Some general characteristics of Gifted Children

These are typical factors stressed by educational authorities as being indicative of giftedness. Obviously, no child is outstanding in all characteristics.

• 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; ask searching questions; shows exceptional interest in the nature of humankind and the universe.
• Has a wide range of interest, often of an intellectual kind; develops one or more interest to considerable depth.
• Is markedly superior in quality and quantity or 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; comprehends readily.
• Shows insight into arithmetical problems that require careful reasoning and grasps mathematical concepts readily.
• Shows creative ability or imaginative expression in such things as music, art, dance, drama; shows sensitivity and finesse in rhythm, movement, and bodily control.
• Sustains concentracion 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 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 muture way.
• Gets excitement and pleasure from intellectual challenge; shows an alert and subtle sense of humor.

Gifted children can also be extraordinarily sensitive. They often feel more than other kids their age. They tend to develop emphaty earlier that other children do. They have a social conscience and an intense awareness of the world's problems. They worry about the world, the environment, wars an conflicts, hunger and homelessness. Their emotions are intense and close to the surface.

Along with these many fine qualities can come various problems related to them.

When Gifted kids don't have all the answers, by Jim Delisle & Judy Galbraith