IS YOUR CHILD “THE GIFTED CHILD?”

The first obligation of the parents who think their child is gifted is to inquire, “how can I find out if my child is gifted? What are the characteristics of the gifted child?”

The following checklist is a rough indication of what you may want to look out for after your child is born up to 2 years of age -

· Ability to recognize faces early (within a few months after birth).

· Early expressions like smiling.

· Unusual alertness.

· Early interest in looking at books like turning pages of books before 1 year of age and paying attention when read to within 6 months.

· Unusually active and high levels of energy.

· Playing with toys like shape sorters by 11 or 12 months.

· Ability to form two word phrases by 14 months.

· Ability to understand instructions given by you by 18 months.

· Ability to say and understand many words before 18 months.

· Could stay still and watch his or her favourite TV programme.

· Appears to require less sleep (yet not sleepy or irritable due to lack of sleep).

· Recognition of letters/alphabets by age one and a half.

· Recognition and rote counting of numbers 1 – 10 or higher by age 2.

· Recognition of colours by age 2.

· Recognition of first word by age 2.

· Interest in puzzles by age 2.

· Has long attention span in interest areas by age 2.

· Ability to form at least 3-word sentence by age 2.

· Knowledge about calendars and clocks by age 3.

· Demonstration of unusual competency in drawing, painting, singing and other such abilities.

· And most of all, an early interest in reading and a liking for books.

The gifted child’s superiority in language development is very high . he has an early acquisition of skill in reading which is remarkable. Most of such children learn to read before they enter school . Vocabulary development too is extraordinary.

This child has a vivid imagination and this includes having imaginary friends .The child is extremely curious and asks many questions about things and events they have observed,. It is important that parents try to answer their questions patiently and appropriately, or help them find answers. Reading aloud to them is highly desirable, be sure to provide picture book, and provide reading material for the very young gifted child. Later encourage him to use public libraries around your area.

It should be taken into account that a child gets an opportunity to do the above. Gifted children have special need, for intellectual stimulation and challenging experience. Parents should stimulate the gifted child’s development . trips and excursions , followed by discussions , will help. Workshops for such children will be of great value. Guidance should be given so that TV will not consume too much of the child’s leisure time..

The above checklist is at best regarded as a rough guide and bear in mind that not all of the skills and age guide mentioned is absolute. Some children may demonstrate these abilities at a younger age and some may be older and yet classified as advanced learners. However, this can be a good guide to look out for signs of early advanced development in children and provide the necessary platform for them to flourish.

You , as a parent or as a teacher has an inbuilt ability to recognize if your child is gifted. Provide him a favorable environment, affection, physical well being and security ….and see him blossom.

By Ms HemaSridhar