Giftedness
Giftedness indicates more than just a person’s intellectual capacity. Yet, gifted children, adolescents, and adults can sometimes experience difficulties with learning. This may be related to the fact that, during essential developmental stages, they were or are unable to compare, play, or interact with developmental peers. The core of these learning difficulties does not differ significantly from ‘regular’ learning problems: the standard educational offering in mainstream schools and the efforts of parents are often not sufficient to meet the needs of these learners. Parents and teachers must learn to work with children whose development is not comparable to that of their age group. It is often forgotten that they, too, have the right to instruction, guidance, and respect for their Zone of Proximal Development. In the following PDF, I’ve provided an overview of what this might mean in the context of typical development: Learning Domain – Skill PDF.
Such situations can lead to issues such as boredom in the classroom, intolerant behavior, or even depression. Furthermore, a child can be gifted and still develop other genetically determined or unrelated problems. It is also important to distinguish between different degrees of giftedness: is a child gifted, highly gifted, or exceptionally gifted? Does the child have an asynchronous profile? Does the child also have an exceptional talent that makes their giftedness difficult to comprehend? In the Netherlands, giftedness is now recognized within the framework of Inclusive Education (Passend Onderwijs), but much research and experimentation in this area is still ongoing.
As a parent and woman with experience in this field, I can speak from personal experience: already in the 1970s and 80s, I was assessed, supported, and accelerated based on my giftedness. I experienced various schools and educational approaches in Germany, England, and France, ultimately graduating from a school for gifted children in England.
Even at the university level, I received different forms of guidance, and I formed valuable friendships with professors. As a result, I became deeply aware of how difficult it can be for many people to understand the thinking and feelings of gifted individuals.
If you assume that your child may be gifted, or if teachers or friends have noticed something and you are seeking support, please don’t hesitate to contact me for advice and guidance.
I offer help varying from informing you on the traits of a gifted child,
raising your child, developing a good learning attitude, creating a social network,
finding the right educational environment, talking to teachers, finding
friends, books, toys...
Make your first appointment to meet me with your questions here.
All creative ArtScience courses by
School
I offer school consultation, helping gifted children to develop a positive learning attitude (growth mindset), motivation training, teaching metacognitionI can do this on an individual basis but also with a gifted group in your classroom.
You can also book me for speeches and trainings for a team of teachers.
I also offer creative courses made for gifted children by
Creativity
Denken Horen Bouwen
Creativity and diversity have been my labels since early childhood.My company Denken Horen Bouwen offers a variety of creative courses for the gifted during the entire year.
All talented children are welcome with their curiosity, ideas, play and sensitivity.
The creative subjects are often a combination of Art and Sciences.
Workshops and courses can be: Music and Maths, Art and Architecture, Drawing and Literature, From idea to invention, Music composition and Analyses.
To motivate children I have developed a method learning in a certain predictable scheme continuously making switches between practice and theory.
Denken Horen Bouwen also offers courses by other artists and scientists.
Click here to see upcoming courses.
If you are interested in booking courses by
Sometimes I also offer my work via gifted groups in Den Haag and Delft.
In my spare time I illustrate children's books, develop games and write compositions. I like
drawing, painting, singing and playing the piano.
Leonardo da Vinci
The structure of the ArtScience courses by Denken Horen Bouwen are influenced by da Vinci's 7 principles:1. CURIOSITÀ (CURIOSITY) —
"An insatiably curious approach to life and an unrelenting quest for continuous learning."
2. DIMONSTRATZIONE (INDEPENDENT THINKING) —
"A commitment to test knowledge through experience, persistence, and a willingness to learn from mistakes."
3. SENSAZIONE (REFINE YOUR SENSES) —
"The continual refinement of the senses, especially sight, as the means to clarify experience."
4. SFUMATO (EMBRACE UNCERTAINTY) — Literally translated as ‘Going up in Smoke’ —
"A willingness to embrace ambiguity, paradox, and uncertainty."
5. ARTE/SCIENZA (ART & SCIENCE, WHOLE-BRAIN THINKING) —
"The development of the balance between science and art, logic and imagination."
6. CORPORALITA (MIND-BODY CARE) —
"The cultivation of grace, ambidexterity, fitness, and poise."
7. CONNESSIONE (INTERCONNECTEDNESS) —
"A recognition and appreciation for the connectedness of all things and phenomena. Systems thinking."