Dr Martina Geromin, co-founder of School Beyond Limitations, discusses determining if a child is gifted and then ensuring positive school experiences
Giftedness should always be viewed as uniqueness, but it is also important to recognise that every child is unique and gifted in some way. Spotting if your child is exceptionally gifted, whether academically or creatively, involves observing key behaviours and characteristics. Exceptionally gifted or able children often display intense curiosity and a desire to learn about a wide range of topics. They frequently ask probing questions that go far beyond typical levels for their age or school year. They might also grasp new concepts exceptionally quickly and demonstrate advanced problem-solving skills, completing tasks and understanding material faster than their peers.
There are other signs to look out for that might indicate your child is gifted. These include cognitive development – you may find your child frequently uses advanced vocabulary and complex sentences. You may also notice that they always seem to be asking you deep, probing questions. If a child is ahead of their classmates on a regular basis, this can lead to negative behaviours – boredom, emotional sensitivity and even disruptive behaviour. It is always important to pinpoint why your child might be behaving this way.
“Uneven development is a lesser-known trait. A gifted child may display advanced intellect but age-appropriate emotional behaviours”
Exceptionally able children often show heightened empathy for others and may have a strong sense of justice, fighting or arguing for what they believe in. Able children can also be emotionally intense and sometimes sensitive around others. You may notice they seem to become very easily upset. They are also often deeply affected by world events and scenarios around them. Having friendship issues in school or finding it difficult to connect with other children can also be a sign that a child is gifted and is struggling to relate to their peer group.
Gifted children will usually demonstrate original thinking outside of what is expected for their age, and they will often suggest innovative solutions to everyday problems. You might also notice that your child prefers to explore multiple approaches rather than conventional routes. This means they may not follow instructions well or take direction from others. They are more likely to want to find their own approach.
Behaviour is a big area of concern to parents. A key behaviour trait of a gifted child is having a persistent focus on specific topics of interest, sometimes to the point of obsession. You may also notice your child seems to have high energy levels, rarely seems tired or has difficulty adapting to routines, especially if they feel bored. Boredom is a key trait seen in the gifted child, and a child that becomes easily bored in the classroom and at home is likely to display lively and sometimes challenging behaviour.
Uneven skill development is probably one of the lesser-known traits of an exceptionally able child. On the one hand, they may display advanced intellectual abilities, yet on the other they also display age-appropriate emotional behaviours. They might also have trouble controlling their reactions and responses to certain scenarios.
Parents can also look for more obvious early achievements in areas such as reading, maths, arts, or music. Although having a gifted child can be challenging, as a parent it is important to encourage exploration in areas your child shows an interest in. It is critical to consult your child’s teachers. If appropriate, you may also wish to approach a professional expert for formal assessment.
The danger for an exceptionally able child comes when they don’t feel seen or heard or when their disruptive behaviour or boredom is misinterpreted. This may undermine the child’s emotional and academic development. Another significant concern is the potential for their child to lose interest in learning due to lack of challenge or engagement. This can lead to disengagement from schoolwork altogether. If you suspect your child is being held back in class and is ahead of their peers, or you feel they are not being adequately challenged in school, approaching the school thoughtfully and collaboratively is essential.
“If you suspect your child is not being adequately challenged, approaching the school thoughtfully and collaboratively is essential”
The first point of contact should be your child’s class teacher or tutor, as they have the most day-to-day interaction with them. Share your observations about your child’s approach to learning and their behaviours and ask for advice. Opening the conversation with curiosity rather than making assumptions is the best way to create a positive environment for mutual understanding.
Focus on your child’s unique behaviours, not their ‘superiority’, and work with your school to find creative solutions. Engaging a broader network of teachers or mentors may be helpful. It is crucial to make your child understand that theirs is one of the many forms of talent. Reinforce the idea that everyone has something special to offer and that their own strengths are a contribution, not a sign of extra worth. Support your child’s growth in a way that integrates learning into everyday life and avoid making it a ‘big deal.’ This positive approach fosters a healthy sense of self-awareness in your child and an appreciation of diversity of abilities and gifts.
Finally, follow up regularly with your school to assess your child’s progress. Maintain a collaborative tone, emphasising the shared goal of supporting your child’s growth while respecting the overall classroom and school dynamic – and the expertise and input of those involved in day-to-day teaching and leadership. By focusing on collaboration, creativity, and the value of all students, you can ensure that your child’s talents are nurtured in a positive way while also supporting the entire school community.
School Beyond Limitations school-beyond-limitations.com
Further reading: Wendover Online School on taking education to gifted students
You may also like...
