Common Characteristics of Gifted Children

What to Look For

Although no two gifted children are exactly alike, there are some characteristics which gifted children share (in various combinations). Following are some of the behaviors a gifted student may show:

uses a large vocabulary easily and accurately
is effective in spoken and written communication
has a rich reading background, often preferring adult books, and has a willingness to discuss materials
has a wide range of interests, or in some cases a heavy concentration in one area
spends time beyond usual assignments or schedules on things that interest him/her
spends time on special projects of his/her own
performs significantly above grade level in one or more school subjects
usually receives good marks in school classes
tends to figure out what is wrong with an activity and shows how it could be done better
provides refreshing or new "twists" to old ideas
has a superior memory or early mastery of basic skills
shows little patience with routine procedures and skills
asks penetrating questions, particularly about causes and reasons
gets pleasure from intellectual activity, such as seeking answers to puzzles and problems
is quick to recognize relationships
likes structure, order and consistency
shows versatility or virtuosity; has many hobbies
shows critical thinking, evaluative testing and skepticism
shows a keen sense of humor
reasons things out for him/herself
concerned with right and wrong, good and bad

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