Gifted children are children whose abilities, talents and potentials are
so outstanding that they set the child apart from his or her peers.
Giftedness is generally considered to mean an IQ of 130 or above, along
with high performance in any one of five areas: general intellectual
ability, specific academic excellence (at math, for example), creative
thinking (looking at questions and answers in a unique way), leadership
ability, or artistic (including musical) ability.
Gifted children are sometimes first identified when they excel in
school, but most parents of gifted children suspect giftedness in their
child before the child enters school. How can you tell if your child is
gifted? What are the early signs? Consider the possibility of giftedness
in your child if her or she exhibits the following traits:
• Walks and talks at an early age
• Has an exceptional memory
• Has a long attention span
• Is persistently curious
• Expresses himself well for his age
• Shows an early interest in, or understanding of, concepts (time,
sharing, etc.) or
logic
• Learns to read before entering school
Few children will exhibit all of these traits at once, and some gifted
children even appear to be "slow starters," but later go on to catch up
and excel. Albert Einstein was four before he talked and seven before he
could read.
If you suspect your child is gifted, what should you do? Testing done
early on, before a child enters school is usually not as reliable as
later testing. If you're impressed with your child's performance and
wish to help him or her reach their full potential, simply offer a
loving, stable environment, encouragement, and opportunities to learn.
Give a very young child as much freedom of movement as is safely
possible. Introduce the child to books by reading to them every day, and
listening to them.
Gifted children talk, talk, talk…and ask endless questions! So answer
your child’s questions, and provide your child with as many outside
experiences and activities as possible. Before school age, a gifted
child is less interested in specific information than they are in simply
learning about the world and figuring out how it works.
Make your child’s world as rich and varied as possible. Finally, support
your child. A gifted child, perhaps more than many other children, needs
support and reassurance that they are loved and accepted just the way
they are – for being themselves, not for being gifted.
TV Diners: New research shows that half of UK families spend mealtimes on the
couch in front of the TV. TV diners
At what age should children be allowed to cycle unsupervised? How do we keep
them safe? Includes details of Streetwise's safety bus roadshow this
summer (UK) Cycling safety tips for parents
Win a sample copy of Kerwhizz magazine - just play the online quiz and register
your details! Win a sample Kerwhizz magazine
BiC®Kids has launched a nationwide competition to keep kids entertained over the
summer holidays. The BiC Picture
Though most of us will tell our babysitters to call if they need anything, I do
not know many people who really want their cell phones ringing three or four
times a night while out at dinner, a movie, a party etc. By leaving the
babysitter the information contained in this article, you will decrease your
chances of having your night out interrupted by phone calls with questions about
how to turn the DVD player on or what snacks are allowed before bed. A Babysitter Checklist - Everything She
Will Need To Know
Use it or lose it! If you don't use your brain for a long time, it might lose
some of it sharpness - and this is what often occurs during the summer
break. Find out how you can help your kids retain what they have learned in the
previous year! Stop Summer Brain Drain In
Your Kids