Characteristics of Gifted
Characteristics of Gifted and Talented Students
In preschool years giftedness may be demonstrated by early physical development, early language development, and/or exceptional powers of observation and curiosity. While it is rare for a gifted child to exhibit all of the following characteristics, it is common for a gifted child to manifest many of them.
- learns rapidly
- extensive vocabulary
- longer attention span
- high degree of energy
- interest in experimenting and doing things differently
- unusual sense of humor
- problem solving ability
- insatiable curiosity and persistence
- intense concentration and perseverance in areas of interest
- may question authority
- advanced sense of conscience and compassion for others
- perceives abstract ideas, understands complex concepts
- sees relationships
- may demonstrate intense emotional and/or physical sensitivity
- exhibits creativity
Bright or Gifted?
| Bright Child | Gifted Learner |
|---|---|
| Knows the answers | Asks the questions |
| Is interested | Is highly curious |
| Is attentive | Is mentally and physically involved |
| Has good ideas | Has wild, silly ideas |
| Works hard | Plays around, yet tests well |
| Answers the questions | Discusses in detail, elaborates |
| Top group | Beyond the group |
| Listens with interest | Shows strong feeling and opinions |
| Learns with ease | Already knows |
| 6-8 repetitions for mastery | 1-2 repetitions for mastery |
| Understands ideas | Constructs abstractions |
| Enjoys peers | Prefers adults |
| Grasps the meaning | Draws inferences |
| Completes assignments | Initiates projects |
| Is receptive | Is intense |
| Copies accurately | Creates a new design |
| Enjoys school | Enjoys learning |
| Absorbs information | Manipulates information |
| Technician | Inventor |
| Good memorizer | Good guesser |
| Enjoys straightforward, sequential presentation | Thrives on complexity |
| Is alert | Is keenly observant |
| Is pleased with own learning | Is highly self-critical |
SJ BOCES and member districts continue to develop identification procedures and programming that serve the needs of all gifted students, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or socio-economic status.