Gifted and Talented
General Characteristics of Gifted and Talented Learners
- Shows superior reasoning powers; thinking is abstract, complex, logical, insightful; can generalize readily from specific facts and can see subtle relationships; has outstanding problem-solving ability
- Shows persistent intellectual curiosity; asks probing/searching questions
- Shows exceptional interest in the nature of humanity and the universe; concern with social and political issues and injustices; idealism and sense of justice at an early age
- Wide range of interests, often of an intellectual kind; develops one or more interests to considerable depth
- Markedly superior in quality and quantity of written and/or spoken vocabulary; is interested in the subtleties of words and their uses; complex vocabulary and sentence structure for age; advanced comprehension of word nuances, metaphors and abstract ideas
- Reads avidly and absorbs books well beyond his/her years; often self-taught reading and writing skills as a preschooler
- Rapid learner and easily and retains what is learned; recalls important details, concepts and principles; comprehends readily
- Shows insight into mathematical problems that require careful reasoning and grasps mathematical concepts readily; enjoys solving problems
- Shows creative ability of imaginative expression in such things as music, art, dance, drama; shows sensitivity, and finesse in rhythm, movement, and bodily control
- Sustains concentration for lengthy periods and shows outstanding responsibility and independence in classroom work; preoccupied with own thoughts
- Sets realistically high standards for self; is self-critical in evaluating and correcting his/her own efforts; deep, intense feelings and reactions; highly sensitive
- Shows initiative and originality in intellectual work; shows flexibility in thinking and considers problems from a number of viewpoints; interested in experimenting and doing things differently
- Observes keenly and is responsive to new ideas
- Shows social poise and an ability to communicate with adults in a mature way
- Gets excitement and pleasure from intellectual challenge; shows an alert and subtle sense of humor
- Vivid imagination (and imaginary playmates when in preschool)
Traits of Giftedness
No gifted individual is exactly the same, each with his own unique patterns and traits. There are many traits that gifted individuals have in common, but no gifted learner exhibits traits in every area. This list of traits may help you better understand whether or not a child is gifted.
- Keen power of abstraction
- Interest in problem solving and applying concepts
- Voracious and early reader
- Large vocabulary
- Intellectual curiosity
- Power of critical thinking, skepticism, self criticism
- Persistent, goal directed behavior
- Independence in work and study
- Diversity of interests and abilities
- Creativeness and inventiveness
- Keen sense of humor
- Ability for fantasy
- Openness to stimuli, wide interests Intuitiveness
- Flexibility Independence in attitude and social behavior
- Self-acceptance and unconcern for social norms
- Radicalism Aesthetic and moral commitment to self-selected work
- Unusual emotional depth and intensity
- Sensitivity or empathy to the feelings of others
- High expectations of self and others, often leading to feelings of frustration
- Heightened self-awareness, accompanied by feelings of being different
- Easily wounded, need for emotional support
- Need for consistency between abstract values and personal actions
- Advanced levels of moral judgment
- Idealism and sense of justice
- Spontaneity
- Boundless enthusiasm
- Intensely focused on passions— resists changing activities when engrossed in own interests
- Highly energetic—needs little sleep or down time
- Constantly questions
- Insatiable curiosity
- Impulsive, eager and spirited
- Perseverance—strong determination in areas of importance
- High levels of frustration— particularly when having difficulty meeting standards of performance (either imposed by self or others)
- Volatile temper, especially related to perceptions of failure
- Non-stop talking/chattering
Important Links
- A Letter to Parents
- Parent / Guardian Nomination Form – CLOSED AS OF 5/31
- Identification of High-Ability Students Information
- Common Myths about Gifted Students