My daughter is showing signs of development way beyond her age. Having just turned 2(May), she can identify 22/26 letters of the alphabet in upper and lower case, count and recognise 0-10 (learning to 20), has started learning to spell words and has a very advanced vocabulary (this week she learnt engineer and vegetarian). You only have to show her once, and she gets it or recalls it later. She has been self toilet trained since 18 months.
However she gets really bored very quickly, and this is when we get bad behaviour.
I am struggling to keep her entertained. She cannot attend Childcare or large group activities because she has a very very low immune system and is allergic to oral medications and majority of foods (she only eats about 20 foods due to allergies and intolerances).
I am expecting number 2 in 3 months and am wondering if there is any support or groups I can join for advanced children - she gets bored of children her own age very quickly. Any resources etc would be amazing, even books that have been useful.
I don't think it's worth undergoing any testing etc yet. I work in early childhood so I am ok with activities by she needs more social interactions with kids at her level
2 Replies
Most playgroups are for 0-5. Personally i would encourage patience and finding virtues in peers, as an educator im sure youre already aware of how letters and numbers are little consequence at this age but social interactions and play and developing self is key.
my kids show high iq and great speech and vocab, i dont teach letters and numbers instead chose to focus on building general knowledge through play and adventure and exploration. I want them to learn about and develop their personal qualities, find strengths in peers, learn about social interactions, and know their own strengths and weaknesses and interests. I want them to be well rounded, not defined as smart. As youre already seeing it carries quite a few issues particularly socially and emotionally. You can read up about gifted and talented education theory, its classed as a special need because it definitely has its own challenges.
That's exciting, to have such a clever little girl. My advice is more long-term. If you have a baby coming just lower your expectations for the next year. Whatever you manage to do above the basic feeding and hygiene is a bonus- think little gymnastics, playgroup, and teaching the odd developmental stage stuff like cutting with scissors and matching stickers to shapes (eg. activity books) or colours (eg. use pegs and coloured cardboard). BOOKS are great if you can sit with her a few times a week, for mummy-daughter time.
Some things to think about in the years between 3&9:
1. Piano lessons. this connects neurons in the brain that are associated with maths.
2. look up gifted children Sydney and get her tested.
3. Look at the importance of encouraging gifted kids at a young age
4. iPad educational apps like '
Teachme
5. Sport
Always follow her lead with what and how much she wants to do.
Think about broadening her experience, knowledge and interests.
Lastly, high IQ runs in families, expect number 2 to be brilliant too. Enjoy!