SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF BRIGHT AND GIFTED CHILDREN

Not all bright and gifted children will exhibit all of these characteristics but the following are some of the most common traits they display:

• have an unusually advanced vocabulary and level of reading comprehension
• intense concentration, but also become easily bored with routine tasks
• often begin reading early
• may "blossom" when presented with mentally demanding activities
• great interest in and knowledge about a variety of topics or of one specific area
• prefers older playmates and/or the company of adults
• excellent memory
• readily see relationships, make generalisations, transfer knowledge from one area to another
• highly self-critical, perfectionist tendencies
• may downplay abilities and actually underachieve in order to maintain a place in their peer group
• creativity, curiosity, initiative, imagination and problem-solving abilities
• high energy level (which may be mistaken for hyperactivity, especially among younger children)
• enjoys a challenge, great debater
• can be intolerant of slow thinkers
• leadership abilities and self-confidence which they may express by being creative leaders or by trying to dominate groups (i.e. be "bossy")
• intense need to know more and to ask questions
• preference for individual work or for minimal supervision
• absorb information more quickly than chronological peers
• appear to be inattentive and to daydream