challenging for parents and teachers. It’s important to be patient with these children, as we don’t want to squelch their curiosity. 10. A parent or teacher may notice that a gifted child learns more quickly. It is estimated that most children need 8–15 repetitions in order to learn something new. Gifted children frequently need only one or two. TESTING FOR GIFTEDNESS AND HOW TO PROCEED If you suspect your child may be gifted, you can have them tested by a psychologist, though many schools offer the same evaluations at no cost. Parenting a gifted child comes with unique responsibilities—encouraging curiosity, providing plenty of enrichment, and exploring educational options such as gifted programs, private tutors, or after-school activities. It’s also important to collaborate with your child’s teacher to ensure their needs are met in the classroom. Because schools often focus on helping struggling students, gifted children can be overlooked. Advocate for an environment that challenges and supports your child’s creativity and abilities. WHY SHOULD I HAVE MY CHILD TESTED? The National Association for Gifted Children notes that schools often use standardized tests to identify students for gifted programs, though you can also choose independent testing. Before deciding to have your child tested, ask yourself: Are there indicators—such as academic performance, social-emotional characteristics, or certain behaviors—that make me suspect my child is gifted? Is my child not thriving or unhappy in his current learning environment? Is my child applying to a gifted and talented enrichment program, camp, online course, or independent gifted school where test results are required for admission? Does my child demonstrate giftedness, but it’s not recognized because I suspect other factors (such as a learning disability, ADHD, or anxiety, for example) may be getting in the way? If the answer is “yes,” to any of the above questions, you might want to pursue having your child tested privately. Source: nagc.org
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