Since accelerated students learn more quickly than other students, parents can follow their child's classroom activities and provide enrichment activities at home. First, find out what your child is studying and what he is interested in. If he is studying Egypt, there are virtual tours on the Internet. There are tours of pyramids, tombs, museums and the geography of Egypt. If he is interested in the process of mummification, help him find resources to make his own mummy. There are also sites for games on almost any subject. Order books and resources for your gifted child to use at home.
Parents can also get their gifted students involved in activities outside of school and home. Theater, dance, scouts and music are just a few activities offered in most communities for children of all abilities. By joining groups, accelerated students are able to explore new activities and expand their interests. Field trips with a child to museums, art galleries, planetariums and theater productions are all ways that a parent can help enrich a gifted student's education.
With the direction of parents, accelerated students can be allowed to design their own educational plan. Research with your child opportunities that are available for students outside of the classroom. She may decide to take a course, not offered in her school, through a distance education or virtual class. The student decides at what pace she wants to learn and the student is responsible for planning her enrichment. Students become more motivated when they are in charge of their own learning.
Many accelerated students do not think of their learning experiences in school as meaningful. They get bored easily and don't see the point of what they're doing. They may feel they are being held back and that their creativity is being stifled. It is up to parents to nudge accelerated students toward activities and projects outside of the classroom environment. It is essential that parents work with their child to determine what his interests are and arrange for extra activities to enhance his learning experience.