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Related Topics of Gifted Children

CHARACTERISTICS OF GIFTED CHILDREN

It is important not to make overgeneralizations about any learners. Gifted children may perform
exceptionally well or do very poorly in school. They may be cheerful and well-adjusted or lonely and unhappy. They may be learning disabled. There are all “kinds” of gifted children. However, many gifted students display common, identifying characteristics, some of which are highlighted below.

Gifted children’s behaviour often differs from that of their age-mates in the following ways:

  • Many gifted children learn to read early, they often read widely and quickly, and they have large vocabularies.

  • Gifted children commonly learn basic skills better, more quickly, and with less practice.

  • Gifted children often are better able to construct and handle abstractions, and they can pick up and interpret nonverbal cues.

  • They can work independently at an earlier age and can concentrate for longer periods of time.

  • Gifted children often have seemingly boundless energy, which sometimes leads to a misdiagnosis of hyperactivity.

  • They usually respond and relate well to parents, teachers, and other adults, and they may prefer the company of older children and adults to that of their peers.

  • They like to learn new things, are willing to examine the unusual, and are highly inquisitive.

  • Many gifted children tackle tasks and problems in a well-organized, goal-directed, and efficient manner; and they exhibit a natural motivation to learn, find out, or explore and are often very persistent. “I’d rather do it myself” is a common attitude for gifted students. Gifted children also may display some of the following learning characteristics.

  • Gifted children may show keen powers of observation and an eye for important details.

  • They often display a questioning attitude and seek information for its own sake as much as for its useful-ness.

  • Gifted children often have a large storehouse of information about a variety of topics, which they can recall quickly.

  • They can readily grasp underlying principles, and quickly perceive similarities, differences, and anomalies.

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