Ireland's Online Resource for Parents & Teachers
Resources for Parents of Gifted Children
According to the Centre for Talented Youth of Ireland gifted children demostrate a range of characteristics which often set them apart from their peers. If you think your child may be expectionally able then check out these general character traits. Remember all children are different and may be stronger in some areas and weaker in others. This list is useful in that it can be used as a possible indicator of talent. In other words, it's a good starting point, if you feel your child may be fall into the gifted spectrum. If you find yourself ticking alot of these boxes then maybe you should considered having your child assessed.
Characteristics of the Gifted and Talented Child
- Keen powers of observation.
- Learned or read very early, often before school age.
- Reads widely and rapidly.
- Well developed vocabulary - takes delight in using unusual and new words.
- Has great intellectual curiosity.
- Absorbs information rapidly - often called sponges.
- Very good memory - can recall information in different circumstances.
- Have to ability to concentrate deeply for prolonged periods.
- Very good powers of reasoning and problem solving.
- Have intense interests.
- Possess unusual imagination.
- Have a great interest in "big" questions, e.g. the nature of the universe, the problem of suffering in the world, environmental issues.
- Very sensitive - perhaps getting upset easily.
- Very concerned about rights and wrongs, concerned about injustice
The following websites & organisations can provide information on assessment and resources for Gifted Children
View newly established Irish Gifted Education Blog at dazzledandfrazzled.com