Learning for gifted children and talented children

Gifted children and talented children have different learning needs from other children the same age.

This is because they are very curious, learn quickly and like more complex ideas. They don’t need to go over things as often as other children do. And they’re often ready for activities, games, books and puzzles designed for older children.

Learning is important to the wellbeing of gifted children and talented children. When you support your gifted child’s learning in the areas that interest them, you’re also supporting their overall wellbeing.

Derinsu is constantly asking me questions about things, so she’s driving her own learning as well. There’s just a strong interest within all of us for learning. We just follow that interest and we have a lot of fun doing it too.

– Mother of Derinsu (5 years)

Play activities to support learning for gifted children and talented children

Support for your gifted child’s learning starts with noticing their strengths and advanced natural abilities.

When you know more about your child’s strengths and abilities, you can give your child everyday play activities that help them learn. For example, there are many homemade toys and free activities that can extend your child’s learning.

When you’re choosing toys for younger children, you can look for things that encourage your child to play using imagination, creativity and problem-solving skills – for example, blocks, balls, cardboard boxes, dress-ups and crafty bits and pieces like coloured paper, washable markers, crayons and stickers.

If you choose toys designed for older children, age recommendations are still important for safety. For example, some toys might contain small parts that toddlers could swallow. In these cases, it’s wise to follow the age recommendations, even when your child’s natural abilities are advanced beyond this age.

A range of play opportunities will keep your child stimulated. It might also lead to your child developing talents. For example, playing outdoors can encourage imagination and problem-solving, develop physical skills, and provide opportunities to play with others. Watching birds, learning about trees or collecting autumn leaves could be the start of a scientific talent.

Reading books is a great way to find answers to your child’s questions, guide their learning and extend their interests. You can borrow books from your local library or use the library’s online resources. You could also let family and friends know that books make great birthday presents for your child.

If your child reads books aimed at older children, they might come across unfamiliar or emotionally challenging themes. Before suggesting a book to your child, it’s a good idea to check the book’s themes and think about whether the themes are appropriate for your child.

Play is a lot of fun – and it’s also how children learn and develop. Our play videos and play activity guides have ideas for sparking children’s imagination and supporting their learning and development through play.

Independent learning ideas for gifted children and talented children

Independent learning skills are important for gifted children and talented children. You can encourage these skills as part of everyday activities with your child.

For example, if your child wants to know about something, you could encourage your child to think about how to find answers to their questions before you offer solutions. Or together you could search online for information, go to a library, think about people you can ask, or start an experiment.

In time, your child will build the skills to answer their own questions and do their own research.

Educational apps, websites and software for gifted children and talented children

You might be interested in using educational apps, websites and software to support your gifted child’s everyday learning at home.

To get ideas for appropriate apps, websites and software:

• Ask other parents of gifted children.
• Contact the gifted and talented association in your state or territory.
• Check out resources for parents at the Australian Association for the Education of the Gifted and Talented.

The time your child spends using educational apps, websites and software is valuable. But a healthy family lifestyle includes a balance of digital technology use and other activities that are good for your child’s development.

You and your child’s teachers are the most valuable resources for your child. When you listen to your child and talk with them about their interests, you’re helping them learn and develop well.

Part of family life is giving everyone in your family opportunities to learn and develop. There might be times when you decide to put more time into a learning opportunity for your gifted child. At other times, your other children or your work might come first.

Structured opportunities to support learning for gifted children and talented children

There are many formal, structured or planned ways to help your gifted child develop talents and explore interests.

For example, you might visit neighbours, family or friends who have hobbies, live on farms, play musical instruments or have interesting jobs. Or you might go to local parks, native bushland, museums, festivals, libraries or art galleries. Even a trip to the airport could fire up your child’s imagination.

These more structured experiences can help your child develop interests and talents in their areas of ability. For example, a child who has great physical coordination and goes to weekly gym classes might develop a talent for gymnastics.

As your child gets older, their learning needs will probably be more complex. You and your child can ask about opportunities at school – for example, mathematics competitions or music camps. Also, you might need to talk with your child’s teachers about giving your child schoolwork that’s more complex or that requires deeper thinking.

Other options are programs run by associations for gifted children, sporting programs, music lessons, drama and creative arts programs and more.

When your gifted child goes to child care, preschool or school, it’s a good idea to talk with teachers and educators about how they can provide appropriate learning programs to support your child. You can also find out more about gifted and talented programs in your state or territory.