CHARACTERISTICS

There are several characteristics of the gifted child. These children tend to respond to events with deeper emotion and intensity than the average child.

When they are interested in something they often become passionate about it. They want to read about and discover as much about it as possible.

They have an excellent memory and can retain information longer than average. This may account for their ability to remember details, spelling words, or math problems with ease.

Younger children can watch television for longer periods of time and sit quietly and listen to a story for longer than their peers.

These children need to be challenged. They have a thirst for information and don't like repeating or practicing things they already know.

They can be perfectionists and want to do well at everything. They like things organized and orderly.

Gifted children often speak at an early age and have an impressive vocabulary. They learn to read sooner than most, often before kindergarten.

They can be sensitive to sound, clothes tags, or wrinkles in socks. They are perceptive and better able to read people’s body language and often have a good sense or humour.

They are voracious in their search for answers, and tend to ask a lot of questions and enjoy reading books.

These children are methodical thinkers, have definite opinions and are very motivated. They work well on their own and often prefer the company of older children or adults.

Identifying gifted children is an important step in order to establish the best way to advocate for your child in school.

Obviously not all gifted children will have all of these gifted characteristics. Each one is unique and above all they are children first.

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I am often surprised by the type of questions my daughter asks. She likes to hear my ideas and then offers her opinions.

I find myself saying “I’m not sure” or “I don’t know” on more then one occasion.

When there are things I don’t know, I take the time with her to find the answer. She is always excited to look it up.

I encourage her creativity and imagination. One of the things she enjoys is baking.

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