It is the Week of Giftedness (4 to 12 March 2023). Giftedness is more than just a high IQ. Drive, autonomy, creativity, sensitivity are other aspects of giftedness. Children with a developmental advantage also deserve an offer of activities in which they can develop their interests and skills.
At SKO we have a specialist, Smart Toddlers, Sabine van der Does. She is trained to offer tailor-made challenges to children with a developmental advantage. All SKO locations can invite Sabine if they have a question about working with children with a developmental advantage in general or with a specific child.
How did the interest in Smart Toddlers arise?
“Our current pedagogical coach came to ask if I was interested in this course. I thought it would be nice to delve into this in addition to Preschool Education (VE), to see contrasts, but perhaps also recognition. There is also increasing attention and knowledge in this area.”
What is your role as a specialist Smart Toddlers?
“The pedagogical staff in the group signal whether a child has a possible head start. The pedagogical coach watches with them. As a specialist, I am deployed to explore together with the child through stimulating signalling, playing games and chatting together.”
Why is tailor-made challenge for bright toddlers important?
“Bright toddlers quickly forget themselves, are seen as 'difficult' or sometimes not seen. So they are actually calling for help. It is important to identify early, so that the bright toddlers can develop in their own way.”
How can parents recognize a bright toddler at home?
“These children have many characteristics that parents may recognize:
- often play with younger or older children, but preferably not their own age;
- self-efface;
- underachieve;
- interest in letters and numbers;
- often already wise language;
- can remember things from long ago;
- can tell a story in detail.”
How can SKO continue to challenge bright toddlers?
“It is important to detect early. From there we will signal stimulating by means of smart games and games. Testing can only be done at a later age, but being aware of it and seeing the child well is a good start for a new start at primary school.”
Do you see your child's behavior at home that makes you think of a developmental head start? Then contact your child's mentor to hear about the experiences in the group. You can then investigate further together. We think it is important that all children are challenged at their own level. Sometimes a child shows different behavior in the group than at home. By exchanging ideas with each other, we ensure the best care for your child with us.
