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How to help your Gifted, Talented  or More Able Child

Click here to read our Special Educational Needs Policy
Click to access the Estover Gifted and Talented Children’s Portal

• Every child has a unique profile of talents, abilities and strengths. Discover where your child's strengths and relative weaknesses lie.
• Help your child develop their self-esteem and confidence, give praise and encouragement.
• Make time to talk with, and listen to, your child.
• Let them know you are proud of who they are and not just what they achieve. Don't let their talents become the centre of your relationship with them.
• Allow failures and mistakes - these are a necessary part of both growing up and learning.
• Discuss and talk through social situations - encourage your child to appreciate other people's points of view.
• Encourage them to extend their general knowledge - by watching the news or reading the newspaper.
• Be responsive to what they want, involve them in decisions about their lives, but be realistic and don't let everything revolve around them.
• Don't show your child off or expect others to acknowledge their abilities - encourage the child to be modest with their peers.
• Read with them, and to them, even if they are good readers. Continue to share and discuss books as they get older.
• Ensure that they help around the house with everyday tasks and build up practical life skills.
• Explore your locality to find ways to develop your child's interests eg libraries, art galleries, museums, clubs and interest groups. Involve their friends.
• Encourage physical activity to develop co-ordination and general fitness.
• Work in partnership with your child's school to meet their academic and social needs.
• Do not always focus on your child's obvious skills - give them the opportunity to broaden and extend their talents and interests. Encourage them to sample new activities.
• Be aware of the vast possibilities offered by technology, use computers for fun as well as extending knowledge and skills.
• Despite their abilities, they are children and entitled to a childhood - try not to pressurise them.
• Give them time to relax, think and plan their own time - do not organise too much for them.
• Look after yourself, these children can be exhausting as well as very rewarding.
• Any concerns or worries that you have about your child's progress at school should always be directed to the class teacher.
  

To download a copy of our High Frequency Word Sheets you need a copy of Microsoft Word, or the free Microsoft Word Viewer:

High Frequency Words 1-50
High Frequency Words 51-150
High Frequency Words 151-270

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