Exceptional Children Record Goals

One of the best ways a parent or guardian can help their child become exceptional is to record their child's strengths and interests and teach their child how to set their own goals.  As a young child, the recording and goal setting will be the parent's responsibility.  As the child learns how to write and express him or her self, then the child can begin learning how to set goals.

Find a journal to record the child's interests, strengths, and any other identifying characteristics that you would think are helpful.  It is much like keeping a baby book where all the baby's new achievements are recorded for future reference.  You could have the child help decorate the book and provide input on their interests and strengths depending on their age and understanding.

Once you have a list, focus in on one of the strengths or interests.  For example, your six-year-old son may have an interest in dinosaurs.  Now you would want to set some goals to help your child learn more about dinosaurs.  Maybe you could look up where the dinosaur books are located at your local library.  Maybe a goal would be to read one dinosaur related book, or part of a book if it is a long one, to your son each evening.  Reading together boosts a love of reading!

Where is the closest museum that has dinosaur displays?  Or are you planning a family trip in the near future?  Are there any dinosaur museums at your destination?  Getting out and seeing how large dinosaur bones are would probably encourage your child to continue with their dinosaur fascination.  Even better if the museum has a dig for your own fossils area for children! 

What about a build your own dinosaur kit?  The recommended age may be slightly older than your six-year-old son, but the child could be successful with the kit with your help and because of your child's huge interest in dinosaurs.  If the kit is too much, clay dinosaurs or drawings of dinosaurs may make art time fun for your child.

As the child becomes more knowledgeable on dinosaurs, why not encourage him to write his own dinosaur book or keep a dinosaur journal to record what he is learning?  Writing is important in helping to keep facts lodged into our brains.  Every child can benefit from learning and going through the writing process.  Wouldn't learning be more fun if children could write about what currently interests them?

These are only a handful of ideas that you could use.  As you know your child best, you would record goals that make sense with your child's interests and abilities.  Make learning fun for your child!