 |
Identifying the Gifted Child
How Do You Know? There are several ways of identifying the gifted child. It usually begins at home before school starts. Parents are the first to recognize how their children soak up information and can remember details or words to songs. They tend to have a good vocabulary, can be sensitive emotionally and physically, and may read before kindergarten.
There are several definitions used to identify the gifted child. They tend to be different depending on the needs of the school. Establishing a definition is the basis for many educational programs.
Once at school, the teacher identifies how quickly the child picks up on things. He or she may already be reading and finishing tasks quicker then their classmates. The teacher or parent may want the child to be tested to determine the child's needs. A Professional Opinion A psychologist or other qualified professional evaluates the child through interviews, parental feedback, and testing.
Based on the results, the psychologist generally makes recommendations to the parents and the school. These may include accelerated learning or grade acceleration. The Options At this point, parents are faced with options. Determining what is best for your child is sometimes difficult. Parents are often bombarded with negative scenerios regarding grade acceleration. Research shows that grade acceleration is a positive experience for the gifted child. Having the evaluation on paper serves to help parents feel good about their choices and equips them to face both the school board and principal to discuss what is best for their child.
More Information...I knew my daughter was bright at a very young age. As a baby, she demanded a lot of attention and was very alert. She said her first words at ten months and could read by age four. At seven, I decided to have her tested by a psychologist because I felt she needed to be more challenged at school. The psychologist identified her as gifted and recommended her for grade advancement. The psychologist I chose was great. She made me feel good about my decision to consult her and to advance my daughter a grade. I had other people who insisted it was not a good idea and that she wouldn’t do well socially. I had my reservations too but I needed to do what was best for her. The psychologist assured me that the evidence did not support the cynics view that she would have trouble socially if she skipped a grade. What a relief to have a professional assure me that my choices were good ones and best for my daughter! I discovered early on that I would have to stand up for my daughter. I have to speak up and work with her teachers and the school to ensure she gets what she needs. Unfortunately, I often hear from the school that they do not have the budget or resources for gifted children. Also, many governments do not demand that anything be done for gifted children.
|
