EDIT MAIN
Characteristics of Gifted Children
Characteristic | Positive Behavior | Negative Behavior |
Learns rapidly/ easily | Memorizes and masters basic facts quickly | Gets bored easily, resists drill, disturbs others, underachieves |
Reads intensively | Reads, uses library on own | Neglects other responsibilities |
Perfectionist | Exceptional accomplishments | Intolerant of mistakes |
Retains quantity of information | Ready recall and responses | Resists repetitions, “know it all” |
Long attention span | Sticks with task of personal interest | Resists class routine, dislikes interruptions |
Imaginative, curious, many interests | Asks questions, gets excited about ideas, takes risks | Goes on tangents, no follow–through, disorganized |
Works independently | Creates and invents beyond assigned tasks | Refuses to work with others |
Alert, observant | Recognizes problems | Impolitely corrects adults |
Good sense of humor | Able to laugh at self | Plays cruel jokes or tricks on others |
Comprehends, recognizes relationships | Able to solve problems alone | Interferes in the affairs of others |
Aesthetic Insight, awareness | Appreciation of the arts | Poses personal values/judgments on others |
Highly verbal, extensive vocabulary | Fluent with words, numbers, leads peers in positive ways | Leads others into negative behaviors, monopolizes discussion |
Individualistic, strongwilled | Asserts self and ideas, has small circle of friends; sense of own uniqueness | Stubborn in beliefs |
Self-motivated, selfsufficient | Requires minimum teacher direction or help | Aggressive, challenges authority |
Prefers older peers | Wise beyond years | Isolated or misunderstood |
Highly sensitive, passionate | Emphasizes fairness, and morality, compassionate | Over-reacts to situations |
Views with a different perspective | Observes across boundaries, makes connections | Resists limitations and narrowly focused content |
Bright Child Gifted Lerner
Knows the answers. | Asks the questions. |
Is interested. | Is highly curious. |
Is attentive. | Is mentally and physically involved. |
Has good ideas. | Has wild, silly ideas. |
Works hard | Plays around, yet tests well. |
Answers the questions. | Discusses in detail, elaborates. |
Top group. | Beyond the group. |
Listens with interest. | Shows strong feelings and opinions. |
Learns with ease. | Already knows. |
6-8 repetitions for mastery. | 1-2 repetitions for mastery. |
Understands ideas. | Constructs abstractions. |
Enjoys peers. | Prefers adults. |
Grasps the meaning. | Draws inferences. |
Completes assignments. | Initiates projects. |
Is receptive. | Is intense. |
Copies accurately. | Creates a new design. |
Enjoys school. | Enjoys learning. |
Absorbs information. | Manipulates information. |
Technician. | Inventor. |
Good memorizer. | Good guesser. |
Enjoys straight forward sequential presentation. | Thrives on complexity. |
Is alert. | Is keenly observant. |
Is pleased with own learning. | Is highly self-critical. |