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On a recent college trip with my high school daughters, we visited large universities and smaller liberal arts colleges, finding that each institution had its own, unique feel. However, we noticed one striking similarity-top colleges across the country are academically charged environments where students participate in classroom discussions and where vibrant, intellectual dialogue continues in the dining halls and dorms.
Engagement in the world of ideas is a hallmark of learning in college and beyond-where mathematicians defend theories, doctors explain prognoses, and professors share and explore hypotheses. For tomorrow's intellectual leaders, our children, the time to join in this dialogue is now, both at school and at home.
Advanced verbal ability is a trait associated with giftedness (Karnes & Stephens, 2008), and as a teacher, I observe that many high-ability children flourish in the classroom when they are encouraged to explain their thoughts and reasoning. Engaging children in discussion helps students gain knowledge, think creatively, and develop critical thinking skills (see Heacox, 2002).
Outside the classroom, parents can do much to encourage deep thinking and challenge children to explore new ideas by engaging in discussion at home. Yet, as parents rush around to enrich their children's lives with music lessons, summer camps, and enrichment classes, the power of simple, deep conversation is easily lost. In today's busy households where discussion is sometimes overrun by iPods and earbuds, making conversation flower can certainly take a little extra "watering." The following tips may help to grow dialogue at home and nurture high-ability learners.
Start Small
To encourage your child to become conversant with ideas, start talking when she is small. When you go on walks or run errands together, put your cell phone away and engage in the moment. Be sure to talk about what you see and ask your child about her surroundings; acknowledge her responses even if she is too young to answer in complete sentences. Describe the birds, count cars, note the weather, or decide what you are having for lunch. By making talking with and listening to your child a priority, you give the giftof time and attention, as well as opportunities for her to engage in meaningful conversation.
Nourish Dialogue With High-Level Questions
In the classroom, asking questions that challenge students...