Toddler Brainpower

Do you think your toddler is above average in the brain department? Find out how you can tell if your child is gifted and, if he is, how you can nurture his skills…


To you, your toddler is the most special child in the world. But do you have an inkling that you’re not just a doting mum and that, in fact, your little one was at the front of the queue when they were handing out brains? Let’s find out if you’re right...


How do you know?

Watch and learn. That’s the advice of the experts who all agree, for children under three, Mum knows best. Keep a close eye on him, and if you really think he’s gifted, check out the signs (below), to assess whether he has that genius potential.


FIVE SIGNS
HE'S GIFTED

He talk's early
If he’s a little chatterbox, with articulate speech and a wide vocabulary, inquisitive nature and unusual comprehension, he has potential. Other signs are that he’s interested in letters and words, starts writing from an early age and has a vivid imagination.

He's an early reader
Watch out for him recognising words and whether he has a brilliant pictorial memory. Another sign to look for is picking up a book to ‘read’ to himself.

He's numerate
Does he love numbers? Does he count everything from stairs to passing cars, remember phone numbers or recognise written numbers? Did he start counting very early and can he now do basic sums, and spot patterns through shapes, numbers, colours and size?

He concentrates
He’s got gifted tendencies if he can focus on one thing for long periods of time, see a task through from start to finish, for example starting and completing a jigsaw puzzle on his own, and if he’s a quick learner with amazing recall.

He's a problem solver
Does he astound you with his ability to make connections expected from a much older child?  Does he play with toys meant for older children and work things out for himself? Does he pay an unusual amount of attention to detail?


If your child shows even a couple of these signs it may mean there’s a budding genius in the family. Talking to your health visitor can be useful and she may have advice as to what steps to take, but bear in mind that your child should never be pushed and will develop at his own pace.


Play is the way

Your child will absorb information and learn so much during his early years, especially if he’s gifted. The most important thing you can do is create a loving environment, where learning is fun.

Children learn through play so give him plenty of opportunities, including role-play games, jigsaw puzzles, reading together and building bricks.

‘You don’t need to spend a fortune on expensive toys,’ says Lori Ferguson, educational psychologist and consultant for the NAGC (National Association for Gifted Children). ‘Your child can use his imagination in all sorts of ways with nothing more than a cardboard box, some blankets, pillows and dressing-up clothes.

'Creative play is vital to your child’s development and a gifted toddler in particular needs the opportunity to express himself and explore the world through his imagination.’


What to do

Keep your toddler’s learning simple. He takes pleasure in all sorts of activities and what seems mundane to you could be a delight for him. Write a shopping list together, get him to pick out the vegetables at the supermarket, or get him to count out pennies.

Take time out to read together. Not only are books a brilliant source of learning, reading your tot a story gives you the chance to sit down and have a cuddle with him. Let him choose his own book and encourage him to talk about the pictures and how they relate to the story.

Every child enjoys singing nursery rhymes and they’ll help him to learn about beats and rhythms. Simple jigsaw puzzles are stimulating for little minds, and when he manages to master it himself, he’ll be delighted.

Your little genius thrives when he’s given the freedom to explore and learn at his own pace. All you need to do is enjoy your time together – talk, laugh and have fun – and give him plenty of positive encouragement.

If you’re thinking of sending your child to a nursery, you could consider a Montessori-style nursery. Find out more at www.montessorieducationuk.org. Children at these nurseries are encouraged to learn and develop at their own pace and given the freedom to choose their own activities through specially designed toys and equipment.


And the don’ts…

‘Encouraging him to play and socialise with other children are more important than fine-tuning your child’s intellectual skills,’ says Lori Ferguson. Be led by your child and don’t worry if he’s not reading, writing and doing his times tables at three years old.

Remember children need plenty of play and lots of love in order to thrive. In fact, if you over-stimulate your child or force him to do something when he’s clearly had enough or is just not interested, it will most likely have the opposite effect.


Don’t panic!

If your little angel hasn’t reached all of his milestones yet, don’t worry. Babies and toddlers develop at different rates and true geniuses are pretty rare.

As long as your child is healthy and happy, relax and enjoy watching him grow and learn. Let him go at his own pace, not yours. And don’t pile on unnecessary pressure – if he’d rather watch the Tweenies than do a 100-piece jigsaw, let him.

If you do have any concerns about your child’s development, speak to your health visitor or GP.


By Briony Jenkins