In every preschool or school, you can encounter Little Ones who stand out with their exceptional abilities in a given area. At TEQUESTA, we have long noticed that the “usual” curiosity typical of children can sometimes be even stronger in certain cases—leading our youngsters to impress us with a wide range of interests, exceptionally quick learning, or above-average skills in specific areas. However, simply recognizing a talent is just the beginning. The key lies in providing the right support and creating the conditions in which a child can develop in a balanced way.
The first step involves noticing and appreciating potential. It happens that extremely bright Little Ones finish tasks in no time or ask questions that go beyond the basic scope of the curriculum. In such a moment, teachers—and simultaneously Parents—play the role of attentive observers who strive to understand the child’s nature. It is important not to view the curiosity of a talented child as an “obstacle” or “hindrance” to carrying out activities, but rather as an opportunity to enrich the entire group with new, intriguing topics. At TEQUESTA, we encourage educators to treat the clearly expressed interests of individual children as a starting point for further exploration—from spontaneous conversations to engaging projects.
At the same time, it is worth remembering that even the most accomplished children are still, first and foremost, children. Yes, they may exhibit a high level of logical-mathematical or musical ability, but they still need time for carefree play, forming social relationships, and simply experiencing childhood. For this reason, at TEQUESTA we value a balanced approach—we do not focus solely on having a talented child reach one “peak” after another in their field of expertise. We want them to find joy in discovery, to be open to new experiences, and to develop the ability to work with peers. We believe that this holistic perspective fosters healthy development of the entire personality, not just a particular talent.
Motivation also plays a significant role. Children endowed with special aptitudes often tend to get bored with routine tasks or quickly lose interest in topics that do not present much of a challenge. On the other hand, adults’ excessive eagerness to leverage the child’s “outstanding” skills may lead to overload and pressure. Hence, it is crucial to strike a balance between providing opportunities for growth and ensuring sufficient rest and free play. At TEQUESTA, we strive to adapt the difficulty level of tasks to the actual needs and interests of talented children by offering them extended or more complex projects, while also avoiding pushing them to constantly “outdo” previous achievements.
Finally, we must not overlook emotional aspects. Talented children may experience challenges in social relationships—for example, they might feel alienated in a group that cannot always keep up with them. Here, the primary concern is supporting the development of communication skills and empathy. At TEQUESTA, we pay attention to including such children in team activities, encouraging them to share knowledge and inspire others, but also teaching them to listen and respect the pace at which their peers work. For a Little One with above-average abilities, this is a wonderful lesson: their own talent can be an asset not only for themselves but also for the entire preschool community.
Let us remember that caring for a talented child involves recognizing and valuing their talent, as well as creating space for free exploration and play. It is not about speeding up the educational process or expecting ever higher results—instead, the main goal is to support the Little One in discovering their own potential while maintaining balance in their social, emotional, and physical development. At TEQUESTA, we strive to guide each child according to their individual pace, ensuring that both the “ordinary” childhood joy and the exceptional potential can blossom in harmony, thus laying a solid foundation for future achievements.
