Examples of criteria often used to help identify gifted children and tips on how you can spot a gifted and talented kid.
Gifted children, often defined as having above average intelligence and accelerated development in one or several areas, can be identified in many different ways. Although it is common for gifted children to score above 130 on an IQ test (124 on newer versions) an IQ score is not the only determining factor. There are several other developmental and intelligence factors which must be considered when determining if a child is gifted.
CRITERIA AND EXAMPLES:
The criteria for identifying gifted children are slightly different for older school aged children than they are for children in preschool. Older children are able to be observed with different methods and are also mature enough for written testing. Identifying giftedness in early childhood requires a focus on developmental milestones instead of academic achievements or advancements.
Gifted children often learn extremely fast. They also have a great memory. For this reason, you may find that your child remembers the directions to a specific location after only having been there one time. They can often remember how to play a new game, sing a song, or recite a book upon hearing it once or twice.
Gifted children generally meet most of the developmental milestones much earlier than medical books say they should. From rolling over to walking, from talking to riding a bike, a gifted child often conquers these easily and much faster than the average child.
Many gifted children are like sponges when it comes to learning and simply can't get enough. Parents and teachers of gifted children find they have to go outside of the normal material for children of the same age to keep the gifted child's interest. Gifted children have a long attention span and generally have an unusually large fascination with reading. Even a young toddler will sit through a long book and ask to hear it again.
Gifted children (especially those of preschool age) have an exceptionally large vocabulary for their age. They not only know a lot of words, they know how to use them. It is not uncommon to be able to hold an almost completely normal conversation with a gifted child whose peers have just learned the basics of speech. Young gifted children understand adult conversation, are very observant, and can recall specific details they have heard - even if the subject manner would appear to be far above their peers' comprehension level.
A gifted child's sense of humor is often advanced. They may find things funny that other children their age do not yet understand, such as puns or word games. They also have vivid imaginations. Gifted children often have imaginary friends (or families) at a very early age. These children will also become involved in pretend play at an age when their peers don't seem to understand the difference between reality and pretend play.
Often bored with children their own age, gifted kids find friendship in older children and adults. They search to find people who are at their same developmental stage. Gifted kids often get bored easily, especially with people who can't keep up with them or with tasks that are below their developmental level.
If you feel your child might be gifted, it is important to keep a detailed record of their development. Keep track of their interests and write down your observations of how your child grows and changes. If not yet of school-age, these records will help to solidify an identification of giftedness and assist in your child receiving the challenging education they need.
It is important to recognize that not all gifted children will exhibit all signs of giftedness. Neither does being gifted mean a child will be advanced in all areas of development. Gifted children often develop in an asynchronous manner, meaning different parts of their selves develop at different rates. This means you might have a child who is chronologically age three, communicates and reasons like a seven year old, but throws tantrums like an 18 month old.
Just as there are challenges in raising and educating children who are developmentally delayed, there are many special concerns involved with raising and educating children who are advanced in their intelligence and development. The above criteria can help you begin to assess your child's probability of giftedness. With the help of a medical or educational professional, you can determine if your child is gifted and begin to educate yourself on the joys and challenges of dealing with a gifted child.
