Gifted children: is your child the next Mozart?
By Joan McFadden
If your child asks endless questions, it might be more than just curiosity. It could indicate that she is especially gifted. But would you be able to spot the signs and would you know what to do next to maximise her talents?
Ken Bore, director of The National Association for Gifted Children emphasises how important it is to get in touch with a support organisation to help identify the best route for your child. 'If this is your first child you might have no-one to compare him or her with, so rather than feel awkward about the possibility of your child being gifted you need expert advice to help determine if this is the case.'
Is my child gifted?
Very often parents are the first to recognise that their child is exceptionally bright compared with others of the same age. Characteristics to look for in your child include:
- Never stops asking questions
- Walking or talking early
- Very demanding and has great physical and mental energy
- Possessing a vivid imagination
- A wide vocabulary
- Likes to take the lead when playing with friends
- Reading at an early age
- Always has her nose in a book
- Loses interest when asked to do more of the same
- A lively mind
- Quickly grasping a new idea
- Surprising powers of concentration
- Preferring to play with older children
- Being a loner who does not make friends easily
However, very few gifted children will show all of these signs and some of them will be found in children who are not particularly able. Some children show great ability in many areas, academic or otherwise, while others show special promise in only one.
Bore stresses: 'It's important to look at a child as an individual, and recognise that there are different areas where a child might be termed gifted. Some might be exceptionally good with numbers, whereas others might shine creatively. You're not looking for a child to be exceptional across the board, although that may happen. What you're looking for is a child who is looking for the need to be challenged and making sure that need is met.'
Choosing a school
When choosing a school for your child the prospectus should give some indication as to whether it has a policy for able children. It can be tempting to assume that a private education will provide the best solution for a gifted child, but bear in mind that some private schools cater extremely well for a middle-of-the-road child and don't offer the best alternatives for children with special needs.
If able children are singled out as being positively catered for, don't be afraid to ask exactly what form this provision takes. Expect elaboration on promises of 'enrichment', 'extension' and 'withdrawal', where a child is taken from the usual routine and given individual attention.
Open evenings also provide another useful indication as to how seriously the school views special provision for able children, and the overall atmosphere and presentation of the school is worth noting at this point.
As a parent of an able child, one of the constant hurdles you are likely to come up against is the implication that you are a pushy parent. The important thing for your family is to be guided by your instincts, and the professionals.
The National Association for Gifted Children, the National Association for Able Children in Education and the Scottish Network for Able Pupils all have the right experience to guide you through the school selection process, and can provide access to local support networks.
What next?
Once you have chosen a school, give both their system and your child a little time to get organised. An under-stimulated child will quickly make her dissatisfaction known, and if this is the case for your child you need to make your concerns clear from the start.
Make an appointment with the child's class teacher and stick to your guns. It's not always easy as parental instinct is usually not to rock the boat, for fear of upsetting your child. However, if you remain polite but very firm, you should be able to insist that your child gets all they need.
Don't expect it to happen overnight, nor that every area will be perfect. Sometimes there has to be a level of compromise, and it's important to remember that social skills, self esteem and general happiness are as important as the right education. Stay in touch with support groups, and keep as well informed as possible.
Joan McFadden is a journalist and mother of four. She lives in Glasgow.
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