W
e all like to think our children are gifted –
chips off the old block, right? But how do
you know if your offspring really does have
that extra something? To work out if Junior
is a genius and, if so, how best to deal with his (or her)
talent, read on for some expert advice.
What is giftedness?
The Oxford English Dictionary defines “gifted” simply
as “having exceptional talent or natural ability”. The
Hong Kong Education Bureau (EDB) has adopted a broad
definition of gifted children as those who “demonstrate
exceptional achievement or potential” in one or more
certain areas, including specific academic aptitude,
creative thinking, talent in the visual or performing arts, or
outstanding performance in sport.
According to Dr Stephen Tommis, executive director
of the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education
(
HKAGE), giftedness does not necessarily mean being a
baby Einstein. Instead, “gifted” describes a young person
with well-above average ability in one or more domains. As
a rough guide, that could mean having an IQ of over 130,
although he stresses IQ alone is not an adequate measure.
The three key characteristics (for any age) of giftedness are
breadth, depth and pace of learning.
His view is shared by Vivian Wu, founder and centre
director of Aristle Gifted Institute, who says gifted children
tend to be quick learners, easily bored and very observant.
There is no real difference between the giftedness of
girls and boys, but children can be gifted in different ways.
For example, some are more artistic or logical or creative
or numerate. The EDB advocates a broad definition of
giftedness using multiple intelligences, says PT Chan, its
chief curriculum development officer for gifted education.
Early signs
One of the first signs of giftedness that parents should
look for is their child doing things in advance of what’s
expected of a normal child. But, even if you notice
something, parents shouldn’t panic and assume they need
to focus every bit of attention on pushing: the child still
needs to be a child. Stephen recommends not being pushy,
since, most of all, kids require love and support. If the
development carries on, at around age four, check whether
the kindergarten has a policy for bright learners to nurture
the child’s curiosity.
The signs can be slow to register for busy parents.
American mum Wendy Watson says her son Josh (not their
real names) was exhibiting signs of giftedness, but she wasn’t
aware that it was extraordinary. Wendy says, “In day-care
back in the US, my son was counting to ten at 18 months
and reading by 30 months. I was a working mother and he
was my only child, so I had nothing to compare him to. I
didn’t think much of it and didn’t realise he was gifted.”
Vivian recognises this scenario, explaining that
although a very attentive parent might realise a toddler is
While you can’t teach giftedness, you can
notice and nurture it, writes
Gillian Johnston
.
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