The term giftedness implies that someone has traits, properties, or characteristics of being gifted. In using this term, we can say a child has artistic giftedness or academic giftedness, rather than attaching the concrete label of gifted. It really doesn’t matter which term you use since it’s more of a philosophical concept or understanding that children can possess traits of giftedness in some areas, but may not in other areas. This is called asynchronous development which is uneven development of skills.

Definition

Students with gifts and talents perform or have the capability to perform at higher levels compared to others of the same age, experience, and environment in one or more domains (math, reading, art, music, science). They require modification(s) to their educational experience(s) to learn and realize their potential.

Students with gifts and talents:

  • come from all racial, ethnic, and cultural populations, as well as all economic strata.
  • require sufficient access to appropriate learning opportunities to realize their potential.
  • can have learning and processing disorders that require specialized intervention and accommodation.
  • need support and guidance to develop socially and emotionally as well as in their areas of talent.
  • require varied services based on their changing needs. National Association for Gifted Children

Types

Children may be gifted in one or more of the following areas:

  • Intellect (as determined by an intelligence test)
  • Academic (as determined by achievement tests)
  • Creative (as determined by tests of creativity)
  • Artistically (as determined by performance based assessments & portfolios)
  • Leadership ( as determined by experiences in leadership roles) Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act
  • Twice Exceptional students may also have a LD, ADHD, autism, or an emotional disorder. Motivation problem or hidden disability.
  • Levels of giftedness range from moderate to extreme in all five areas. These different levels of intensity will produce different characteristics, and thus require varying types of instruction.

Diagnosis

Each State has a different identification process that may include characteristics checklists, performance-based assessments and standardized tests of achievement and intellect. Gifted By State, NAGC.org

Misdiagnosis

Intellectually gifted people, whose needs are neglected or misunderstood, may exhibit traits and behaviors that resemble conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or emotional disorders. Misdiagnosis can result in unnecessary medication and unintended harm. Misdiagnosis Initiative, Social Emotional Needs of Gifted (SENG).

Characteristics Checklist

Does your child exhibit some of these characteristics? Being gifted does not mean possessing all of these traits, but enough of them to warrant instructional and emotional support.

  • Is unusually active (busy, talkative, energetic)
  • Learns quickly, needing less repetition than peers (usually 1-2 repetitions)
  • Shows an excellent memory (especially long term)
  • Uses advanced vocabulary unexpected for his age
  • Engages in word play, mimicry, and storytelling
  • Enjoys solving puzzles with numbers, words, and images
  • Excels at improvising ways to solve problems
  • Thinks in abstract, complex, insightful, and creative ways
  • Responds to and demonstrates strengths in the arts
  • Focuses intensely on single or varied interests at the same time
  • Is highly inquisitive & asks probing questions, that are often difficult to answer
  • Insists on doing things his or her way, yet can be loyal and modest
  • Manifests deep, intense feelings and emotional reactions (often dramatic)
  • Is concerned with truth, equity, and justice (world issues)
  • Displays a keen sense of humor, at times better understood by adults
  • Daydreams—lives in his or her own world Helping Your Gifted Child Succeed! Traits of Giftedness

Example

A gifted child may not exhibit all of these characteristics simultaneously, due to uneven development. For example, Jo may possess a large vocabulary, read prolifically, engage in creative storytelling, but struggle with puzzles, numbers and math.

Strategies

At Home

  • Be attentive to your child’s comments and observations.
  • Create an environment that promotes self-expression.
  • Help her to develop skills and interests, for example, in plant science, animal care, electronics, carpentry, mechanics, law, design, and crafts.
  • Encourage him to explore the beauty of diverse cultures through language, poetry, story, song, dance, puppetry, cooking, and crafts.
  • Promote exploration and discovery through hands-on learning.
  • Emphasize effort and progress rather than perfection (perfectionism can be paralyzing, so help them to avoid this trap).
  • Model positive ways to address setbacks and solve problems.
  • Ensure that your child’s aptitudes and creativity are being challenged.

Within the Community

  • Universities and community organizations offer after school, weekend, summer, and online enrichment programs.
  • Mentors and talent experts can be guides and sources of knowledge and inspiration.
  • Activities and outside courses can nurture talent and help establish friendships with those who share the same interests.
  • Group and individual projects or competitions can help to build lifelong skills.

TIP: Acceleration vs Enrichment

Both acceleration and enrichment are useful methods when teaching gifted children. Acceleration, moving at a faster pace, in a subject area may be necessary if your child is working 2 or more years beyond her grade level peers. If you choose to accelerate, be sure to continue it each year to prevent content repetition and thus boredom. Enrichment is going deeper and broader in an area of interest. Teaching with unit studies is a fantastic way to facilitate research, exploration, and depth of knowledge as well as inspire a lifelong love for learning.

Resources