what a gifted child looks like
Each gifted child is unique in his or her own special way. Generally, however, there are some shared characteristics that help teachers, parents, and children themselves recognize giftedness. Not every characteristic is indicative of giftedness and a gifted child may not display all of the characteristics listed below, but the following attributes are proven by research to be predictors of giftedness.
At School
-Early and Rapid Learning
-Enjoyment of Learning
-Superior Analytic Ability
-Efficient, High-Capacity Memory
-Extrapolates Knowledge to New Situations
-High Concentration
-Long Attention Span
-High Expectation of Self
At Home
-Keen Observation
-Thinking that is Abstract, Complex, Logical, and Insightful
-Expanded Awareness
-Greater Self-Awareness
-Wide Range of Interests
-interested in New Topics
-High Curiousity
-Emotional Intensity and Sensitivity
At School
-Early and Rapid Learning
-Enjoyment of Learning
-Superior Analytic Ability
-Efficient, High-Capacity Memory
-Extrapolates Knowledge to New Situations
-High Concentration
-Long Attention Span
-High Expectation of Self
At Home
-Keen Observation
-Thinking that is Abstract, Complex, Logical, and Insightful
-Expanded Awareness
-Greater Self-Awareness
-Wide Range of Interests
-interested in New Topics
-High Curiousity
-Emotional Intensity and Sensitivity
Identifying a gifted child
Each state has its own laws about identifying gifted children for gifted programs. There are a wide variety of identification methods in use, including cognitive ability tests, creativity tests, portfolios demonstrating motivation and achievement, and much more.
Almost every gifted program relies on nominations as the gatekeeper. Nominations can come from parents, other students, the students themselves, or a member of the school staff, but more often than not, it is the regular classroom teacher whose nominations determine whether or not a student is tested for entry into the gifted program.
Below is one method for classroom teachers to use to identify gifted students within their classroom. It was developed by Dr. Mary Frasier at the University of Georgia and is now copyright free because of its creation within the National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented. Print out a copy for yourself and hand out additional copies in your school to help classroom teachers identify gifted students amongst their students.
Almost every gifted program relies on nominations as the gatekeeper. Nominations can come from parents, other students, the students themselves, or a member of the school staff, but more often than not, it is the regular classroom teacher whose nominations determine whether or not a student is tested for entry into the gifted program.
Below is one method for classroom teachers to use to identify gifted students within their classroom. It was developed by Dr. Mary Frasier at the University of Georgia and is now copyright free because of its creation within the National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented. Print out a copy for yourself and hand out additional copies in your school to help classroom teachers identify gifted students amongst their students.
references
Ericsson, C. (2010). Gifted Resources: Curriculum. In Exquisite Minds. Retrieved April 22, 2013 from http://www.exquisite-minds.com/gifted-resources-lessons-and-curriculum/.