Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst Fifi Kiwan explores the gifted puzzle, explaining how brilliance develops, why challenge matters and how parents and schools can support wellbeing.
Gifted children often stand out for their unique capabilities, displaying extraordinary cognitive skills from a young age. These skills encompass areas like problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity and advanced reasoning. Identifying a gifted child typically involves standardised testing, where intelligence quotient (IQ) scores are calculated to assess cognitive abilities. An IQ score above 130 often denotes giftedness, indicating a higher-than-average intellect. However, it’s crucial to understand that intelligence is multifaceted and cannot be fully encapsulated by a single number.
Yet, giftedness can be a double-edged sword. The ‘use it or lose it’ concept plays a significant role in a gifted child’s development. Cognitive skills, like any muscle, require practice and stimulation to remain sharp. If a child is not adequately challenged, they may experience a decline in their skills over time. This dip in cognitive engagement can lead to frustration and boredom, particularly in a classroom setting where the curriculum may not meet their advanced needs.
A gifted child who becomes bored in the classroom often faces socio-emotional challenges. They may feel isolated from their peers or exhibit behavioural issues stemming from under-stimulation. These children might act out due to frustration or conversely withdraw because they feel misunderstood or out of place.
Socially, they may struggle to connect with peers who do not share the same interests or intellectual pursuits, leading to further isolation.
To foster the abilities of gifted children while mitigating potential negative impacts, parents and educators can employ several strategies:
1. Differentiated Learning: Tailoring classroom instruction to meet the individual needs of gifted students can prevent boredom. This might include offering advanced reading materials, providing opportunities for independent projects or allowing them to explore topics of personal interest.
2. Encouraging Intellectual Curiosity: Encourage gifted children to explore their interests deeply. Providing access to resources such as books, online courses or workshops can stimulate their minds and keep them engaged.
3. Promoting Social Skills Development: Organising activities that involve teamwork and collaboration can help gifted children develop their social skills. Consider enrolling them in clubs or groups where they can meet peers with similar interests.
4. Mindfulness and Emotional Support: Gifted children may experience pressure to perform or fear of failure.
Providing emotional support through open communication can be crucial. Encourage them to express their feelings and concerns while teaching them mindfulness techniques to manage stress.
5. Monitoring Overexertion: It’s vital to strike a balance. Gifted children may feel compelled to excel at everything. Be mindful of their workload and ensure they have time to relax, engage in hobbies and socialise outside of academic pressures.
6. Collaborative Communication: Schools should maintain open lines of communication with parents regarding the child’s progress and needs. Regular check-ins can help identify any changes in the child’s behaviour or performance, allowing for timely intervention.
Recognising and nurturing giftedness is crucial not only for academic success but also for the well-being of the child. By understanding cognitive skills related to brilliance and implementing effective strategies, parents and educators can ensure that gifted children thrive socially and emotionally while realising their full potential. In doing so, we can create an environment that celebrates their gifts and supports their growth, ensuring they become confident, well-rounded individuals.
