Children are often born with a creative instinct of one type of another. Paying attention to the signals they give at a young age will help you, help them find their outlet and medium. A lifelong love and talent may be just within reach for your youngster.
Many times you will notice a child has a love for some sort of creative activity that goes above and beyond a mere "liking". When A passion for something artistic is seen early it is imperative that the parent and/or teacher seize the opportunity and help the child develop it to the fullest potential.
Helping to develop this passion and encourage it is easy to do once you see the signs they have more than just a passing interest. Signals should be fairly obvious in your youngster once they are able to show some sort of verbal or physical expression on their own that is not necessarily induced or provoked.
Things to look for in your child that may suggest artistic and creative talent:
1. A passion for the activity- A child will often have an unusually high interest or love of the activity. You will notice they spend a great deal of time participating in this activity.
2. A need to have it recognized- Often the passion a child may have has a need to be recognized. A child showing some sort of artistic ability will often care whether it is noticed, may want to enter competitions and contests.
3. Eager to learn more about the art medium- Most children that have artistic ability will want to not only express it themselves but will be a willing student to learn more. A parent can support the inner artist in their child by possibly acquiring art, music etc. lessons for their child.
4. Requests for materials, instruments, or supplies- Many children that have artistic ability will ask for things that will satisfy their passion over traditional amusements and toys.
5. Intelligence- Although you may not necessarily see it in its entirety based on traditional standardized tests, most children with talent and exceptional creative ability that has not been formally taught to them are highly intelligent. Creativity can be an academic distraction, however, your child will no doubt have an intelligence not necessarily captured in academic measurements.
Supply your child with as much stimulating, engaging materials as possible. Find ways to have them get recognition as this will encourage them to finely hone their skills. Enroll them in classes or arrange for personal instructions. Take them to museums, theaters, and musicals.
In some cases you will be pleased to discover your child may actually have talent in several areas. If you have more than one child, chances are they will all hold some degree or level of talent as well. Do all you can to encourage and foster these passions. You never know, you may be ushering into the world the next Picasso, Mozart, or Pavarotti? The possibilities are endless!
More information for gifted children in South Carolina:
http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/state_policy_south_carolina_10041.aspx
If you live in the South Carolina area and have a gifted child, for more information contact:
SOUTH CAROLINA
National Association for Gifted Children
ATTN: Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award
1707 L Street, NW, Suite 550
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 785-4268
Fax: (202) 785-4248
Email: nagc@nagc.org
Deadline: June 1, 2010
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