Gifted children are the future scientists of our society. Instilling a sense of responsibility for the care of the planet in the highly intelligent child is vital to the future. Even a toddler can appreciate a growing vegetable garden and the fascinating creatures and plantings that dwell within her grasp, as she pulls weeds with her dad each summer evening.
The Secrets of Nature Discovered by the Gifted Toddler
Gardening is only one method for teaching a little one about the natural world and ecology. Taking the child camping, hiking and fishing when he is very young can help him develop a love of the outdoors. Parents who set a good example by picking up trash and practicing the "carry in, carry out" principles in the woods, show the child how to respect the forests.
Fishing in a rowboat or canoe is a great way to enjoy the environment when the family adheres to catch and release guidelines, while ensuring adherance to state limits by measuring catches. Canoes and kayaks keep the water free from contaminants present in the fossil fuels from boat motors. For a very young child, fishing from the shore or dock may be the best plan.
Young ones will often enjoy bird watching, bug catching and butterfly identification when taught to appreciate these wonders as toddlers. Observing wild animals from a safe distance by visiting a wildlife refuge or other natural environment may stimulate the child's interest in studying nature, zoology or biology in the future.
Volunteerism for the Gifted Child
Scouting is one activity that can engage a gifted child in social responsibility. If the child is not interested in this, working or volunteering at a science museum, veterinary hospital or other nature facility is another way to reinforce the message. Many families also participate in highway, park or forest clean-up events. When the child has the opportunity to see firsthand what damage is done to the environment by litter, oil spills and water contamination, he is unlikely to forget the severity of the impact on plants, animals and people.
Responsible parents will want to reinforce the sad message that not all people care for the environment the way they should. Therefore, it is important that those who do comprehend the ramifications of pollution and irresponsible actions on the environment, take a stand against the abuse.
Older Gifted Children and Social Responsibility
Teenage children are in a position to take an active stand for environmental reform and policy development in government. Encouraging the child to develop a social conscience and to take an active role in supporting laws and regulations to protect the earth, forests and parks can make a difference in her career choices. Supporting candidates that care about the earth and voting for these people are also ways to take a stand for Mother Nature.
Intellectually gifted young people hold the key to the future of our society and our legacy. Children born today are the adults who will be burdened by decades of abuse of the land, the water and the air. Preparing gifted children to deal with these issues is essential to the survival of all living things on the earth.
Is this article helpful? Read about Fun Summer Activities for Gifted Kids. Also see Emotions and Characteristics of the Gifted.
Therese Haberman - With a MS degree and 25 years in HR mgmt, in 2005, Ms.Therese began a writing career specializing in children and HR.
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