How do I know if my child is gifted?
There are many checklists of characteristics of gifted children available on the Internet which you may wish to refer to. Your experiences of your child will also guide you. Dr Linda Silverman, of the Gifted Development Centre in Colorado, states that parents are excellent identifiers of giftedness in their children: 84% of the children whose parents say that they fit 3/4 of the gifted characteristics score in the superior intellect range, while over 95% show giftedness in at least one area.
Formal assessments by an educational psychologist will also provide you with information about your child’s strengths and weaknesses, though it is not an essential step in identification for GKP. Contact your school or the NZ Association for Gifted Children for suggested specialists. www.giftedchildren.org.nz.
How do I get my child involved in GKP?
Entry into GKP requires a combined home and school referral. Start by contacting GKP to find out more information. You will then be directed to have a chat with your child’s school. GKPÂ will be able to help with this part if required. The referral process includes data gathering from parents, school and the child, and participation in a workshop where children experience a range of GKP activities. If selected, a child’s school and parents both contribute towards the cost of their tuition.
How do I know what is happening at GKP?
Once a child has been accepted onto the programme they will be notified regarding general information about attending. Parents will be offered opportunities throughout the year to find out about the programme;
- open mornings
- information evenings
- sharing nights
- learning celebration events
- opportunities to assist in class and/or with class trips
GKP also operates an open-door policy, however, encourages parents to notify staff prior to arriving if they wish to visit the programme.
GKP teachers communicate regularly by email, newsletter and phone when necessary. This GKP website and the ‘Gifted Kids Programme Friends’ Facebook site are also sources of information.
