Gifted Students in the Primary Grades
In kindergarten, first, and second grade, teachers work to lay a strong foundation for the education of students, both academically and socially. At the same time, some children enter these grades already quite advanced in their abilities. It is not easy for these students to have patience while waiting for everyone else to “catch up.”
While teachers may want to differentiate learning for the various academic abilities, it is especially difficult with the lack of independence that most children have at this age. In addition, there is often a great discrepancy (or asynchrony) within a single child. (i.e., Yolanda may be a whiz kid in math, but have very poor fine motor coordination.) To address the needs of young gifted students, it takes a teacher who understands gifted education, is very creative, and has a great deal of energy. It is also vital to have additional adults in the classroom who are truly helpful.
Funding for gifted education often does not start until at least third grade (if at all), which is also a problem. There may be no money available for gifted education specialists, extra programs, or necessary materials.
So, parents, while you may be concerned about your child, it is also important to realize the problems facing your school and child’s teacher. How can you help? Is there some way you can raise money for programs or materials? Can you volunteer your time in the classroom by working with small groups of children? Can you create open-ended interest centers and then help to supervise them?
Teachers, will you understand the concerns of parents of bright young children? Will you educate yourselves more in gifted education by attending
conferences, taking classes, and reading? Will you contact your gifted coordinator in the district or building for advice?
It is only by working together and respecting the concerns of one another that we can help to meet the needs of gifted students in the primary grades. Setting up adversarial situations is not in the best interest of children, so reach out to one another in a positive manner.
Some resources that help provide understanding and ideas for working with young gifted children include
For Parents and Teachers
For Teachers
Many of the materials by
Bertie Kingore. Look through the list of books and articles she has written. Even though titles don’t often indicate it, many of them are geared towards primary gifted children.
For Parents