Advanced Toddlers?

Does anyone have a child that you believe is advanced and possibably gifted? What are some of the things your child does that makes you think that they are advanced? What do you think is the next step in preparing for their educational future?

Answers:
My daughter, who is 22 months old, sounds very similar to yours. My mother is a teacher, and she is amazed at what my daughter knows - more than some of the 5 year old kids that she tests at school.

I don't push my daughter to focus on learning, and never have. We have provided her with all kinds of educational toys (letter puzzles, sorting toys, etc), and she is just drawn to it. Even when playing outside, she'll count the flowers in the garden or leaves on the ground. Or, look at a magazine, and start naming the letters she sees.

I was a preschool teacher, and also worked in a Montossorri preschool for several years, and have seen all kinds of children with many different levels of abilities. I believe the best thing to do is provide your children with the tools they need, and if they seem to be gifted - seek opportunities to help them actively learn - but make it fun. A two year old does not need to sit and have a "preschool lesson", but will probably love to look at books and tell you the letters, or count out crackers for a snack. I've even seen a 3 year old who was beginning to read.

Many schools will allow a 4 year old to enter kindergarden, but only if the parent inquires about it. It also depends on the maturity of the child, etc.

The schools in our area also group children in to classes according to their ability. For example, your child may be enrolled in kindergarden, but may go to a first grade class for reading or math, if you child excels in one particular area.

Have fun with your toddler, encourage them, and be proud!

Other Answers:
All mothers think their child is gifted.

all mothers think their kids are gifted but thats just a matter of opinion (in reference to other commenters)

I have 2 kids Daughter will be 4, son will be 2. (another on the way)
My daughter is very advanced and my son is at normal rate.

My daughter has been in early education classes with 5-6 year olds since she was about 2, you would think that she was older but shes really not. Shes very advanced for her age, she can speak other languages also since we have taught her early, but we are not anything other than white. My child loves to read and has been reading with help since 1.5 and has been reading by herself since the age of almost 3 kids normally dont learn to read or write until the ages of 5 even so they have trouble. I have had her IQ tested professionally and its astounding, she has been compared to older kids and is still more advanced. What a wonderful gift. Im hoping one day she will become a doctor or even higher up as a scientist.

My son on the other hand isnt even close to were she was at his age. He barely speaks and has started everything very late rather than too early :)

As in educational future start setting up their college funds because by the time a child will be in college the costs will be so high so just be prepared in case she decides thats what she wants to do.

According to my child health nurse, my little boy is "ahead" with certain areas of his development. He was commando crawling at 3 1/2 months, crawling backwards at 5 months, crawling forwards at 6 months, walking around furniture at 7 months, and running around the house like a pro at 9 months.
He only really started talking about six months ago (he's 2 1/2 now). The child health nurse did some testing, and it appears that his logic, reasoning and rationalisation skills are advanced.
I'm not going to bombard him with educational products. I want him to grow at his own pace, without the stress of being "mummy's pet project".
And if I ever have another child, I certainly will not be comparing the two.
Classic example of what damage comparison can make:
Two of my cousins, sisters, close in age.
The eldest walked early, talked early, read early.
The younger one was late to walk, talk, and the three R's were never her strong point.
These sisters are now grown women, but the resentment of being compared still remains. The "smart one" is still the apple of her parents eye, while the "not-so-smart one" finds it hard to get the time of day from her parents. My 18 month old can count to 10 and is above average in quite a few areas. She goes to a montessori infant school and really thrives there.

I think people have a problem with labeling a toddler as advanced because most toddlers grow in waves. They'll be kicking butt and learning their alphabet at 14 months and then they'll regress and start pulling poop out of the their diaper for 2 months. Just when you start to think you have a genius they show you that they will not be pushed.

Congrats on your potential genius! No wonder you're so proud!

5 moms dish the dirt... http://blogs.chron.com/mamadrama/
Source(s):
http://blogs.chron.com/mamadrama/

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Advanced Toddlers?

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