Children are identified as gifted if they demonstrate above-average ability in one or more disciplines, such as math, music, or reading. Gifted children may be placed in fast-track programs at school, and parents can opt to nurture their child’s ability by hiring a tutor. However, due to the fact that not all schools are equipped to provide gifted children with the curriculum that they need, parents should be aware of resources for gifted children.
- The National Association for Gifted Children provides a host of helpful information on its website, (nagc.org). Parents can read articles about gifted education and parenting gifted children. They can also access listings of summer camp programs and by joining the NAGC, they can network with other parents of gifted children. A resource directory contains links to organizations and programs nationwide.
- If your gifted child shows a special aptitude for math, Northern Kentucky University has compiled a number of helpful resources at its website (www.nku.edu/~mathed/gifted.html) Parents can find listings of math competitions and programs for the summer as well as the academic school year. Competency charts help parents to determine their gifted child’s math-related grade level and the site also has interactive games and math worksheets that can be printed out.
- The Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University (cty.jhu.edu) maintains a listing of outside resources for gifted children and their parents. Among these are state-based associations, online articles and a listing of helpful print publications. The Center for Talented Youth sponsors programs for gifted children; some can be accessed online, others are in the form of summer camps and programs.
If you believe your child is gifted, then you can arrange for testing to determine the areas in which they are gifted. This can be done via a school psychologist. Alternatively, organizations such as the Center for Talented Youth offer a battery of tests to assess children who may be gifted in one or more subject areas.