AboutCarol Bainbridge Expertise I can answer most questions on parenting gifted children, from infants on. Questions can be about parenting, advocacy, and support and I can provide suggestions for toys and books gifted children love. I can even help you determine whether your child is gifted or bright, and I can point you to more information you might need. I can answer some questions about programs for gifted children, but can`t help much with information on colleges. Visitors wanting to know if their children are gifted might want to read the article "Is My Child Gifted?" before asking a question.
Experience I am the parent of a gifted child and have been working with other parents of gifted children for 13 years, helping them find support and providing them with information. I founded a local gifted organization and helped organize a parent day for a national gifted conference. I have been an active member of my state's gifted association since 1999 and created and maintain their Web site. In addition, I have created a website for parents of gifted children who are looking for toys and books for their children: www.giftsforlearning.com.
I am also the Guide About.com Gifted Children Site.
Organizations National Association for Gifted Children. Board member of state gifted association.
Expert: Carol Bainbridge Date: 6/16/2008 Subject: gifted vs. overachieving?
Question Hi! Thanks for answering my question. I have heard of "underachievers" but are there also "overachievers"? By that I mean - Are there bright children who overachieve and therefore "look" gifted? I have 7 yr old twins (rising to 2nd grade) who are currently functioning at a 5th grade reading level and 6th grade math level, 5th grade total achievement (WJIII achievement). We homeschool and I follow their lead as to how fast to proceed. This year we focused on 3rd grade math (with lots of analytical reasoning) and 4th grade reading (vocab and book reading levels). In the past 3 years they have been averaging about 1.5 years growth per school year (9 months). What is the likelihood that they are gifted vs. being "just" bright with optimal learning opportunities (one-on-one interest based learning, decreased busy work)? WJIII approximates their overall language ability at a 7th grade level but is more likely 5th grade in real life. However, I am a speech pathologist and I wonder if it is simply a matter of increased opportunities.
We are planning on placing the children in public school in the next 2 years. We cannot afford IQ testing at this time but we would like some indication of whether we should push for special programming from the start or see how they accommodate and whether they settle into a traditional, slower learning pace without negative effects.
Alison
Answer Optimal learning opportunities are always good; however, you can't make a child "smarter" just by providing opportunities. In other words, you can provide all the math books and math instruction available, but if your child's brain isn't ready for it, it won't make any difference. That's just an example, but I hope you see what I mean.
It is possible, though, for bright children to be "overachievers." That just means that they are bright and if highly motivated, they can excel. But again, they can't be smarter than they are. It can be hard to tell in homeschooling situations since so often schools move so slowly and at home kids can move at their own pace.
What I would suggest is that you read some more about gifted children. There is more to them than just high intellectual ability. Start with this article:
Is My Child Gifted? http://giftedkids.about.com/
