Is my child gifted | Characteristics of Gifted Children

Gifted children can evidence an intense degree of curiosity, originality and

imagination. The

gifted child often finds critical and creative thinking a normal

orientation to his world within

and without, to himself and others about him. He

goes beyond "who does what, when and

where" to "why, how and what if." He

often probes, asks questions, and sees meanings where

other children may not, at

times disturbing parents and teachers. This is usually not the intent

of the

gifted child, but rather a normal expression of his capacity to consider many

alternatives, not just one; diversified and creative options, not just one answer

or solution.

Characteristics:

Asks many questions, often challenging, provoking, demanding and even
threatening to the teacher, parent and textbook.
Questions often express "why," "why not, "how" and "home come," "what if," and
"when can we try it?"
Likes to examine new possibilities for problems and solutions, rather than fit
within the structure of memorizing, repeating and reciting.
May take a totally different approach to the task at hand, or the assignment, and
may be thought of as daydreaming, fooling around, or thinking and doing nothing.
Evidence lots of energy, enthusiasm ad vigor, and cherishes the electricity of
new ideas.
Feels keenly about his own ideas and solutions to problems, and often expresses
these feelings regardless of what others may think.
Approach to ideas, to problems and their solutions may cause a negative response
from other children who do not always understand his ideas and his commitment
to them.
Likes special projects and enjoys taking hold of an idea in a new way, coming up
with original answers or projections and new angles that no one else thought of.
He may be resented by his peers, teachers and parents, but this is not his intent
or motive.
Appreciates opportunities to design the new, to be innovative, original and
creative, without penalty or artificial evaluation.