Mom of Exceptional 2 Year Seeking Groups/Activities to Help Her Grow

I was the mother of an exceptional 2 yo as well. At 5 months she spoke, by one she was speaking in complete 5+ word sentences. I never found any particular playgroups that would facilitate her abilities both socially, and academically, because most children her age were not on the level that she was. Now she is an almost 8 year old, who is moving into 4th grade and reading on a 6th grade level (she should be in second BTW). What my husband and I have found is that it really is easier to let her lead the way as far as her abilities go. She showed a gifting in music very early also, and we have her in piano/clarinet lessons. We also opted to take her home and homeschool her. This works amazingly now that she is older, because she can work academically where she is at, without it suffering her ability to make friends in her own age group doing activities such as brownies and gymnastics.
For a 2 yo, your best bet is to continue to allow her the access to other infants (the ones in your home are fine, because she is learning the social skills), and allowing opportunities for her to grow academically on her own. Separating the two (social and academics) is what really has helped our daughter. You will also find, that as she gets older, she will seek out friends that are more on her wavelength. Our daughters friends are all between the ages of 10 and 13, or the friends that she has in her age group 7/8 are all also very bright.
Good luck.

Hi K.,
I am a mother of a 3-month-old and a former elementary school teacher. In my opinion, your daughter seems to possess some exceptional abilities. You may want to consider having her tested for giftedness. I believe they like the kids to be closer to age 3 but perhaps if you spoke with someone they could give you more direction. Online you can locate centers for child giftedness (I think there are national ones). You could also contact your local school district and speak to the gifted/special education coordinator (often giftedness falls under special ed).

It's really important that your daughter be challenged and involved in activities that are at her level and just beyond. Such ability shouldn't go to waste. There may even be some early preschools around for children like your daughter. Either way, reading with her and engaging her in learning activities are critical. Parents are kids' greatest teachers!

Good luck to you and consider yourself blessed to have such a special child. Sometimes gifted kids can be challenging because they are easily bored but they can grow to do amazing things that may change the world.

someone is obviously reading to this little girl! Keep itup.. that's how she's learning and identifying letters.. I wouldn't get her into any "programs" other than playgroups and story hours, she's only 2! when she's 4 enroll her in a really good preschool and if they see anything that is more than natural gift, they'll tell you.. keep talking shapes and numbers to her, drawing and reading books, lots of crafts.. she is socialized every day with the kids you have in at home.. good luck..

I would seriously consider finding a Montessori toddler program in your area. The Montessori method is a wonderful start for children such as your daughter as it fosters everything that she is already showing in a non-threatening, non-competative and non-pushing environment. She would learn at her own pace, but if her pace is significantly faster than most children her age, she would be gently encouraged to learn all she can. As a Montessori teacher myself, my daughter, who is 8 months old now, will start the toddler program at 18 months. I can't imagine a better start for her. If you would like more information on Montessori or help in finding a good school, please let me know and I would be more than happy to help. My email address is ____@____.com.

Hi K.,
My background is preliteracy/language development. Your kiddo is right on track. Read, read, read! Rhyme and pattern books are the next step - phonological awareness. She needs language to build capacity. We read based on what we know. The more words we know/internalize the easier it will be when we read. She is going to need to learn how to manipulate sounds in words and that letters make sounds (phonemic awareness). She needs to be able to have phonological awareness first (rhyming, alliteration, word play etc.) Congrats! A.

At 2yrs 9mos you can enroll her in some pre-schools. I believe she needs to be potty trained. I am a stay at home mom with my daughter who is 3 now, but I enrolled her into pre-school at 2 yrs 9mos, b/c she also was eager to learn more. she goes two half a days a week, and she loves it. She has learned so much more it is amazing. I always used to do things like gymboree, and tot gyms. I know that gymboree offers art classes, music classes, and so on. I would look into it.