Writen by Marilynn McLachlan
Giftedness is being identified with increasing frequency as more people come to understand what giftedness is. Most children will be identified as gifted during the school years, but gifted children are 'different' than the norm, even from the youngest age. While there are many checklists and observational scales to help identify preschool giftedness, there are ten key behaviours that most gifted preschoolers will display.
They need little sleep!
While many people think that toddlers need to sleep twelve hours a night, research confirms that most babes will wake up several times a night – this is normal!
For parents of a gifted preschooler, the pressures are even harder. These children do not need the same amount of sleep as the average child. The difference here, though, is that if the baby or toddler is given minor stimulation (a book, a song, a few toys) they will be content. That is, if they are distressed parents will need to look for another reason for their wakefulness. So, a gifted baby or toddler will be awake but happy.
Demanding of attention!
Here, again, all babies and toddlers will demand attention! They rely on parents to keep them informed of what is going on around them. The difference here is that gifted preschoolers will demand to observe and participate in the world. They may be happy as long as they are propped up, being spoken to and able to absorb everything that is going on around them.
Speech either develops early, or very late (after the age of three)! Gifted babies and preschoolers tend not to fit into the normal pattern of language development. They are either speaking remarkably well (such as fifty words by age one and sentences well before two) or they develop their speech later. This late development of speech has been attributed to many of our society's greats – such as Einstein. What often happens, however, is that these children start talking spontaneously and very well! They have been so focused on observing and absorbing their world that they almost seem to erupt into language.
Very sensitive – to other people's pain, to their environment. From the youngest age, gifted children appear to feel very deeply. They care if there is an argument or if they accidentally kill an insect. They are extremely aware of their environment and are sensitive to color, to sound, and organization.
Marches to their own drum – meaning they don't appear to 'fit in' with other children their age. It can be very confusing to the parent whose child seems to stand out as different. Because they develop differently, they may appear to be emotionally immature (but this may just be a reflection of their extreme sensitivity), or they may be speaking extremely well while their motor skills lag behind. Some parents report that their child develops motor skills at a very fast rate – they are lifting their head and looking around from birth. This kind of difference can be the source of bewilderment to parents! It may be hard to relate to other parents or to share what your child is doing for fear of 'showing off'.
Very observant!
Gifted children do not miss a beat! These children know everything that is going on around them and often will often seek to know something in greater detail. For example, they may not be content to sit and watch TV – they want to know what each and every button is for. They may pull things apart (much to a parent's angst, if it's something important!) They want to know all about that flower pot, what soil tastes like and what that beautiful flower feels like.
Great memory!
These children remember so much – from language (and they use long 'adult' words) to what you said a week ago, to something they did a year ago.
Excellent concentration!
While gifted preschoolers are demanding of attention, once they find something they are interested in, they will sit still and totally concentrate on their finding. Often young children will pick up something and put it down after a few minutes and move onto something else. These children will sit for an hour or more, completely absorbed – whether it be a book they are interested in or a piece of art work or working out how your remote control works.
Bored with repetitive games and toys!
They may not care what other children are doing, so absorbed in whatever adventure they are engaged in at any given moment. They may not like 'toys' as such, preferring to do things that are beyond most other toddlers. Any expensive toys that tell your child how to play will move to the side even quicker than other children! Because they 'get' things so quickly, they find it a waste of time to spend their hours doing something they understand.
Good sense of humour!
Combined with their sensitivity is a great sense of humour – often at an adult level! They can play drama games and tell jokes, make up their own jokes and enjoy life with a beautiful belly laugh that delights all around them!
Marilynn McLachlan, author of 'The NEW Parent Code', Penguin Books, 2005. She is the founder of http://www.generationxparenting.com, Cynical, Creative and Conscious. Sign up for her free monthly e-zine and get parenting information you can use - subscribe@generationxparenting.com For further information about what to do if you think your preschooler may be gifted, visit http://www.generationxparenting.com
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