Gifted children are known for having a unique set of characteristics that affects their learning and social skills. For many gifted learners, a traditional classroom setting is stressful and stifles their natural abilities. Underperforming, behavioral issues and problems making friends are just a few issues that can arise when a gifted child is not provided with the right type of support. To prevent these kinds of problems from occurring, look for schools for gifted students that use the following strategies to support the needs of students that perform well beyond their years.
Research-Based Curriculum
In traditional classrooms, the curriculum is usually geared toward the learning styles of a wide range of students. However, this one-size-fits-all approach simply does not work for gifted students who require more individualization in their learning plan. Schools for gifted students implement strategies that are based upon research and included in their curriculum to address the characteristics of gifted children such as precocity and intensity.
Individual Study Projects
A gifted child will often hone in on a particular concept or subject of study. This makes it hard for them to continue moving along with the rest of the class in a public school setting. In a gifted learner program, teachers are prepared to support children with the time they need to delve deeply into their interests while still ensuring they stay on track with their other lessons. Science experiments, research papers and works of art are all types of projects that a child may use to supplement their daily learning.
Community Involvement
The high level of awareness that accompanies giftedness sometimes leads to students becoming anxious about world events. It is also important for a talented child to be able to see the purpose of learning certain concepts. For this reason, quality gifted learner programs strive to get kids involved in the community as much as possible by providing relevant projects that allow them to get hands-on experience while helping others.
Enrichment Programs
Too much focus on academics can lead to signs of stress in gifted children so it is important to round out their day with other types of classes that blending learning with fun. For example, a cooking class makes sense to a gifted learner who may be eager to prepare for adulthood by learning life skills while delighting in their kitchen creations. Alternatively, a yoga class provides physical activity along with stress relief that is welcome after a rigorous day.
Alternative Course Delivery Options
There are times when a typical classroom setting simply does not work for a gifted child. In some instances, this is because they are also working or playing professional sports. Or, they could live too far away from their preferred program. For this reason, gifted and talented schools offer distance learning programs that still encourage the same high level of learning as the classes taught in a brick-and-mortar campus. Students can even choose from specialized teachers that are experts in a chosen course of study so they can gain in-depth knowledge they cannot get elsewhere.
A child’s early education lays the groundwork for a successful future. This makes it critical to ensure that any program you choose will fit the needs of your unique child. In a gifted learner program, your child will feel right at home, and they will receive the individualized instruction they deserve.
