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How to identify
a gifted child can be a difficult process, Many parents are
scared to dare think their child has a talent above the norm
and may find other parents and teachers may not believe them
thinking they are just overly proud of their child.
The truth is that
most schools are not equipped to deal with gifted children
as they are fewer and further between than the average child
and since they learn what they need to easily the teacher
ignores them to concentrate on the less gifted ones.Using
these 12 points you can gain some insight into your child¡¯s
potential genius. Generally a young child who shows many of
the following traits is likely to be gifted, however other
less gifted children may show some of these traits and a gifted
child will very rarely show all traits. While this guide is
written for young children many of the points can also apply
to older children.
1.
Advanced Development
A young gifted
child frequently achieves certain milestones such as first
speech and walking much earlier than other children. They
may also have a greater vocabulary than other children of
the same age and love to define words, read books and can
often be self taught readers at pre-school and kindergarten.
2.
Early Intellectual Talent
Gifted young children
can have a very good memory and can learn simple math, science
and social studies concepts eagerly. They may also grasp onto
a particular topic (Space and planets for example) and have
an amazing understanding of the subject! They can also simply
have a wide interest in everything and a thirst to learn all
they can moving from one area to another very quickly.
3.
A Thirst for Knowledge
Gifted children
often have a drive to learn and a ¡®thirst for knowledge¡¯.
Without having any particular agenda children often want to
discover and learn for the sake of discovering like a true
scientist or philosopher. They may study everything or pull
toys and devices apart to see what makes them work. Or may
be overly interested in simple things then discard them quickly
looking for a new learning challenge.
4.
High Level of Activity
Unlike hyperactivity
which can often have no focus just amazing amounts of energy
a gifted child can often be very active and have a reduced
need for sleep as they divert this energy to a purpose. Also,
unlike hyperactivity a gifted child may have a long attention
span when they find something of particular interest.
5.
Cautionary
A gifted child
may have a great ability to read more into situations and
the future than their peers. Because of this they may seem
to hold back in new situations as they work out the implications
and possibly worry about the possibility of failure. While
this may make them appear shy or slow a gifted child can show
their true ability by answering questions brilliantly or excelling
at the task given.
6.
Sensitivity
Some young gifted
children can be very sensitive, general anger or criticism
is taken personally; they suffer along with the starving children
on TV, the injured animal, etc. and when overloaded with impressions,
may become introverted and withdrawn.
7.
Uneven Development
Some children are
gifted in a narrow field while others have a more ¡®all
round¡¯ aptitude; however there is often a large gap between
their mental, social, physical and emotional development.
This can lead to frustration and confusion on the child¡¯s
behalf as their advanced mind may be trying to grapple with
concepts they are not emotionally advanced to deal with. Examples
may be over concerned with death, the future or sex. Also
their manual dexterity may lag behind what they are trying
to achieve in a task.
8.
Can Distinguish Between Reality and Fantasy Early
This may lead to
discussions on, and the acceptance of, the inevitability of
death; the frequent need to analyze stories to see which parts
"really could happen" and awkward questions about Santa and
the tooth-fairy!
9.
Early Insight Into Social and Moral Issues
Some gifted children
have a highly developed social conscience and can become worried
about war, pollution, injustice and violence. They can often
see through adult hypocrisy and can become angry and scared
when they see that adults are inconsistent and unreasonable.
10.
Greater Reasoning Power and Manipulation
A young gifted
child tends to use their verbal ability rather than actions
when communicating, this means you can often reason with a
gifted child from a young age. This ability with their greater
logical prowess and understanding of relationships can sometimes
lead them to understand the benefits of dishonest behavior
such as lying, stealing and cheating. Being able to manipulate
adults can be a very disturbing feeling for a child however
who needs a parent¡¯s security.
11.
Individuality
A great number
of gifted children can be seen as ¡°odd¡± or unconventional
and learn in different ways. Strictly organizing a child like
this can hamper their development as they need some time to
do their own thing to bring forth their creativity.
12.
The Importance of Adults
Gifted children
may not be interested in very structured activities or meeting
other's standards, often preferring to develop their own projects.
Despite this, adult guidance is very important - to help them
determine in which situation it is necessary to conform and
when it is O.K. to be "different", to put realistic limits
on an often overambitious project, to lend a hand when manual
dexterity doesn't meet mental visions and to avoid self-criticism
becoming destructive. Help may be needed to set realistic
standards.
More related articles....
- What
To Know So Your Child Isn't Overlooked
- 8
Mulitiple Intelligences in children
- What
is multiple intelligence theory? What is the M.I. theory?
About
The Author:
Esther Andrews is an expert in how
to develop your Child's genius!
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