How to Raise Gifted Children (Part 2): The Power of a Parents and Teachers

Here's what you can do to help your child not only get better grades but have more enthusiasm for learning.

• Talk, talk, talk: Ask your open-ended questions, like “What would happen if we stopped for ice cream on the way to the beach?” Such questions help a child reflect on what he knows and tell him his opinion matters. Don't worry if he's too young to understand. Likewise, don't be afraid to use relatively sophisticated words, S/he may not understand them, but they will figure it out if the words are used multiple times in context.

•  Read, read, read: “Reading stimulates the brain to make connections and builds background knowledge about the world,” says Kim Davenport, chief program officer at Jumpstart, a national early-literacy organization. “Reading is the foundation of all learning and will enable a child to absorb and apply content from all areas, including math and science.” Modelling good reading habits may give them an edge. “Seeing their older ones and parents reading for enjoyment will be contagious,” Invite your child to cozy up on the couch with you to read. Keep books out—in baskets, on shelves, and on coffee tables. And share what you're reading with your child, and ask him to do the same. This will not only spark conversation but build vocabulary and comprehension.

 Stick-to-itiveness: the quality that allows someone to continue trying to do something even though it is difficult or unpleasant. http://dictionary.cambridge.org/

• Praise results Stick-to-itiveness is a quality that will endear your child to teachers—and employers. We are so busy making kids feel good that we've lost sight of the time it takes for them to actually become good,. It's hard to accept failure if you're constantly told you're the best. When these kids go to school and get a problem wrong, they think “It can't be me.” Giving the right props is key, Children who are praised for solving a problem tend to be more motivated in school than children who are told they're smart. The latter, often become frustrated when something doesn't come easily.” So instead of giving broad praise (“You're a star!”), give specific praise for accomplishments (“I'm proud of how you found a different way to get the answer”). Encourage Perseverance also say “You're almost there. Keep trying.”

•  Celebrate curiosity Preschoolers very nearly all glow with curiosity. But sometimes kids lose that as they get older. Keep them excited by honing in on what interests them. If you ask questions about what they're playing with or talking about you've initiated a give-and-take that will pay off in a smarter kid. Your child will ask questions and look for more good stuff to share in return. Take time to turn your kid on to what you're excited about: Check out interesting things show together, and tell your child what you like about it and why.

• Seize teachable moments You can help your child sharpen school skills as you go about your day. Say you drive by a train. Instead of saying “Hey, a  train”  or “what sound does a train make?” take it a step further ask more questions like: “What do you think they do?” Encouraging observation of details will help your child do the same in class. Even a simple trip to the store can be a chance to build vocabulary, math skills, and money smarts. Tell a 2-year-old the names of fruits as you bag them. Ask a 3-year-old to find four cans of peas. Have a 5-year-old write down which cereal they wants. Older kids can compare prices and sizes,

What are we saying really?

Whether your child is advanced or average, the best thing you can do is be involved. What do you most want is for every child to be? Happy? Funny? Confident? Loved?. Our goal as parents, teachers, elders is to help a child be the best he or she can be, If you've read this far, you're well on your way.

Next we will give practical advice from the parents of two gifted children


Reference: http://www.parenting.com/