Teaching a gifted child to read can be a lot of fun – but it can also be challenging.
I know, I’ve been there.
By the time my eldest was seven, her reading level matched that of a middle school graduate.
Gifted kids are quick thinkers. They pick up concepts faster than other kids their age. But just because they absorb and process information like sponges doesn’t mean they don’t need to be taught every concept.
Gifted children still need clear, step-by-step instruction to learn how to read.
Teach at their speed - not the program’s
Because gifted kids understand and connect ideas very quickly, they often only need one explanation to grasp the material and put it into practice. That’s great!
But because they process information at a much faster rate, they need to move at their natural pace.
FASTER.
They can get bored if you slow the lessons down and repeat the same information too many times – unlike an average learner who may need more time to practice and master the concept.
That’s why it’s so important to allow gifted learners to move ahead when they’re ready.
Many phonics programs are made for kids who need lots of practice - NOT gifted children.
They include drills, flashcards, and long lessons on the same idea. This doesn’t always work for gifted kids. Too much repetition can cause them to tune out or even stop wanting to learn.
SO how do you teach gifted children phonics?
Even though they learn fast, gifted children still need practice. Reading is like building a muscle. The more they work on it, the stronger the muscle gets.
Give them books that match their reading level, not just their age.
They may start with beginner readers, but will move through levels significantly faster than other kids.
Don’t slow them down on purpose.
If they’re ready for the next level, let them go for it!
To stretch their thinking, offer books that ask more of the reader – stories that require inferences, include clever twists, or explore deeper ideas.
Gifted kids enjoy reading between the lines and thinking critically about what they read. The goal isn’t just to challenge their reading level—it’s to challenge their thinking.
To teach Homeschool Phonics to gifted kids:
You need a systematic phonics curriculum that doesn’t hold the gifted child back.
We created The Art of Reading with gifted learners in mind.
Lessons that go both wider and deeper, and no two days are ever the same. Each day’s lesson brings fresh challenges to keep them engaged and curious.
The lessons are short and packed with fun activities—so your child can stay interested and focused. We’ve built in natural review of concepts that doesn’t feel tedious. And because gifted kids often master a concept after only a short time, The Art of Reading makes it easy to skip ahead to the next challenge as soon as they’re ready.
Let your gifted learner soar.
Try Art of Reading for for free.
