0ze_Kid
Registered User
We had DD tested (not to confirm or see if she was gifted. I was trying to sort out some behavioral issues and felt that testing would show me if she was left or right brained focused. With this knowledge I might be able to communicate with her in a way that worked - ha!) The result was that she is a bit of both (left and right brained) but does have a high IQ and needs more advanced games and materials to keep her occupied.
Our tester also said that you can not accurately badge a child as gifted until about 5-6 years of age and I have to say that I stopped calling her 'gifted' pretty quickly as it does conjure up these ideas of high expectations and being pushed too hard.
I just think of her as having a high IQ and know that she can mentally keep up with older kids but we were doing damage (we had her in the kindy class at 3 1/2 with 4-5 year olds. Which was fine except that the class had several 6 year old boys who had been "held back" and that 3 year gap was just too much) to her self esteem because she was physically and emotionally not old enough.
Anyhoo, back on track. I think both your kids are gifted (as I think our youngest is too - smarter than the older one. We have no intention of getting her tested as she doesn't have the same emotional issues as her sister). You have neglected to add that your kids are bi-lingual too which means that they are grasping English AND Chinese which is not easy at any age. I think you have reached the right conclusion by keeping her entertained at the level she can cope with.
I must add that having her tested has provided us with some insights (which may be good for you too) that we would not have reached otherwise. For example, a list of things to look at when considering schools (such as acceleration options as DD may skip a grade or be able to do credits in higher subjects) and monitoring her progress as she is at risk of underachieving (gets that from DH!) given the chance.
I also have contact details for an educational psychologist which I can pass on. Just PM me. He is not in HK very often but he may be able to help or lead you in the right direction.
Our tester also said that you can not accurately badge a child as gifted until about 5-6 years of age and I have to say that I stopped calling her 'gifted' pretty quickly as it does conjure up these ideas of high expectations and being pushed too hard.
I just think of her as having a high IQ and know that she can mentally keep up with older kids but we were doing damage (we had her in the kindy class at 3 1/2 with 4-5 year olds. Which was fine except that the class had several 6 year old boys who had been "held back" and that 3 year gap was just too much) to her self esteem because she was physically and emotionally not old enough.
Anyhoo, back on track. I think both your kids are gifted (as I think our youngest is too - smarter than the older one. We have no intention of getting her tested as she doesn't have the same emotional issues as her sister). You have neglected to add that your kids are bi-lingual too which means that they are grasping English AND Chinese which is not easy at any age. I think you have reached the right conclusion by keeping her entertained at the level she can cope with.
I must add that having her tested has provided us with some insights (which may be good for you too) that we would not have reached otherwise. For example, a list of things to look at when considering schools (such as acceleration options as DD may skip a grade or be able to do credits in higher subjects) and monitoring her progress as she is at risk of underachieving (gets that from DH!) given the chance.
I also have contact details for an educational psychologist which I can pass on. Just PM me. He is not in HK very often but he may be able to help or lead you in the right direction.
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