National Parenting Gifted Children Week is observed annually every third full week of July. This year the week will run from July 20 to 26. The week was created in 2007 by the National Association of Gifted Children (N.A.G.C.) Then, in conjunction with Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted, the N.A.G.C. registered the event with the National Special Events Registry. Gifted children are those who are able to perform at higher levels compared with others of the same age, experience, and environment in one or more domains.
History of National Parenting Gifted Children Week
Developed in the 1972 Maryland Report to Congress, the federal definition of ‘gifted’ has undergone several modifications and is now located in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. It defines gifted children as: “Students, children, or youth who give evidence of high achievement capability in areas such as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacity, or in specific academic fields, and who need services and activities not ordinarily provided by the school in order to fully develop those capabilities.”
The N.A.G.C. offers its own perspective, stating in its white paper: “Students with gifts and talents perform — or have the capability to perform — at higher levels compared to others of the same age, experience, and environment in one or more domains. They require modification(s) to their educational experience(s) to learn and realize their potential.” Going further, the report also established that: “Gifted students come from diverse backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, or economic grouping.”
All gifted children need access to the right learning opportunities, support, and guidance in order to realize their full potential. Furthermore, it is possible for gifted children to have learning disorders that necessitate specialized intervention. Therefore, the role of parents in helping gifted children overcome obstacles and harness their potential is one that cannot be overemphasized. Promoting well-rounded development and the pursuit of self-actualization for these children is crucial.
National Parenting Gifted Children Week timeline
Francis Galton conducts tests on more than 7,500 individuals to measure their natural intellectual abilities.
Alfred Binet and Theodore Simon develop the first modern intelligence test, called the Binet-Simon test.
Lewis Terman adapts the Stanford-Binet test from the Binet-Simon test while at Stanford University.
The Jacob Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act is passed, and the program awards grants to help talented students in elementary and secondary schools develop their abilities and reach their full potential.
National Parenting Gifted Children Week FAQs
How many gifted children are there in the U.S.?
According to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, about 6% of public school students are enrolled in gifted and talented programs.
Are there government-run gifted programs?
Unfortunately, gifted education is purely local.
Who discovered giftedness?
Lewis Terman was the first to perform a study on gifted children in 1921.
How to Observe National Parenting Gifted Children Week
Support gifted children
Have you ever noticed a child performing exceptionally well in a certain area? Do whatever you can to support that child’s progress, even if you’re not the parent.
Celebrate parents
Raising a gifted child is an uphill but gratifying task. Celebrate and recognize these unsung heroes. They deserve all the accolades.
Spread the word
Spread the word about National Parenting Gifted Children Week. Share this article on social media, using the hashtag #giftedchildren.
5 Little-Known Facts About Gifted Children
Giftedness is inherent
Giftedness is believed to be an inherited trait that a person possesses from birth.
Nurturing is necessary
For gifted children to succeed, their gifts must be nurtured and harnessed.
Gifted children need help too
Gifted children can also have disabilities or mental health diagnoses.
Gifted children can feel lonely
Because of their level of advancement compared with their peers, it is possible for a gifted child to feel isolated.
Giftedness is not only academic
A child’s giftedness is a part of who they are and is not merely restricted to academic performance.
Why National Parenting Gifted Children Week is Important
Gifted children are still children
Their giftedness doesn’t take away from the fact that they’re still children. Gifted or not, children need love, affection, and support from their parents and other family members.
Parents deserve appreciation
Raising a child is not an easy task. Raising a gifted child is even more daunting. This week, we recognize and appreciate the hard work parents put in to raise gifted children.
Parents need support
As people always say, “it takes a village to raise a child.” Supporting and raising gifted children is not the work of only the parents. Educators, family members, and society all have roles to play.
National Parenting Gifted Children Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | July 17 | Sunday |
| 2023 | July 16 | Sunday |
| 2024 | July 21 | Sunday |
| 2025 | July 20 | Sunday |
| 2026 | July 19 | Sunday |
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