Gifted Traits

For centuries, researchers, in education, science, psychology, medicine and beyond, have been pondering theories and experimenting with instruments and methods for measuring intelligence. From this research have evolved several theories of multiple intelligences. Proposing an explanation for the great diversity of characteristics among gifted children, one such theory was introduced more than a decade ago by Howard Gardner. In his work he describes seven areas of relatively independent intelligences.

• linguistic (verbal and written self expression)
• mathematical (logical, strategy)
• spatial (artistic perspective)
• musical ability
• physical skill (kinesthetic)
• intrapersonal (self-knowledge)
• interpersonal (adroitness in dealing with others)
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/herself

Motivational Characteristics

Becomes easily absorbed with truly involved in certain topics or problems

Is easily bored with routine tasks

Needs little external motivation to follow through in work that initially excited him/her

Strives toward perfection; is self-critical; is not easily satisfied with his/her own speed and products

Prefers to work independently; requires little direction from teachers

Is interested in many adults problems as religion, politics, sex, race

Stubborn in his/her beliefs

Concerned with right and wrong good and bad


Creativity Characteristics

Constantly asking questions about anything and everything

Often offers unusual (way out), unique, clever responses

Is inhibited 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

Is unwilling to accept authoritarian pronouncements without critical examination

Leadership Characteristics

Carries responsibility well

Is self-confident with children his/her own age as well as adults

Can express himself/herself well

Adapts readily to new situations

Is sociable and prefers not to be alone

Generally directs the activity in which he is involved.
The following is a partial list of behaviors, tendencies and abilities, used in helping parents identify expressions of giftedness in preschool and primary children. Exhibiting many, though not necessarily every indicator mentioned, a gifted child can be characterized as one who:

• expresses curiosity about many things
• asks thoughtful questions
• has an extensive vocabulary and uses complex sentence structure
• is able to express him/herself well
• solves problems in unique ways
• has a good memory
• exhibits unusual talent in art, music or creative dramatics
• exhibits an especially original imagination
• uses previously learned information in new contexts
• is well able to order things in logical sequence
• discusses and elaborates on ideas
• is a fast learner
• works independently and uses initiative
• exhibits wit and humor
• has a sustained attention span and is willing to persist on challenging tasks
• is very observant
• shows talent in making up and telling stories is interested in reading