Welcome to the wonderful, often wacky, occasionally warm, sometimes wearisome, usually wild, whimsically witty and wordy world of the Gifted. Yes, it’s a mouthful. But that’s how it is here in the deep waters of giftedness! Leave your floaties in the shallow end! Diving skills and goggles are mandatory where we’re headed! As I discussed in “Can You Spot Giftedness” there is no great consensus on the definition of gifted. So…to level the playing field for us, I think we can all agree that gifted kids have different educational needs due mostly to their intellectual development. The first hurdle to overcome is how to accurately identify them. The second hurdle is figuring out what that “different” education involves.
As we begin this venture, let’s get our gear in order first. In the next five posts, I will attempt to equip you with some general knowledge of what giftedness looks like, why you might consider testing, what different tests assess, the levels of giftedness and specific areas of giftedness your child may have. Each one of these topics is crucial to understanding your whole child. It’s a mixed bag of information that takes some time to sit down and really study just as you would have to do if your 100 foot cord attached to your life preserver was in a knotted mess. Our kids can’t swim far or dive deep for success if they are all tangled up in a heap that everyone just steps over and thinks in their busyness, when I have some free time, I’ll untangle it. Trust me, that free time will never come. If you don’t untangle it now, it’s gonna cause grief and havoc down the road during a life and death situation. And I’m not being dramatic.
1. The Gifted Have Character:
The very first question that arises in a parent’s mind is, “How do I know if my child is gifted or if I’m just enamored with everything my child says and does?” That is an excellent and valid question. There are lists for you to read and contemplate. General characteristics will bubble to the surface and you need to know what to look for.
2. To Test or Not to Test:
Once you are convinced your child has met the characteristics criteria, you want to know the answer of the second mother of all important questions. When, with what, and why do I have my child tested and identified “officially?” We’ll dive into various views on this topic.
3. Eek Gads! Not a Test!:
Now it’s time to look at the four main types of assessments or tests that children will encounter. Each kind offers different insight and has its own pros and cons. Hopefully this overview will help you decide what might be most helpful for you and your child. Not all test are created equal.
4. Giftedness Knows Few Bounds:
The fourth question involves credibility. Isn’t every child gifted in his or her own way? Yes. But in the gifted world there are statistics, categories and delineations that will help you understand that depth of your child’s giftedness. It’s not just in their head or yours. It’s real. Each layer requires different parenting approaches and you want to be prepared now and down the road.
5. Area 51:
Lastly, you may already have insight into your child’s specific interest or area of gifted focus. Not every child is gifted in every area. It doesn’t need to all be a mystery. The more you understand, the better you can guide and help your child. They may be the gifted ones, but they need wise experienced counsel and that comes from you!
As you can see, we will just begin to scratch the surface here. But each layer builds on the last. Knowledge is power. Having adult friends with you on this journey of parenting your gifted child is even more powerful. Getting those knots out of the rope takes time and patience. Will you join me? I’d love the company. As we begin to untangle the cord in preparation for deep water experiences, we can be initiated into giftedness together!
What question do you want answered about giftedness? What led you to consider your child as gifted?
Read Often, Vote Daily.