Teaching gifted children in kindergarten from the perspective of teachers and supervisors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A case study

This study  focuses on the application of an initiative to educate potentially gifted children at a preschool classroom in Riyadh. This is achieved by identifying the perceptions of the study participants of the role of the learning environment (Montessori activities) in educating gifted children, the training program to educate gifted children, and to uncover the challenges that the participants faced during the implementation of the educational program.  A qualitative case study was undertaken. The study data were collected by conducting one-to-one and group interviews with the three class teachers and four supervisors. The qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic analysis approach. The study findings reveal that, although the learning environment based on Montessori activities in educating gifted children yielded positive results, a number of limitations exist, including the lack of flexibility in providing Montessori lessons and tools tailored to the interests of the gifted child. The findings also show that the training needs for preschool teachers in the field of gifted education revolve around discovering gifted children. A number of challenges that the participants faced during the implementing of this initiative including challenges regarding the learning environment, parents, and administrative challenges. In line with the study findings, several recommendations are made: Building educational programs appropriate to the academic, psychological, and social needs of gifted children aged 3–6 years in accordance with the international standards in the field; developing criteria for nominating gifted preschoolers; conducting orientation workshops for preschool teachers to help them identify the characteristics of giftedness in children; and holding lectures and awareness events for parents of gifted children in order to develop their understanding of the importance of identifying gifted children.
Keywords: preschool, gifted children, early childhood.