Nurturing Potential: Key Insights from Our Parent Hour on Gifted Learners

Hello Parents,

Janani and Siddharth here. We're still buzzing from the energy and insights shared during our recent Parent Hour session! It was fantastic connecting with so many of you, sharing stories, and tackling those big questions that come with raising bright, curious children. For those who couldn't make it, we wanted to share the valuable takeaways and the exciting opportunity that emerged from our conversation.

Parenting a gifted child is a unique journey, filled with moments of awe but also distinct challenges. How do we keep them engaged when they learn faster than the curriculum? How do we find peers who truly understand them? How do we provide the right kind of challenge to help them reach their incredible potential? These weren't just our questions; they were echoed by many parents in the session, highlighting the need for a supportive community and specialized approaches.

The Power of a "Learning Vacation": Voices from Our Community

The session underscored the profound impact that dedicated enrichment experiences can have. We heard firsthand from parents and educators who have seen the benefits:

• Mrs. Sharada Kenkare, Dean of Curriculum at GEMS Modern Academy, offered a brilliant perspective, calling these enrichment programs a "learning vacation." It’s a perfect description! It’s not just about academics; it's about igniting potential through advanced learning combined with unique life experiences. Sharada emphasized how these opportunities foster confidence, independence, critical thinking, and vital connections with like-minded peers – a truly holistic development that prepares children not just for college, but for life.

Mrs. Sharada Kenkare sharing her reflections on the effects of Gifted Summer Programs on students.

• Mr. Vishal Master, a parent from GEMS Modern Academy, shared how Gifted World's online courses captivated his son, Vrishaan. He highlighted the crucial role of engaging mentors and thought-provoking topics that sparked sustained interest and deeper thinking, setting these experiences apart from typical online sessions.

• Mrs. Chandani Tolani, also from GEMS Modern Academy, spoke movingly about the positive changes she observed in her son, Suraj, after his GenWise summer program experience. She described his journey from initial apprehension to enthusiastic discovery, thriving in an environment that encouraged hands-on exploration and collaboration with intellectual peers.

We also heard a testimonial from Mr. Steve Arnold, the corporate head of Gifted and Talented at the GEMS group.

Why These Experiences Are Crucial: Peers, Mentors, and Meaningful Challenge

These powerful stories highlight why certain elements are non-negotiable for nurturing gifted learners:

1. A Community of Peers: Gifted children thrive when they interact with others who can match their pace and thinking. Like a skilled tennis player needing a strong opponent, they need peers who can return their intellectual "serves," keeping them motivated and engaged.

2. Incredible Mentors: Access to true experts—university faculty, industry leaders, scientists—is transformative. These mentors operate at the advanced levels these students crave and can offer perspectives and challenges far beyond the standard curriculum. They don't just teach; they inspire and guide.

3. Appropriate Challenge: Gifted students need tasks that stretch them. We focus on "rich learning tasks" – problems that are accessible initially but have a “high ceiling”, allowing exploration up to advanced levels. It's particularly important to provide this consistent, meaningful challenge during the crucial developmental window of ages 10-14, ensuring their potential continues to grow rather than plateauing.

Your Child's "Learning Vacation" Awaits: Gifted Summer Program 2025 (Online)

This brings us to an opportunity we're incredibly excited about: our Online Gifted Summer Program, running from June 30th to July 26th, 2025. Designed to fit the UAE school holidays, this online format brings the "learning vacation" experience directly to you, making it accessible for students entering Grade 5 - 9 in the year 2025.

Imagine your child diving deep into subjects they love, guided by expert mentors and collaborating with peers from across the region. The core of the program is our two-week immersive Learning Quests:

• Juniors (Grades 5-6): Explore Physics through Ancient Arms, unravel Algorithm Adventures, discover Algebra, master Experimental Skills, or craft stories in the Young Authors Studio.

• Seniors (Grades 7-9): Delve into Financial Literacy, investigate Mythical Beasts & Their Science, journey through Introductory Astrophysics, master the Gen AI Bootcamp, or hone writing skills in the Young Authors Studio.

Learning Quests on offer in the Gifted Summer Program 2025: Online

But it's more than just academics. We're building a vibrant online community with guest speakers, fun quizzes, collaborative challenges, and even a special session for parents with the insightful Dr. Bhooshan Shukla.

An Opportunity Not to Be Missed

This isn't just another summer activity; it's a chance to provide your child with the specific environment they need to flourish. It's an investment in their intellectual growth, their confidence, and their future.

Seats are intentionally limited to ensure personalized attention and a strong community feel. Don't let your child miss out on this unique "learning vacation."

Secure your spot and the early bird discount by registering before May 31st!

Learn more and register today: Gifted World Summer Program

Q&A Highlights

Parents also brought up some important questions in the session:

• Is enrichment only for summer? Absolutely not! Gifted World provides engaging courses, masterclasses, and community interaction year-round at www.giftedworld.org. The summer program is a special, intensive dive, but the journey of nurturing potential is continuous.

• Are programs only for ATS qualifiers? While some advanced Learning Quests require recent ATS qualification to ensure peer readiness, many of our programs and Gifted World membership (which ATS candidates receive automatically) are open to all curious learners. We prioritize challenging, adaptable tasks. Let's chat about the best fit!

• Online vs. Residential? Residential programs offer a 24/7 immersion. Our online programs are carefully designed to deliver that same high-level mentorship, stimulating project-based learning (using accessible materials), and vital peer connection, all from the convenience of home.

We are passionate about creating these essential spaces for gifted learners to connect, discover, and soar. It was a joy sharing this passion with you during the Parent Hour.

If you would like to see the whole video, you can access it here -

We hope your child joins us for an unforgettable learning vacation this July!

Warmly,

Janani & Siddharth

Community Leads, Gifted World