Every child is gifted. They just unwrap their packages at different times. ~ Berta Lippert
Today’s letter is G, and the word is GIFTEDNESS.
Giftedness means a person has special abilities, but it can be complicated because…
Giftedness and learning difficulties are not mutually exclusive. It is entirely possible for a child to experience both.
Most people may think giftedness only means getting good grades at school, but…
Giftedness in children who face academic challenges can manifest in many ways, which are easy to overlook.
Your child may be gifted with creativity, problem-solving ability, excellent spatial reasoning, and leadership even if they have trouble with reading and learning.
Their challenges do not diminish their unique abilities and talents.
If you’re wondering why giftedness is important, when it comes to reading and learning, here are 3 reasons:
- Identification and nurturing of strengths: Identifying your child’s giftedness can help you recognize and nurture their unique strengths and abilities. This, in turn, can build your child’s self-esteem, confidence, and motivation to learn, which are critical factors in overcoming reading and learning difficulties.
- Alternative approaches to learning: Gifted children often possess a unique perspective and approach to learning that can help them overcome reading and learning difficulties. For example, if your child is gifted in visual-spatial abilities they may find it easier to understand complex mathematical concepts through visual representations. Or, if your child is gifted in music, they may benefit from incorporating rhythm and melody into reading comprehension exercises.
- Enhanced problem-solving skills: Gifted children tend to have strong problem-solving skills, which can be applied to reading and learning difficulties. For example, if your child is gifted in creative thinking, they may be able to generate alternative solutions to a problem. Developing these problem-solving skills can help your child with reading and learning difficulties to develop resilience and overcome obstacles in their academic and social lives.
Adopting a wholistic approach to education that recognizes the complexity of your child’s strengths and challenges can help them build self-esteem, develop their full potential, and lead fulfilling and successful lives.
If your child has trouble reading and learning, join the Parenting Hub, where you can connect and network with parents who share similar challenges. And if you know someone with a child with learning differences, send them the link.
I like how you draw attention to giftedness and difficulties happening in the same child. Too many people think of learning issues as being something a ‘slow child’ experiences!
Yes, Kelly, there are so many myths floating around about children with difficulty learning to read. My goal is to bust those myths every opportunity I get.
So in other words Giftedness is the door opener to embrace the tougher subjects / activities.
https://thethreegerbers.blogspot.com/2023/04/flight-canceled.html
You got it, Tamara!
Another wonderful blog. I like the beginning, all children are gifted, they just open packages different. a beautiful way to describe them. Focus on the positive in every child.
I like that quote too, Martha. Thanks for taking time to stop by.
That’s a great point, that children who have challenges also can be gifted. And I believe it’s good to emphasize and nurture your child’s strengths. And if a challenged child feels badly about herself because of those challenges, celebrating her strengths may help restore self-esteem.
You’re right on, Jeanine!