How to help your child outside of school

Even if you enjoy the support of your child's teacher and principal, you may still want to provide your child with enrichment opportunities outside of school. Here are some suggestions:

• Take conversations with your child seriously. Gifted children are often highly verbal and inquisitive. They are also easily frustrated if their parents dismiss their questions. Taking the time to give your child full and complete answers shows him that you respect intellectual inquiry.

• Actively help him pursue his interests. A child who is interested in math, for example, will probably love to read about famous mathematicians as well as to solve problems.

• Familiarize him with the research tools available to him. Show him how to use the local library and online resources, so he realizes that he can find information for himself.

• Enroll him in classes that develop non-academic skills. Classes such as sports or music will help him be well rounded.

• Visit children's and science museums. These offer interesting hands-on educational experiences.

• Provide materials for creative play. Give him egg cartons, cardboard boxes, felt squares, and paper towel rolls, for example. Gifted children are often very inventive.

• Encourage storytelling. Gifted children can be endlessly imaginative. Wonderful creative outlets for them include making up stories, staging plays, or directing home videos.