What is a Gifted Child

The gifted child is defined as one with exceptional promise, application, deportment, and character that exhibits high intellectual capacity, curiosity, academic aptitude, and creative ability.
Some general characteristics include:

  • 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.
  • Shows persistent intellectual curiosity; asks searching questions; shows exceptional interest in the nature of man and the universe.
  • Has a wide range of interests, often of an intellectual kind; develops one or more interests to a considerable depth.
  • Is markedly superior in quality and quantity of written and/or spoken vocabulary; is interested in the subtleties of words and their uses.
  • Reads avidly and absorbs books well beyond his or her years.
  • Learns quickly and easily and retains what is learned; recalls important details, concepts and principles.
  • Shows insight into arithmetical problems that require careful reasoning and grasps mathematical concepts readily.
  • Shows creative or imaginative ability
  • Sustains concentration for lengthy periods and shows outstanding responsibility and independence in classroom work.
  • Sets realistically high standards for self; is self-critical in evaluating and correcting his or her own efforts.
  • Shows initiative and originality in intellectual work; shows flexibility in thinking and considers problems from a number of viewpoints.
  • 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