Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion extracurricular activities for visual spatial kids

My DS5 is probably most gifted along the visual spatial dimension (he reached the ceiling in a few areas on the WPPSI IV last year, but that's what we think after having observed him for years). He did 100 piece puzzles at 2 years old, can now do pretty much any size lego (well, he'll be getting a 2000 piece one soon, so we'll see), loves building complicated structures with wooden sticks (Keva), and is drawing in 3 dimensions better than most 8 or 9 year olds (it's not clear OH or I could do better - and he is certainly much quicker at it than us!). Am now thinking ahead what kind of group/afterschool activities could be a good fit for him next year? Thanks!

My son is younger than yours, but is also gifted in the visual spatial dimension (very into building, puzzles, art, etc.). We've recently started playing chess with him, which he LOVES. Have you tried that with your son?

I second chess club as a suggestion. Chess didn't go over well for my DS though because all the local clubs teach competitive chess that uses timers. And my son hated the timer.

My area has Lego Robotics clubs run by private organization that have after school activities for kids as young as 5. Look around and see if that is available. What you want is a program that mixes age groups together as he would probably quickly get bored at the level of other kids his age.

Honestly, I would just keep supplying with Lego's and other building materials. And use find activities that stretch & compliments him in other areas that he isn't so naturally inclined. Music, Art, Sports are all good things to explore.

+1

I am finding that extracurricular activities can be excellent opportunities to work on DD's executive functioning and other soft skills so we can hopefully reduce her asynchronicity.