Whether you suspect you have gifted children, or you have a child that’s been newly identified as gifted, one thing is certain: it’s important to have access to resources that can help you during your parenting journey. Here are some tips and resources from our gifted series in honor of National Parenting Gifted Children week.
Identifying Gifted Children: Nature vs Nurture
Many parents are uncertain about the gifted identification process and whether it’s okay to provide enrichment or tutoring prior to their child’s gifted admissions exam. The reality is that giftedness is not only about IQ and/or academic achievement. According to the National Association of Gifted Children it involves a unique set of traits in intellectual processing, personality attributes and emotional development. Parents can provide supplemental enrichment by teach reading, language, math and critical thinking skills. Teaching social skills is also important but can be a challenge for some parents. Parents should search for experiences that support their child’s emotional development like group play activities or sports.
Allison, a mom who is part of our Critical Thinking Child (CTC) family, is familiar with the nature vs nurture debate centered around identifying and raising gifted children. In this 3-part video series, she shares her personal story, as well as how her family prepared both son and daughter when testing for gifted kindergarten.
Part I. A Family’s Approach to Nurturing Gifted Children
In addition to group activities, children can benefit from unstructured play time outdoors. Exploring in nature, wandering in the woods taking nature walks are very valuable learning experiences. They help children with a variety of academic enrichment including STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Math) as well as social and emotional growth.
Part II. A Family’s Approach to Nurturing Gifted Children
Part III. A Family’s Approach to Nurturing Gifted Children
Learn more about our Critical Thinking Boot Camp for Kids.
