By Dr Martina Geromin, Published Academic and Co-Founder at School Beyond Limitations
Giftedness should always be viewed as uniqueness, and it is important to recognise that every child is unique and gifted in some way. Spotting if your child is exceptionally gifted whether academically or creatively, involves observing several key behaviours and characteristics. Exceptionally gifted or abled children often display intense curiosity and a desire to learn about a wide range of topics. They will frequently ask probing questions that go way beyond their age or school year. They might also grasp new concepts more quickly than other children and demonstrate advanced problem-solving skills, often completing tasks and understanding material much faster than their peers. Often, if a child is ahead of their classmates on a regular basis, this can lead to boredom, emotional sensitivity and even disruptive behaviour so it is important to pin-point why your child might be behaving this way.
What to look out for
So, as a parent what signs can you look out for at home and in school that might indicate your child is gifted? Initially, there are five key areas to consider
Cognitive Development:
- Your child frequently uses advanced vocabulary and complex sentences when speaking to others.
- You notice they seem to learn quickly and grasp concepts without you having to repeat the information again.
- You may also notice they have an intense level of curiosity and always seem to be asking you deep, probing and intense questions.
Emotional Sensitivity:
- Exceptionally able children often show heightened empathy for others and can have a strong sense of justice, fighting or arguing for what they believe in regardless of their surroundings.
- Able children can also be very emotionally intense and sensitive around others. You may notice they seem to cry at the slightest thing or become easily upset. They are also often deeply affected by world events and scenarios around them.
- Having friendship issues in school or finding it difficult to connect with other children can also be a sign that a child is gifted and is struggling to relate to their peers.
Creativity and Problem-Solving:
- Gifted children will usually demonstrate original thinking outside of what is expected for their age, and they will often suggest innovative solutions to everyday problems.
- You might also notice that your child prefers to explore multiple approaches rather than conventional routes, i.e., they may not follow instructions well, or take direction from others. They will likely want to find their own approach.
Behaviour:
- Does your child seem a bit obsessive at times? A key behaviour trait of a gifted child can include having a persistent focus on specific topics of interest, sometimes to the point of obsession.
- You may also notice your child seems to have high energy levels, rarely seems tired or has difficulty adapting to routines, especially if they feel bored.
- Boredom is also a key trait for the gifted child. A child that becomes easily bored in the classroom and at home will likely showcase lively or disruptive behaviour.
Asynchronous Development:
- Probably one of the lesser-known traits of an exceptionally able child is uneven skill development.
- For example, they may display advanced intellectual abilities way above their peers, yet they also display age-appropriate emotional behaviours and might have trouble controlling their reactions and responses to certain scenarios.
Common worries for parents
As well as these key areas, parents can also look for more obvious early achievements in areas such as reading, math, arts, or musical abilities that surpass typical developmental milestones for their age. Although having a gifted child can be challenging, as a parent it is important to encourage exploration in areas your child shows an interest in and to consult your child’s teachers or if appropriate, a professional psychological expert for formal assessment.
The danger for an exceptionally able child is that they don’t feel seen or heard or their disruptive behaviour or boredom is misinterpreted, which may undermine the child’s emotional and academic development. Another significant concern is the potential for their child to lose interest in learning due to lack of challenge or engagement which could lead to disengagement from schoolwork altogether. Additionally, there is the fear that the child’s creativity and sense of fulfilment could be stifled. If the school environment prioritises conformity over individual exploration, exceptionally able children may feel pressured to “fit in,” which can dampen their innovative thinking and intrinsic joy in their talents.
Navigating tricky conversations
If you suspect your child is being held back in class and is ahead of their peers, or you feel they are not being adequately challenged in school, approaching the school thoughtfully and collaboratively is essential. As a parent you want to achieve the best outcomes for your child, so putting them at the centre of your discussions but in a diplomatic way, is crucial. Here are some tips to help navigate these conversations effectively:
1. Speak to your child’s class teacher or mentor first
The first point of contact should be your child’s class teacher or mentor, as they have the most day-to-day interaction with your child. Share your observations about your child’s talents and experiences and ask for their advice. Opening the conversation with curiosity rather than making assumptions, will create a positive environment for mutual understanding.
2. Focus on your child’s uniqueness, not superiority
Emphasise your child’s unique talents without framing them as being “better” than others. Highlight that every student has their strengths and that your goal is to explore ways to nurture your child’s specific abilities while respecting the diversity within the class. This perspective prevents fostering a sense of entitlement or comparison in your child, helping them appreciate their individuality as part of a broader community.
3. Work together with your school to find creative solutions
Work together with your child’s teacher to identify ways to challenge them within the classroom setting. Options might include, differentiated learning strategies, enrichment projects tailored to your child’s personal interests, group activities that allow them to mentor peers or explore advanced concepts and opportunities for cross-grade learning, such as joining older students for certain subjects. You could also look at exploring external opportunities, like clubs, workshops, or mentorship programmes, to complement the school’s efforts.
4. Engage a broader network if necessary
If your discussion with your child’s teacher highlights broader challenges, consider involving other professionals. This might include school counsellors, gifted education specialists, or external mentors. Building a network ensures your child’s unique talents are recognised and nurtured from multiple perspectives.
5. Avoid comparison culture
It is crucial to help your child understand that their uniqueness is one of the many forms of talent within the school. Reinforce the idea that everyone has something special to offer and that their strengths are a contribution, not a measure of superiority. Support your child’s growth in a way that integrates learning into everyday life without making it a “big deal.” This mindset fosters a healthy self-concept and an appreciation of diversity.
6. Keep talking
Follow up regularly with your school to assess progress and make adjustments as needed for your child. Maintain a collaborative tone, emphasising shared goals of supporting your child’s growth while respecting the overall classroom dynamic. By focusing on collaboration, creativity, and the unique nature of all students, you can ensure that your child’s talents are nurtured in a way that benefits them and the entire school community.
Choosing the right school and asking the right questions
If you have spotted signs your child is gifted but have not yet chosen a school for them, when assessing the options, it is crucial to probe beyond mission statements to understand the practical application of personalised learning in the school.
Here are some questions and considerations to discuss with the school, as well as expectations for flexibility and intervention:
Class Size and Teacher Attention:
- “What is the average class size?”
- “How do teachers ensure individual attention in larger classes?”
Strategies for Differentiation:
- “What specific strategies do you use to address the diverse learning needs of students?”
- “How do you identify and support a child’s unique strengths and areas for growth?”
Collaboration Opportunities:
- “Are teachers open to collaborating with parents to create tailored learning strategies?”
- “How does the school involve professionals or external resources in supporting individual learning?”
Flexibility in Learning:
- “Are accommodations or individualised plans possible within the classroom setting?”
- “If the classroom is not the best fit, are there alternative environments or strategies available to nurture my child?”
Peer and Community Engagement:
- “How do you encourage collaboration among students with varying abilities?”
- “Are there mentorship opportunities or peer-learning initiatives for students who excel in specific areas?”
Monitoring and Adjustment:
- “What processes are in place to regularly assess whether a child’s needs are being met?”
- “Can learning plans be adjusted mid-year if necessary?”
In summary, when considering the best educational options for a gifted child, parents can look for schools with small classes, mixed-age learning, mentoring support, alternative learning models, enrichment opportunities outside of the standard curriculum and more. By carefully evaluating these options and observing how your child responds to different environments and approaches, you can craft a more relevant educational experience that helps them thrive both academically and emotionally.
About the expert
Dr Martina Geromin is co-founder of School Beyond Limitations (www.school-beyond-limitations.com) – an international online school based in London, which seeks to disrupt the boundaries of traditional education. Dr Geromin is also a multi-time published academic author with 35 years in education and research. She has worked internationally as a teacher, university lecturer, trainer, adult educator and executive within global educational institutions.
Her passion is focused on helping children to uncover and embrace their uniqueness, learning how to bring it to life in a meaningful way. She sees education and personal development as transformative and as a driver for real change. Holding a Doctor of Philosophy, a Doctor of Business Administration in Higher Education Management and a Master’s Degree in Giftedness, Dr Geromin has also authored numerous articles and books over the last 35 years including Tacit Knowledge Sharing at Higher Education Institutions (which is a widely used reference source for academics in the field of knowledge transfer).
About School Beyond Limitations (SBL)
School Beyond Limitations (SBL) is an international online school head-quartered in the UK (London) providing primary, secondary and sixth form education for students aged 4 to 19 years. Disrupting the boundaries of traditional education, its students receive a meaningful, personalised learning experience delivered in a unique collaborative, mixed-age environment. Lessons are designed to empower students, unlocking their full potential while bringing their own unique essence to life. Established in 2019, SBL students learn in small groups of eight and are inspired by curiosity-led, project-based learning including entrepreneurial and financial education. All students are involved in the design of their own learning and educational pathway, whether that means working towards IGSCEs and A-Levels or taking an alternative route. The school also runs three in-person school residentials per year for experiential learning and delivers personalised one-to-one mentoring for students, as well as a bridging year for post-sixth form adults needing support with their future. Find out more at www.school-beyond-limitations.com
