If you expect a gifted child to learn and behave like other children, you are in for a surprise. Exceptionally brilliant children are just as demanding as those with learning challenges. They require capable instructors who know how to guide their active minds in the right direction.
Gifted Children Need Guidance
Unfortunately, once a child is labeled as gifted, educators who are not properly trained tend to leave him or her alone. Teachers and administrators who are unfamiliar with the needs of gifted students think the child can effectively be responsible for his or her own learning. However, all children need educational guidance and our educators at Oak Crest can challenge and support the demands of gifted children.
They Need Vocal Advocates
Because these students are often left to their own devices, they need strong and vocal supporters. Educators and parents alike must speak out about the need for curriculums tailored for all student abilities, including gifted children.
They Need Gifted Teachers
Gifted children need gifted teachers, not teachers who are intellectually gifted. Brilliant students respond well to cheerful and enthusiastic instructors who cater to the needs of active minds. Without a sense of humor and flexibility, teachers may not be able to satisfy these students. Read more about our staff here!
They Need Peers Who Are Their Intellectual Equals
In a mixed ability work group, gifted students must work at a pace much slower than they would like. This causes them to feel isolated and frustrated. When working with students of matching ability, highly brilliant students are more likely to engage in the material.
They Are Not All Teacher’s Pets
Gifted students are thought to be high achieving and well behaved, but that is not always the case. Some of the least involved students are the most brilliant. This group often suffers from boredom, feelings of loneliness and a general lack of inspiration.
Gifted children have unique educational demands. Their minds develop and mature very quickly and they cannot excel with a curriculum that does not challenge them. To really meet these students needs, they must be educated in an environment designed for them.
