Toddling up to new levels of learning

David Alexander

Mind games: the gifted Reynolds children, Emma, eight, and Hugh, four. Hugh is among several toddlers involved in a gifted learning programme.

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Two-year-olds discussing insect proboscises and three-year-olds comparing notes on the surface tension of bubbles it is just another day at the Gifted Education Centre.

The Auckland-based programme for toddlers says a funding boost will allow it to open centres across the country next year.

Christchurch toddlers who got a taste of the programme at an introductory session in July will be able to join the classes from January.

"I thought it would be a little bit tricky to be introducing some of those science concepts to kids so young," Christchurch mother Megan Reynolds said.

Reynolds has two gifted girls, Emma, eight, and Kate, six. Her youngest child, Hugh, four, is believed to be another gifted child, so Reynolds put him on the Christchurch trial.

"My little lad at the moment is learning all about hydrogen bonds and about water and that it has hydrogen and oxygen and they're bonded together," Reynolds said. "He's all into it."

Emma was reading at three.

"It means that you can have such a great adult conversation with your kids and they get it," Reynolds said.

Gifted Education Centre director Kathy Williams said parents submitted children for the programme and they were interviewed through play, observation and discussion before being admitted.

Only a few missed out, but there had been a few incidents where parents disagreed with the decision "and they've been quite adamant".

"It's very hands-on. It's certainly investigative, experimental and experiential, but it's operating at a slightly different level. The language that is used is, for example, the correct language of hydraulics, in small doses," Williams said. "When they're working on insects, for example, the children will be using the words proboscis and thorax appropriately. They talk about surface tension when they're looking at bubbles."

Williams said the programme was not overkill. "They're thirsty for it; they just absolutely soak it in."

The $15,000 funding boost from the Sovereign Sunshine organisation will extend the programme to another 50 families across New Zealand.

There are currently 480 students throughout the country registered with the centre.

- © Fairfax NZ News