Nursery World - Bright sparks (1)

The experience of exceptional children in the nursery is explored by Dr Kate Distin, who has worked as a counsellor of gifted children and has just edited a book on the subject. Even as tiny babies, gifted children can seem different from most others.

Even as tiny babies, gifted children can seem different from most others.

Parents and carers often notice that they focus their eyes at an absurdly young age. They have a quick recognition of tones of voice and words, an alert interest in their surroundings, and may also have early motor control, walking and speech.

As toddlers they often display unusual memory skills, advanced powers of reasoning and exceptional abilities to concentrate on activities that interest them. Many find it enormously frustrating when their motor skills are not adequate to carry out their ideas. Their intense curiosity and desire to understand can be challenging for both parents and practitioners.

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