The needs of gifted children
Gifted very young children have special abilities that can be supported and extended. But being gifted can be challenging. It often means having unique learning characteristics and needs. If we support these needs, we can help gifted children reach their full potential.
Role of the teacher
Kaiako | teachers tailor their teaching approach for the individual abilities of each child they work with. They have strategies for supporting a wide range of needs. Having tamariki | children with a range of learning needs and interests in the early learning service can have benefits for everyone.
Gifted children frequently have intense emotions. Teachers will collaborate with whānau | family to find a way to respond to these emotions.
If your child is at an early learning service, you should get regular updates about how your child is doing.
Te Whāriki is the curriculum for early learning. Its website – Te Whāriki Online – has resources for supporting gifted learners in an early learning environment.
Gifted Learners in early learning – Tāhūrangi Te Whāriki Online
Role of parents and whānau
Everyone has a part to play in supporting a child's unique strengths. You can work together to support your child at home and, if they attend one, at their early learning service.
Create a partnership with your child's teacher by telling them about:
- aspirations that you and your whānau have for your child
- what's happening in your home, community or church
- your child's special interests
- any emotional triggers your child has.
It might feel like bragging to talk about your child as being gifted. But sharing this information allows your child's teacher to respond to their unique nature and interests. It's always okay to talk to a teacher about your child.
The more you share about your child, the better their teacher will understand your child's personality. When a teacher gets to know your child, they might be able to tell you if you should seek additional support.
Other support
The New Zealand Association for Gifted Children supports, and advocates for, gifted children and their whānau.
