• Traits of Giftedness 

    No gifted individual is exactly the same, each with his own unique patterns and traits.   There are many traits that gifted individuals have in common, but no gifted learner exhibits traits in every area.  This list of traits  may help you better understand whether or not your child is gifted.

    Cognitive

    Creative

    Affective

    Behavioral

    Keen power of abstraction

    Interest in problem-solving and applying concepts

    Voracious and early reader

    Large vocabulary

    Intellectual curiosity

    Power of critical thinking, skepticism, self-criticism

    Persistent, goal-directed behavior

    Independence in work and study

    Diversity of interests and abilities

    Creativeness and inventiveness

    Keen sense of humor

    Ability for fantasy

    Openness to stimuli, wide interests

    Intuitiveness

    Flexibility

    Independence in attitude and social behavior

    Self-acceptance and unconcern for social norms

    Radicalism

    Aesthetic and moral commitment to self-selected work

    Unusual emotional depth and intensity

    Sensitivity or empathy to the feelings of others

    High expectations of self and others, often leading to feelings of frustration

    Heightened self-awareness, accompanied by feelings of being different

    Easily wounded, need for emotional support

    Need for consistency between abstract values and personal actions

    Advanced levels of moral judgment

    Idealism and sense of justice

    Spontaneity

    Boundless enthusiasm

    Intensely focused on passions—resists changing activities when engrossed in own interests

    Highly energetic—needs little sleep or down time

    Constantly questions

    Insatiable curiosity

    Impulsive, eager and spirited

    Perseverance—strong determination in areas of importance

    High levels of frustration—particularly when having difficulty meeting standards of performance (either imposed by self or others)

    Volatile temper, especially related to perceptions of failure

    Non-stop talking/chattering

    Source:  Clark, B. (2008). Growing up gifted (7th ed.)   Upper Saddle River, NJ:  Pearson Prentice Hall.

     

    What does Gifted and Talented mean for your child?

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    Gifted 101