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Defining gifted
Gifted children are loosely defined as those who score in the upper 5% of their district on state-mandated tests. Districts also take into consideration class performance, portfolio work and teacher recommendations.
While no one argues with the imperative of getting struggling learners up to speed, the needs of gifted kids are less clear.
Without some type of extra stimulation, the potential of these children may be compromised unless parents take the reins and fill in the gaps.
“Every year, over 500,000 bright, talented and gifted children are born,” says Joan Smutny, author of twenty books on gifted children, including Teaching Advanced Learners in the General Education Classroom: Doing More With Less! “These kids are hungry for challenge. They’re ready and willing and so appreciative when they’re challenged.”
Challenging them
Stimulating the minds of kids doesn’t have to cost money or involve time-consuming activities (although that’s certainly possible and beneficial.) Sometimes the easiest adjustments make the biggest impact.
Elizabeth Dierkseheide is parent to four high-achieving children. She’s a huge proponent of simply using the library.
“I take a huge canvas bag and bring it to the library every week and just fill it with books,” she explained. “I look for different types of books from poetry to fairy tales, fiction to nonfiction. I try to find books with cultural or religious themes, graphic or illustrated books, anything that is different.”
“Then I spread the books on table and the kids spend hours poring through them.”
She credits that exposure to her kids’ interest in many different topics and their ability to read at a young age. “It’s like filling your kids’ basic needs, like water; soon they just craved these new books.”
Some of the best enrichment can be accomplished by just letting them loose on their interests.
Following their passion can be tough because gifted kids are often interested in everything. But whenever they show a particular interest in something – dinosaurs, chess, the Civil War, whatever it may be – encourage them as far as you can.
If they’re interested in say, China, take them to the library to learn about Chinese history, show them Chinese writing, visit Chinatown, prepare traditional Chinese foods, have them write a story about China, examine Chinese clothing, and so on. Capture their interest for as long as it goes.
And simply talk to them as you go about everyday life. Have them help plan or cook a meal and discuss nutrition, the ecology of food, organic versus inorganic and the role of chemicals. Have them compare prices at the grocery. Teach them about measurements as you cook. Tie art and science together by discussing why artists use a predominant color or way of painting. Discuss the sounds and images of jazz or the blues.
Advocate
Of course, the onus of gifted education shouldn’t solely be on parents. Schools have a responsibility also. Gifted kids are often extremely bored in class. Research shows that they adjust to the norm, rather than excelling on their own.
“Parents can see when their child is not being served,” said Smutny. “We put billions into special education and a relative small amount into gifted. We need to differentiate for those who need that challenge and motivation.”
If your child needs more challenging work, talk to the teacher first. Recognize that he/she has anywhere from 20-30 other students in the class, so look for solutions that don’t involve overloading their day. Even simply differentiating and grouping students by ability can make an impact.
Advocate for different work, rather than more work. Sometimes this requires more creative or flexible scheduling. For instance, could your child move up a grade in just a particular subject? Or do independent work projects? Is there an online curriculum that would be beneficial?
In the meantime, continue to stimulate and motivate your kids and take advantage of all that is around, including museums, libraries, theater and the community. Teach them to be a citizen of the world.
“The academic is only one definition of a gifted child,” reminds Smutny. “Creativity is the highest form of mental functioning and gifted kids love creativity. Try to get past reiteration and repetition and consider all the possibilities.”
Laura Amann is a freelance writer and mother of four children. She has been involved in numerous gifted programs in her district and is an advocate for gifted education.
For more information on how Collier County identifies gifted children: http://neafamily.com/your-family/education/how-are-gifted-children-identified-in-collier-county%3F/