Characteristics of a Gifted Child
Gifted children think differently than other children.
- They see relationships and patterns that others miss
- They learn at an accelerated pace.
- They are intellectually stimulated by complexity.
- They have precocious reasoning ability usually seen in older children.
- They may be extraordinarily sensitive and insightful about events that other children don’t notice.
- They almost always have a prodigious memory.
Bright
CHILD |
Gifted
LEARNER |
|
Knows the answers |
Asks the questions |
|
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 |
| Is in the top group |
Is beyond the group |
| Listens with interest |
Shows strong feelings and opinions |
| Learns with ease |
Already knows |
| Needs 6–8 repetitions for mastery |
Needs 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 |
| Is a technician |
Is an inventor |
| Is a good memorizer |
Is a good guesser |
| Enjoys straightforward sequential presentation |
Thrives on complexity |
| Is alert |
Is keenly observant |
| Is pleased with own learning |
Is self-critical |
Source: Janice Szabos, Challenge Magazine, 1989, Issue 34
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