Is My Child Gifted? |
As a parent, you will be the first to notice some differences among siblings and/or playmates. One child may have advanced language skills; another may show unusual musicality. Knowing every child is different, we tend to be proud of these accomplishments but not to dwell on them. As the child gets closer to school age, other characteristics and traits may manifest themselves and you find yourself saying, "Could he/she be gifted?"
Some Characteristics of Bright and Gifted Children
Not all bright and gifted children will exhibit all of these characteristics but the following are some of the most common traits they display:
- have an unusually advanced vocabulary and level of reading comprehension;
- often begin reading early;
- great interest in and knowledge about a variety of topics or of one specific area;
- excellent memory
- readily see relationships, make generalizations, transfer knowledge from one area to another;
- creativity, curiosity, initiative, imagination and problem-solving abilities;
- enjoys a challenge, great debater;
- can be intolerant of slow thinkers;
- leadership abilities and self-confidence which they may express by being creative leaders or by trying to dominate groups (i.e. be 'bossy');
- absorbs information more quickly than chronological peers;
- intense concentration but also becomes easily bored with routine tasks;
- may blossom when presented with mentally demanding activities;
- prefers older playmates and/or the company of adults;
- highly self-critical, perfectionist tendencies;
- may downplay abilities and actually underachieve in order to maintain a place in their peer group;
- high energy level (which may be mistaken for hyperactivity, especially among younger children);
- intense need to know more and to ask questions;
- preference for individual work or for minimal supervision;
- appears to be inattentive and to daydream.
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