Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion How to identify if my kid is gifted?

Hi everyone,

I am new to the forum and new to the gifted education in general. So any help, pointer will be greatly appreciated!

My son is in G4 and recently was tested with G12 reading ability in the accelerated reading program their school has. However, the school didn't contact me with any options to advance him or even discuss this with me.

He is also reading books about advanced science/math and was showing great interest with the subjects. He's got perfect scores on the state-wide testing for the past 2 years. I've read on this forum that many kids do accelerated math or other things. How do I get information on this?

I always know that he is a smart kid. But is he gifted? And should I look for other education options other than public school?

Thanks!

Hi Kpmoon,
Welcome. I hope we can help answer some of your questions.

Quick question of my own is G4=fourth grade and G12=12th grade? That does sound confusing, especially if you don't think your child could read 12th grade textbooks by observing him at home.

1) There is no such thing as a standard definition of gifted. I try to see it as 'unusualness.' How unusual is it for kids at your son's school in G4 to be reading at G12 level. If there are 5 other kids doing that, then it's pretty likely that the teacher is creating classroom content that works for those kids. If, on the other hand, there are no kids higher than G6 except your son, then one wouldn't expect the teacher to really have enough time and energy to make a whole separate curriculum for one child. Although it has been known to happen, it hardly even happens more than one year in a row.

Kids who have an unusually advanced level of what they are ready to learn compared to the other smart kids in their classroom almost always continue to have an unusually advanced level of what they are ready to learn, until they get beaten down with boredom and disapproval and disappointment. Then they don't have less potential, but it sure becomes difficult to turn that potential into achievement.

Some kids like being unchallenged at school, and use school time to get their social needs met so they can go home and work on their personal learning projects. That can be workable for kids who are born focused and independent. I don't think that that is the majority of kids.

I would recommend reading lots of books on giftedness - just go to your local library and grab as many as you can find, and flip through them to snoop around and see what the variety of ideas are about giftedness.

One book specifically worth reading in your situation is http://www.amazon.com/Re-Forming-Gi...ks&qid=1296156522&sr=8-1-catcorr

another really good book is
http://www.accelerationinstitute.org/Nation_Deceived/Get_Report.aspx
and you can download it for free - instantly!

Does your school have a 'gifted program' or a 'gifted coordinator?' - if so, I would call up and make an appointment with the gifted coordinator.

If not, I would call up and ask for a face to face appointment with your son's teacher, classroom or accelerated reading if that is a different person. I would ask what you have asked here (except the other options part - wink)

What does gifted mean to you?

You state most likely has a 'gifted association' - that you can join for about 40$. I would join and attend a meeting or event and try to talk to a live person on the phone if possible to find out what your state's definition of gifted is. You might get lucky and find someone who knows your school district well, or knows about other educational options that are available in your area.

Is homeschooling on your mind?

Love and More Love,
Grinity

Hi Grinity,

Thanks for all the information! I will check out the books you suggested. It's so great that I found this forum. It's hard to raise these questions at school without sounding snobby.

I don't think our school has a gifted program anymore because of budget cut.

My son has always been an advanced reader and he reads all sorts of books. He doesn't mind reading science books, like books about atom, elements, etc . And he learned a lot from all these readings. I hadn't thought about skipping grade, or going to another program until now.

Starting this year, he started to complain about how boring the math and science classes were. He is very interested in math and science. But the school only teaches things that he already knows. Yet, he still has to do homework on it. (Probably the main reason he dislikes the classes ) :p


Did your kid's teacher approach you about your kid's talent? I've heard stories about teachers sending the students to take IQ test, etc. On one hand, I don't want to be a mom who "thinks" her kid is gifted. On the other hand, I want to provide him with the best options available for him.

Homeschooling? Not sure I have the discipline to do it.

Thanks again!