Hi there -
My son will be 3 next month, but he is trying desperately to read. He knows all of the letters by sight (upper and lower case) and can tell you what sounds nearly all the letters make. He can spell 10-12 words from memory and has an extensive vocabulary. Does it sound like he might need to be assessed for giftedness? If so, how do I go about making that happen?
Most educational psychologists won't assess a child before they are 4 years old because the tests they use are not designed for kids younger than that. There are lots of websites which give information about characteristics of gifted children - Hoagiesgifted.org is a good place to start. Common characteristics found among young gifted children include the use of advanced vocabulary; self-initiated and self-driven early reading; keen observation skills; insatiable curiosity; an incredible memory; the ability to concentrate for long periods of time, when compared to other kids the same age, on tasks which capture their interest; and a unique ability to recognize patterns and relationships and think abstractly.
If you are in Auckland, there is the Small Poppies programme for early years children from 2 1/2 to 6, which operates in 4 different locations around the city. http://nzcge.co.nz/Small+Poppies
When your son turns 4, if you wish to have him assessed, you simply book an appointment with an educational psychologist of your choice. There is a list of ed psychs on the NZAGC website (link is on home page) who are experienced at working with gifted children.
Meanwhile, there is lots you can do to keep him stimulated at home. Make sure you talk with him as much as you can; provide hands-on activities - experimenting, making, doing; opportunities to question, estimate, predict, guess; books, books and more books; follow his interests and passions; expose him to music, art, nature.
