Gifted children, from an early age can show the capacity to think creatively, critically and abstractly.
Have you ever had them ask a question and you wondered how they came up with that thought? Or wondered why they have thought so hard about something that just seems trivial to you?
Gifted children need to know that these thoughts are valid and wonderful! As a parent you need to support this thinking and foster it in the best possible way so you not only have a confident child but you are a confident parent.
Being a confident parent allows you to inform teachers the strengths and weaknesses of your child.
What can you do?
- Build a home environment that nurtures this creativity. Allow your child to flourish at home and have a space that they can always create.
- Before praising them about the way the have responded or created something,, ask them how they came up with the idea. Learning how to explain their thinking is a great tool.
- Provide them with opportunities to explore their area of interest and link in with like minded individuals. Think after school activities, holiday clubs, online groups, links with universities, visits to art galleries, performances and music halls.
- Keep records of their creations and try to create with them.
- Encourage taking risks when trying new techniques and talk about mistakes and why we need to make them to learn.
If you need support with your gifted child or a gifted student in your classroom. Please get in touch for one on one consultations and workshops.
Vanessa: educateempower1@gmail.com
And read this great tip sheet created by The National Association for Gifted Children
