculum is too primitive for him. Teachers find it difficult to find motivation for him.
- Immersed in myself, scattered.
- Thinking is more productive than reproductive: it generates ideas.
- Feels strange, believes that he does not understand
- He is independent, he has the character of an introvert.
How to be a parent?
If the parents have noticed the child's signs of appropriate giftedness, they should consult with teachers or specialists and follow specific methods. If the child is really gifted, parents should not panic: they will be helped. Either way, parents will continue to care for the development of the child.
- Talk to the child, play with him. Talking about everyday affairs, ask the child to express their opinion.
- React to the child's interest in science and art, help him develop his abilities in these areas.
- Together with the child, visit where he can learn something new - in museums, libraries, public centers, where various events are organized.
- Do not let the child get bored, stimulate his activity, explain that achievements will be useful to him in the future.
- Create a quiet environment in which the child can read and learn, help him to do homework.
- Encourage the child's interest in extracurricular activities.
Should gifted children study in special schools?
Educational programs and techniques for gifted children are sharply criticized for elitism. Separating such children from society is not recommended, and, nevertheless, they require special attention. Some experts recommend gifted children to study in ordinary schools, but to devote more time to study, to learn from their own, more complicated program. At the same time, teachers and parents should closely monitor progress.
Development of social skills
Some gifted children are extremely shy, they find it difficult to communicate with other children and adults. The development of communication skills in the methodology for identifying the giftedness of a child can be helped at home with simple exercises.
- Instruct a child to perform simple tasks when there are guests in the house (for example, open the door, help guests undress, offer them food, etc.). Some of these actions have to be rehearsed in advance.
- Talk with the child about what is required to maintain a friendly relationship, and explain in which cases the friendship breaks off.
- Help the child to practice in phone conversations, learn to listen to someone else's opinion, behave as guests, etc. In addition, a gifted child can be helped in the following ways.
- Choose a hobby. Favorite activities are not only fascinating in themselves - it's a great opportunity to have friends with common interests.
- Join a group in the local community, for example, in the Boy Scout Club. The child will be able to give energy and communicate with peers.
- Participate in extracurricular activities in the school, to be more often in the circle of children with the same interests.
- Find a job or volunteer in the local community (after school and on weekends). It will help the child to join the society and increase its self-esteem. Now we know what methods exist to identify the giftedness of a child.