What is Giftedness?

Learning Characteristics 

  • Has unusually advanced vocabulary for age or grade level
  • Has quick mastery and recall of factual information
  • Wants to know what makes things or people "tick"
  • Usually "sees more" or "gets more" out of a story, film. etc. than others
  • Reads a great deal on his own; usually prefers adult level books; does not avoid difficult materials
  • Reasons things out for himself

Motivational Characteristics 

  • Becomes absorbed and truly involved in certain topics or problems
  • Is easily cored with routine tasks
  • Needs little external motivation to follow through in work that initially excites him
  • Strives toward perfection; is self critical; is not easily satisfied with his own speed or products
  • Prefers to work independently; requires little direction from teachers
  • Is interested in many "adult problems" such as religion, politics, sex, race
  • Stubborn in his belief

Creativity Characteristics 

  • Constantly asking questions about anything and everything
  • Often offers unusual (“way out”) unique, clever responses
  • Is uninhibited in expressions of opinion
  • Is a high risk taker; is adventurous and speculative
  • Is often concerned with adapting, improving, and modifying institutions, objects, and systems
  • Displays a keen sense of humor
  • Shows emotional sensitivity
  • Is sensitive to beauty
  • Is nonconforming; accepts disorder; is not interested in details; is individualistic; does not fear being different

 Leadership Characteristics

  • Carries responsibility well
  • Is self-confident with children his own age as well as adults
  • Can express himself well
  • Adapts readily to new situations
  • Is sociable and prefers not to be alone
  • Generally directs the activity in which he is involved