The frustration a gifted child feels when she becomes bored with her academic workload is relatively easy for a perceptive parent to notice. The child may rush though homework assignments to go on to do other things she enjoys or may verbally acknowledge she is bored and unchallenged in the classroom.
What can a busy parent do to rectify this situation?
Keep Parent-Teacher Lines of Communication Open
Establishing a strong bond with the teacher(s) at the start of the school year is essential for all parents. Exchanging email addresses and cell phone numbers as well as setting up appointments to check the child's progress will help keep the teacher aware of the family's commitment to the child's education.
If the child is showing signs of being bored in the class, talk to her about what is happening and what the child perceives would be some ways to improve the situation. She may have the best ideas of anyone involved.
Next, contact the teacher about the issue and discuss some possible academic enhancements. This could take the form of special assignments, reading ahead in the books, as well as individualized sessions with a teacher or paraprofessional at the school. If the parent can help to dovetail the assignments to include areas of special interest to the child, all the better for her motivation.
Think Outside the Box to Motivate the Gifted Child
There may be some ideas that are not traditional education or in a classroom setting that will make sense for a particular gifted child. This could mean enrolling in special programs, taking field trips, contacting professionals in the child's areas of interest to arrange visits, interviews or shadowing experiences.
Positive Motivation With Reinforcement is the Most Effective Tool for Gifted Kids
Never threaten or punish a child because of his need for additional stimulation and challenge. Satisfy the need with more information, greater challenges and encouragement. A smart parent will endeavor to ensure that the child does not establish a pattern of getting (negative) classroom attention by being disruptive.
Take the child to libraries, museums, musical events and art exhibits as often as possible outside the class setting. This will help to stimulate his curiosity and encourage new interests. Cue off these new interests by challenging the child at home to learn a new skill, take a course or develop his drawing or writing ability. Find games and educational toys to enhance his natural curiosity.
Keeping a gifted child academically motivated will sometimes take effort on the part of his parents and teachers. Using his interests and ideas as a guide, focus on areas outside the class setting that he is already excited about to further his knowledge and proficiency. Think of novel ideas to solidify key learning such as field trips or meaningful career shadowing experiences.The child's school represents only part of his educational sphere, which a savvy parent can help expand on a continuous basis.
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