Any parents of gifted children here ?
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EN:
I think it is quite unlikely, because my girl does not like to change to a new environment. Every time she changes to a new school, like from N2 to K1, she takes 6 months to warm up to her teachers and friends.
What if your dd says she wants to take the test & has been accepted into the program, what will you do then? I might have the same issue. I was thinking of changing ds to a school with permanent morning session as the timing is friendlier to our family schedule. So, it does not make sense to keep on changing school if he is accepted into GEP.
Personally I do not think that it is necessary for her to go to the GEP. I am already planning a lot of things to teach her at home
Like computer programming, robotics, computer networking, etc. And I want her to spend more time doing things that she likes, like drawing. I will let her learn to draw Japanese manga. I think we have more flexibility to develop her interests at home, compared to going to the GEP. My dream is for her to become a professional, and also have lots of time to do things that she loves. I think being in the main stream suits her. She will spend less time studying, and more time developing her interests. Even in the main stream, if her results are good enough, she can enter any course she wants in the university. I don't see how the GEP will benefit her.
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I think it depends on the individual child’s temperament and level of giftedness.
I hear that GEP students - at least in some schools - are not ranked in class according to results. I think that is great. At the same time, the contents and delivery methods are different and recognise that gifted kids have different learning needs and temperaments. Mind you, it’s not the same as scoring high. A smart, high-achieving child who is NOT gifted may score well for exams but struggle in GEP class. A gifted student may thrive in GEP class, but that doesn’t mean he/she will score well for the "normal" exams like PSLE. -
deminc:
If the kid is truly gifted, GEP style of learning will be better suited for him simply because the program is tailor made for his different learning needs, and not because he will score better in PSLE by going into the program. If your child is truly gifted, he will benefit from the GEP program because it is tailor made to suit his learning style and needs. That, I think, is the essence of the GEP - the recognition that these kids learn differently and therefore should be taught differently.I think it depends on the individual child's temperament and level of giftedness.
I hear that GEP students - at least in some schools - are not ranked in class according to results. I think that is great. At the same time, the contents and delivery methods are different and recognise that gifted kids have different learning needs and temperaments. Mind you, it's not the same as scoring high. A smart, high-achieving child who is NOT gifted may score well for exams but struggle in GEP class. A gifted student may thrive in GEP class, but that doesn't mean he/she will score well for the \"normal\" exams like PSLE. -
I think it is important for parents to know what is offered in the GEP.
Check out this webpage.
http://www.moe.gov.sg/education/programmes/gifted-education-programme/enrichment-activities/
If parents think that their children would love these activities, then congratulations
You have found the right program for your child. But the truth is that many parents think that GEP is the way to get their kids into the famous schools.
I feel that the GEP seems to focus on advanced maths, english, chinese, computer. But there are so many other areas that the children can explore.
I am not impressed by what GEP offer in computer enrichment. There is so much more that the child can learn.
Anyway, this thread is actually not about GEP :mrgreen: There is another thread : All about GEP.
http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=30&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=105
The purpose of this thread is about identifying children who are gifted. We should not wait until the child gets selected into the GEP at P3, before we identify the child as gifted. That will be too late.
A gifted child has an amazing ability to learn. I feel that 0 - 6 years old is the best age for them to learn. I have witnessed a 4 year old child who learn to read like an adult in less than a year, effortlessly. A gifted child needs only be taught the basic concept, then he/she can extrapolate from the known to the unknown. I feel that there is no way to accurately test this ability at this age. But I believe that the mommy is the best person who knows her child's abilities.
Like wwcookie wrote :
the recognition that these kids learn differently and therefore should be taught differently.
I agree with this statement. I think that we should start teaching these kids differently long before they enter primary school. -
deminc:
Yes Singapore GEP focuses much more on academic ability, and doesn't cater for underperforming gifted children. At the same time, to be fair, as to the child being able to learn much more, it all depends on the home environment and what we're comparing with. For some children whose parents don't have the time, money or cultural capital, GEP can be a very valuable gateway to higher learning. Obviously a child will be able to learn much more from a family member with specialised knowledge/skills than in school, GEP or not.tamarind:
I feel that the GEP seems to focus on advanced maths, english, chinese, computer. But there are so many other areas that the children can explore.
I am not impressed by what GEP offer in computer enrichment. There is so much more that the child can learn.tamarind:
I understand where you are coming from. I didn't see a lot on identification after a quick scan, and personally, I don't think one should try to at this age. It's more a matter of following a child's interests and providing the child with new experiences and materials for exploration, gifted or not.The purpose of this thread is about identifying children who are gifted...Like wwcookie wrote :
the recognition that these kids learn differently and therefore should be taught differently...I agree with this statement. I think that we should start teaching these kids differently long before they enter primary school.[/color]
Having said that, I do understand when parents are driven to seek out more information as a result of unsatisfactory learning situations, asynchronous development, or unusual sensitivities. This then lead to the gifted term, and information that pertains to gifted children.
Perhaps the problem we have is when kindergartens practise lock-step curriculum. I would agree with ability differentiation from kindergarten level onwards. But the truth is, I think no learning institution that is catering for a relatively big group can truly satisfy any child. The best situation I can think of is the mixed age play-based setting that also provides learning corners, and quiet corners. And of course, generous staffing. But THAT would definitely cost so much that it would be out of the question for most. :?
Read the first post on page 1 of this thread.
http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=340
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gifted
Generally, gifted individuals learn more quickly, deeply, and broadly than their peers. Gifted children may learn to read early and operate at the same level as normal children who are significantly older. The gifted tend to demonstrate high reasoning ability, creativity, curiosity, a large vocabulary, and an excellent memory. They often can master concepts with few repetitions. They may also be physically and emotionally sensitive, perfectionistic, and may frequently question authority. Some have trouble relating to or communicating with their peers because of disparities in vocabulary size (especially in the early years), personality, interests and motivation. As children, they may prefer the company of older children or adults.
I have not intended this thread to be about GEP at all. However, many parents will only use the word \"gifted\" on their child after their kids pass the GEP selection test. As we all know, children can now be \"trained\" to pass the GEP selection test. I don't see why we should use that test to distinguish whether a child is gifted or not.
I posted on page 19 of part 1 :
More intellectual characteristics of a gifted child from this ebook, very good for parents who want to learn more about gifted children and how to nurture them Smile
http://books.google.com.sg/books?hl=en&id=gQAbiuia2AUC&dq=gifted+children&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=_HeZvCYnr_&sig=vhw4wDtB2j4AkuTElTk_eZMA2uQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result#PPA26,M1
Quote from the ebook :
One key aspect of high intelligence is the ability to understand new ideas very easily. Where most children might need a second or third explanation before they grasp a novel concept, or rely on repetitious practice in order to master an unfamiliar skill, gifted children often will not. Instead they typically master new information very quickly ...
Many gifted children are also perceptive and quick-witted. At much earlier ages than other children - often from the point when they first learn to talk - they are capable of abstract thought and of engaging in debate and logical argument.
Many parents think that \"gifted\" means \"genius\". I prefer the definition in the ebook. An exceptionally bright child, with very high learning ability compared to other children of the same age, is a gifted child. As I wrote in my earlier posts, I do not believe that any tests can reliably determine whether a child is gifted or not. The mommy is the person who knows her child's abilities best. Yes we should follow the child's interests and provide the child with new experiences and materials for exploration, gifted or not. But a gifted child should be taught differently. An average child requires lots of drilling in order to remember or understand simple concepts, while a gifted child needs only be taught once or twice. If a gifted child is not identified early, he/she may be put under lots of drilling, simply because mommy thinks that this is the way any children should learn. Take for example, a 3 year old child only needs to write a letter 3 times or less, and then she can always remember how to write it. But her caregiver makes her write the same letter 30 times. This is not only unnecessary, it will most likely damage the child's love of learning.
I know of children who can recognize all the alphabet at 16 months old. No drilling, no flash cards, etc, and they seem to play all day. These children can learn so much more even before entering kindergarten. -
I do get that GEP is not the focus of this thread. I was merely responding to what was already on the page.
Basically I believe that as long as the caregiver (dare we hope the teachers as well?) follows the child’s lead and is tuned into his/her progress, there’s no need to be anxious over their learning in early childhood. So the child who learns quickly will just progress naturally at his own pace. I’m not a flashcard/rote-learning kind of person, so it was not even on my radar as a factor.
Unfortunately most teachers are inflexible (unless perhaps Montessori-trained), and that is when problems arise. Which is why I said earlier that the issue I perceive is more of the lock-step curriculum. By that, I don’t just mean promoting the child up one/a few levels, but allowing the child to go at indiviudal pace.
This takes a big shift in mindset and very different teaching methods and classroom management skills. It’s also beneficial to slower students or even just children with uneven abilities.
A child who teaches himself/herself the alphabet before 2 doesn’t need a special teacher at four. As long as the resources are there, these children can often teach themselves - as long as no one is holding them back or in their way. However, they do need guidance on how to manage their sensitivities, they need someone to bounce their ideas off, and they need someone to shield them from things that they may not yet be emotionally ready to cope with. In other words, they need a loving mentor who respects their abilities while keeping in mind that they are still children at heart.
For example, if my child can read very well, do I give him or her free access to the newspapers when he’s four? Do I choose a book for him to read that deals with separation, poverty, and personal loss? If I do, am I there to discuss the contents with him to put things in perspectives?
I feel these are the things that are more important regarding a child who may be advanced. Of course, I do understand the classroom situation can also be unsuitable for these children. But I feel this is more because of mass education mindset than gifted/non-gifted per se. I understand that a Montessori setting can cater to these children in the early years. However for a very creative child, Montessori may not be so suitable, so the parents may need to seek out other avenues, or make provisions at home. -
deminc:
Such a child can learn so much between the age of 2 to 4. He/she could already learn to read like an adult, count to 100, know addition/subtraction and even memorized the multiplication before the age of 4.
A child who teaches himself/herself the alphabet before 2 doesn't need a special teacher at four. As long as the resources are there, these children can often teach themselves - as long as no one is holding them back or in their way.
Even in a home with hundreds of books, a child still need to be taught to read. No child, no matter how gifted, can teach themselves to read.
I still remember this thread which I read in 2006.
http://www.singaporemotherhood.com/forumboard/messages/353635/374211.html?1140262750
The mommy wrote :
Hi,
Anyone here with a Aug 2003 baby ( i.e 2 yrs and 3 months now ) who's able to read books independently aloud and do maths( multiplication ) ? my boy is able to do all these and was just wondering is this very advanced for his age or just normal ? He can speak very well , in sentences too. In fact, he started reading book ( just words no pictures ,at 18 months )...anyone with the same experience out there ?
The mommy wrote that she taught her son very intensively at home. I do not think that a child that young should be taught so intensively, no matter how gifted he is. But that mommy has proven the learning capacity of a gifted child before the age of 3.
I actually spent very little time teaching my girl from birth to 4 years old. I felt that at that age, she should spend more time developing her fine motor skills. Also, as a full time working mommy, I really cannot find much time to teach her. I am always feeling guilty that I have not done enough to develop her. -
tamarind, so what has happened to this Aug 2003 baby now?
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http://comps.fotosearch.com/comp/ICL/ICL102/burn-out_~BUC_124.jpg\">
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CKS: Picture tells a thousand words....
Tamarind wrote [quote]Such a child can learn so much between the age of 2 to 4. He/she could already learn to read like an adult, count to 100, know addition/subtraction and even memorized the multiplication before the age of 4. [/quote]I read through the blog & stop short at the caning part. Dont know why there is a need to cram the child with so much at a very young age.
Deminc wrote [quote]A child who teaches himself/herself the alphabet before 2 doesn't need a special teacher at four. As long as the resources are there, these children can often teach themselves - as long as no one is holding them back or in their way. However, they do need guidance on how to manage their sensitivities, they need someone to bounce their ideas off, and they need someone to shield them from things that they may not yet be emotionally ready to cope with. In other words, they need a loving mentor who respects their abilities while keeping in mind that they are still children at heart. [/quote]Agree. Based on what I read from the earlier post by other parents. Gifted kids are able to learn very fast. Teach them a little, if it gets them excited, they naturally advance further on their own & not wait to be taught.
Tamarind. Out of curiosity, does your ds when taught show polite interest, absorb the information being taught for any topics that you tried to cover or did you notice that there are some topics which makes her very excited & want to explore further?
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