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CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GIFTED CHILD

(Adapted from and used courtesy of Exceptional Children, Reston, VA.  ERIC 
Clearinghouse on Handicapped and Gifted Children, ERIC Digest #E476)

The outstanding abilities of gifted children often enable high performance in one 
or a combination of areas including general intellectual ability, specific 
academic ability, visual or performing arts, creative thinking, leadership, and 
psychomotor abilities.  Using a broad definition of giftedness, a school system 
could expect to identify 10% to 15% or more of its student population as gifted 
and talented.

Characteristics of a gifted child may include:

1.  Superior reasoning powers and ability to handle ideas.

2.  Persistent intellectual curiosity.

3.  Avid reading.

4.  Superior written and/or spoken vocabulary.

5.  Wide interests, often developing one or more in depth.

6.  Ability to learn quickly and easily, and retain what is learned.

7.  Insight into arithmetical problems that require careful reasoning and grasp
    of mathematical concepts.

8.  Creative ability and/or imaginative expression in dance, music, art, and
    drama.

9.  Sustained concentration for lengthy periods.

10.  High standards and self-criticism.

11.  Initiative and originality in intellectual work.

12.  Keen observation and responsiveness to new ideas.

13.  Social poise and ability to communicate with adults.

14.  Excitement and pleasure from intellectual challenge.