Gifted+Children

Why do we need to identify gifted children? It has been argued that children who are “not identified early may not be adequately stimulated or challenged and therefore their gifts will not develop” states Perleth (as cited in Loreman, Deppleler & Harvey 2005 p. 29). As with all students, the principle of identification is to support the educational needs of individual students. The challenge is to respond positively to all student performances, including individual excellence, within a framework that values diversity.

Reference: Loreman, T., Deppeler, J. & Harvey, D (2005). Inclusive Education. //A practical guide to supporting diversity in the classroom//. Crows Nest, Australia; Allen & Unwin.

This site contains information and resources for gifted students with special needs. Eg students with ADHD, Autism, disabilities etc.[|Uniquely Gifted] It is American but it has some wonderful ideas and suggestions for this group of students.

Gifted and Talented Students Education Policy Act: [|ACT Department Of Education policy]

__**GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS.** __ Children who are showing signs of been gifted and talented need to be extended with their education, otherwise they may become bored and loose interest at school. There are a number of ways you can extend a child who is gifted in all areas of education, such as maths, science, technology and writing.

**G.A.T.E.WAYS**
G.A.T.E.WAYS (Gifted and Talented Education, Extension and Enrichment) is a program that provides opportunities for highly able and gifted children with special educational needs from grade 1 onward. G.A.T.E.WAYS can be used by schools or individuals to challenge gifted students intellectually and promote individual talents. It runs workshops during the school term and holiday period where a gifted child can participate individually or within a school based group.

'The Brainwaves Club' holds regular meetings to encourage gifted and talented children to make friendship with like-minded peers and fosters social skills and self-esteem. G.A.T.E.WAYS runs 'The Brainwaves Club' in both Melbourne and Canberra (at Canberra Grammar School) and further information can be sort from the G.A.T.E.WAYS website.

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**Tournament of Minds**
Tournament of Minds (TOM) is a problem solving program that is offered in every Australian state or territory and even in New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong and caters for individuals or teams from both primary and secondary years. TOM is not only offered to students how are gifted or talented but to all interested students as it encourages students to develop skills and to work cooperatively within a team.

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If you are a teacher who has an interest or the school has gifted and talented students you can find information or enter a group in either G.A.T.E.WAYS or TOM simply by going onto their website.

References:

http://www.gateways.edu.au/

http://www.tom.edu.au/Default.aspx