P08

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CHARACTERISTICS OF GIFTED AND TALENTED CHILDREN

FACTSHEET

Summary Parents are often the first to recognise that their child is bright for his or her age as they learn quickly and sometimes surprise people with their advanced thinking. However, parents may not realise that other parts of their childs personality may be down to their ability. There are some characteristics that are common amongst gifted and talented children, though not every gifted and talented child will have all of them. All children are different, but it has been shown that many gifted children share common characteristics because of their advanced thinking ability. Below is a list of the most common characteristics of gifted children that has been drawn up through research by Dr Linda Silverman. Different gifted and talented children will have a different mixture of these, but each should display a majority of them. Gifted children: are able to learn quickly have a rich vocabulary have an excellent memory have a long attention span are early or avid readers persevere when interested have a wide range of interests are good at puzzles reason well (good thinkers) show ability with numbers show compassion are perfectionist are intense are morally sensitive

have strong curiosity are emotionally sensitive (feelings hurt easily) have a high level of energy prefer older companions/adults have a quirky or grown-up sense of humour are concerned with justice and fairness tend to question authority have judgment mature for age at times are highly creative are keen observers have a vivid imagination

NAGC fully recognises that it can be difficult to parent a child who displays a number of the above characteristics, as these children require much higher levels of intellectual stimulation. It can sometimes be quite daunting for parents to decide upon how to educate, parent, entertain and emotionally support gifted children. If you would like further information on how to raise and support your gifted child, please take a look at our other fact sheets on a wide range of parenting and educational topics. You may also wish to book a Telephone Consultation with an Education Consultant to discuss particular issues or concerns in greater depth. For more information about this service please click here: www.nagcbritain.org.uk/parents.php?id=215 Another fact sheet, P08a Explanation of Characteristics, is available with a more in depth explanation of each of the above characteristics and how they manifest themselves in a gifted and talented child.

National Association for Gifted Children 2011 - 2013 www.nagcbritain.org.uk Information and Advice Service

Charity No: 313182 01908 646433

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CHARACTERISTICS OF GIFTED AND TALENTED CHILDREN

FACTSHEET

Further Information Books can be ordered from our website shop: www.nagcbritain.org.uk/shop.php P01 Is My Young Child Gifted? NAGC Fact Sheet about the developmental milestones of young gifted children. www.nagcbritain.org.uk/parents.php?id=92 P08a Explanation of Characteristics NAGC Fact Sheet giving a more thorough explanation of the characteristics of gifted children P09 Needs of Gifted Children NAGC Fact Sheet about the needs of gifted children. giftedkids.about.com/od/gifted101/a/giftedt Site with a good section on the characteristics of gifted raits.htm children. www.mensa.org.uk/ Mensa website with a dedicated section on gifted children. www.brainy-child.com/article/giftedBrainy Child site that lists characteristics. child.html Gifted Children A Guide for Parents and This book explores the gifted mind and the social and Professionals edited by Kate Distin emotional needs of gifted children and their families. How to Raise a Bright Child (0-5) by Dr An inspiring book to help parents develop their childs Joan Freeman natural talents. Raising Gifted Kids: Everything You Need Helps parents understand and cope with the obstacles to Know to Help Your Exceptional Child they face in raising a gifted child, and to make the best Thrive by Barbara Klein choices for their childs growth and happiness.

National Association for Gifted Children 2011 - 2013 www.nagcbritain.org.uk Information and Advice Service

Charity No: 313182 01908 646433