Giftedness

Some General Characteristics of Gifted Children

  1. Shows superior reasoning powers and marked ability to handle ideas; can generalize readily from specific facts and can see subtle relationships; has outstanding problem-solving ability.

  2. Shows persistent intellectual curiosity; asks searching questions; shows exceptional interest in the nature of humankind and the universe.

  3. Has a wide range of interests, often of an intellectual kind; develops one or more interests to considerable depth.

  4. Is markedly superior in quality and quantity of written and/or spoken vocabulary; is interested in the subtleties of words and their uses.

  5. Reads avidly and absorbs books well beyond his or her years.

  6. Learns quickly and easily and retains what is learned; recalls important details, concepts and principles; comprehends readily.

  7. Shows insight into arithmetical problems that require careful reasoning and grasps mathematical concepts readily.

  8. Shows creative ability or imaginative expression in such things as music, art, dance, drama, shows sensitivity and finesse in rhythm, movement, and bodily control.

  9. Sustains concentration for lengthy periods and shows outstanding responsibility and independence in classroom work.

  10. Sets realistically high standards for self; is self-critical in evaluation and correcting his or her own efforts.

  11. Shows initiative and originality in intellectual work; shows flexibility in thinking an considers problems from a number of viewpoints.

  12. Observes keenly and is responsive to new ideas.

  13. Shows social poise and an ability to communicate with adults in a mature way.

  14. Gets excitement and pleasure from intellectual challenge; shows an alert and subtle sense of humor.


ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education