by Darren L

Created on: December 26, 2006   Last Updated: May 21, 2007

How to tell if your child is gifted

Many people suggest that all children are gifted, and that they are. Every single child is amazing, they have such great worth that they should all be constantly driven do achieve their full potential.

That being said, when we say, "Gifted". What we really many are those children who have an extra need to be fed. What we're not discussing is that respective value of each child as a human being in comparison to another. When a child learns, they learn at an extraordinary rate. This is where the education system comes in, and teachers provide them with the much-needed stimulus for their curiosity. Learning of course varies, in style, depth and speed but predominantly children learn at a similar pace.

But what happens when we are presented with a child that (either by advantage of learning style or understanding in depth) takes in more. Much like a Ferrari needs more fuel to go faster, or a 4x4 needs more fuel to carry a larger load so does a child that learns more effectively than his or her brethren. When we fail the child's need for stimulation, they starve. In a similar way to when humans go hungry for a while, or don't eat often, their capacity for food is reduced accordingly.

So, how do you tell if you're child is gifted in such as we as to need more stimulus. Well, you keep feeding them. As much as they can take in, as much as they can ask for. If after stimulating a child within an environment with other children learning, you find that they are taking more in, then be aware of this. You may find that they have a particular strength, if so, cater to that strength. Always be aware of other strengths that they my have and communicate with them to ensure they are still being simulated in a way they are comfortable with, in a way that drives them.

In some cases, you don't need to have a child within a learning environment with other children. You can take a few simple steps yourself. At an early age, buy books that list year on year, what most children are capable of. If they surpass those age milestones, then you may have a child that requires more educationally than his or her friends. You should only take this information in as a consideration, some children have a short spurt and then maintain a level that others can catch up with. If however, they surpass usual milestones by a significant level, you should take them to see an Educational Psychologist.

You can find a list of milestones for a child's learning development here:
http://www.ldonline.org/article/6313

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