• a little earlier
• a little faster
• a little better
• a little differently

Very Young Child

• Shows early independence
• Is extremely curious.
• Learns to read (often well before school age).

• Possesses superior powers of reasoning, abstraction, generalization and comprehension.
• Has great intellectual curiosity and exceptional memory.
• Learns easily and rapidly with a broad attention span when interested.
• Is superior in the quantity and quality of vocabulary compared with their peers.
• Has ability to do effective work independently.
• Exhibits keen powers of observation.
• Shown initiative and originality in intellectual work.
• Has great interest in the nature of man and the universe (problems of origins and destiny, etc.)
• Possesses unusual imagination.
• Follows complex directions easily.
• Is a rapid reader, having reading interests which cover a wide range of subjects.
• Is superior in mathematics, particularly in the area of problem solving.
• Enjoys dealing with large numbers at an early age.
• Responds well to new approaches to school work.

Children who are intellectually advanced for their age may find themselves out of step with their contemporaries.  Some find themselves socially isolated, rejected by their peers and unable to communicate because of their unusual interests and adult language level.

Some gifted children deliberately hide their talents so as to appear normal or even slow.  For this reason, gifted children are sometimes found in remedial classes.  When the pace at school is too slow the child gets bored and drops out or may disrupt the class.  Repetition in anathema to gifted children.

If a child is to succeed in music, it needs an instrument and tuition - it is the same with any area of talent.  Resources and tuition are necessary to develop a gift.  Special provision is made in sport - why not in other areas?

The Association believes that gifted and able children should not be segregated from other children, but should spend the greater part of their education in the normal State or fee paying school.

The Association is active in pursuing an advocacy role within the Government and the Department of Education.

• Holiday adventure camps at Easter. An opportunity for children to mix with others from all over Ireland in a fun and adventurous setting.
• Explorer Clubs.  Children are given the opportunity of mixing with others of the same intellectual ability.   They can explore a wide range of extra-curricular actives e.g. Computers, Chess, Astronomy.  For further information contact Valerie Jelley, Ph. 269 3163
• C.T.Y.I (Centre for Talented Youth of Ireland) The Association has strong links with C.T.Y.I based at D.C.U.  For further information contact C.T.Y.I ph. 704 5634

For Adults:

• Coffee evenings. Held on the first Friday of each month during the school terms.  These are an opportunity for parents to talk and share experiences with other parents and professionalmembers.
• Workshops and seminars; arranged on a regular basis on a variety of interesting and relevant subjects.
• Annual conference; In November, 1998 the Association will be hosting its first conference with sessions designed to be of interest to both parents and teachers.

We offer members:
· Information and advice
· Newsletter
· Conferences and Information evenings
· Library Service

There are three categories of membership:
(to view the appropriate form click on the links below and print the resulting page).

1.Individual membership:  £10 p.a.
For those who do not have a gifted child but who are interested in the work of the Association.

2.  Family membership:  £20 p.a.
For the parents of a gifted child.

3. Corporation membership: £10 p.a.
For schools, professional institutions and industry who wish to support the work of the Association.

Information Pack  (£5)
This pack includes
· Understanding Gifted Children
· Various Information sheets relating to such topics as activities, schooling, parenting and others.

(These publications will be available late 1999)

Newsletter Back Issues (£1)

These are available from the Hon Secretary.  Please send a stamped SAE and remittance to the Association.