Gifted children are a blessing and a challenge. Homeschooling gives gifted children many advantages, but may require extra work for parents.
For many parents of gifted children, homeschooling is a good option. Gifted children face many challenges, especially in the traditional classroom. When homeschooled, children with gifted tendencies have the opportunity to flourish and grow, reaching up to their potential.
The word "gifted" implies many things. The truth is, "gifted" covers a wide range of abilities. It can be hard to determine if a child is considered gifted or not. There are tests that can be given by qualified professionals to determine where a child falls in the gifted category. However, some parents prefer not to test, trusting to their own observations and judgements. Either way, a parent who suspects they have a gifted learner on their hands should educate themselves in order to assist their child the best way possible.
Homeschooling a gifted child is not always easy. Children who display gifted tendencies can be quite challenging to keep up with. What seems "normal" for other children may bore the gifted learner to tears. Sometimes a gifted child will act up due to boredom.
This can be quite a challenge to the parent as well. We are often hesitant to talk about "giftedness". We feel like we are bragging if we call our child by this name, and often feel we need to back it up with evidence so we prove we are not just exaggerating. If we are not afraid of speaking of ADHD, dyslexia, and emotional disorders, we need not to apologize for admitting when we are dealing with a gifted child. Gifted children usually have unique needs, just as necessary to address as the needs of any child with a learning disability.
Homeschooling is often a good place for the gifted child. Like all people, gifted children have different needs depending on their personality. Some gifted children prefer to learn on their own, and are happiest when left alone to explore the world around. Some gifted children need a great deal of structure, and become easily bored unless directed. Others are extra-sensitive, and emotionally high-strung.
How you teach your gifted child depends on how their abilites display themselves. Please follow the link to my blog for a list of some websites to get you started. Homeschooling, and parenting, a gifted child can be a very exhausting experience. Educate yourself to help you educate you child.
Most of all, love your children, no matter how they learn. And have fun!
