Early Signs of Giftedness

by Cherise Sharrock

“Giftedness is a psychological construct that cannot be measured directly. Giftedness is inferred based upon observable characteristics and behaviors.”

(Frasier et al., 1995)

Giftedness in Infancy

Some characteristics associated with giftedness in infancy are: Unusual alertness Less need for sleep Smiling or recognizing caregivers early Intense reactions to noise, pain, and

frustration High activity level

(Silverman, 1992)

Portraits of Giftedness in Infancy

Smiling and recognizing dad at a very early age

Pretend phone conversations with real people

Early artistic interests and talents

Portraits of Giftedness in Infancy Continued

Conversations with older children (asked her to play and be his girlfriend)

Pretend travels to real destinations (going to Alabama or Florida)

Portraits of Giftedness in Infancy Continued

Focused attention and early interests in books and stories

Giftedness in Toddlers

Some characteristics associated with giftedness in toddlers are: Early/advanced language development Quick progression through developmental

milestones Vivid imagination Sensitivity and compassion to others Curiosity

(Silverman, 1992)

Portraits of Giftedness in Toddlers

Desire to take on adult roles

Experimentation and exploration (he asked to mix colors after dying eggs)

Portraits of Giftedness in Toddlers Continued

Creativity with building and dramatic play

Highly imaginative (pretends to ride a horse)

Giftedness in Young Children

Some characteristics associated with giftedness in young children are: Advanced development or maturity Wide knowledge base with interest in many topics May ask many questions about awkward/abstract

topics Intense interest in how things work High levels of concentration and persistence on

topics of interest

(Frasier et al., 1995)

Portraits of Giftedness in Young Children Interest in many

advanced topics (book about Presidents)

Precocity in reading (falls asleep reading chapter books at five years of age)

Portraits of Giftedness in Young Children Continued

Demonstrates competency in technology

Advanced verbal and leadership abilities (giving kindergarten graduation speech)

Portraits of Giftedness in Young Children Continued

Non-conforming attitude and interests (during preschool program he refused to participate so instead he worked volume on the sound system)

Portraits of Giftedness in Young Children Continued

May prefer the company of older children

May be highly social and sensitive to the needs of others

Portraits of Giftedness in Young Children Continued

Interest in how things work (function of IV)

Takes pride when producing advanced products

In Conclusion

Beginning at very early ages, there are observable traits and behaviors that can be used in gifted identification.

Gifted traits come in many combinations. Children may be gifted in a very narrow field, or

may have “all around” high ability. Often there are gaps between intellectual,

physical, and emotional development. When educating young, gifted children,

individual needs must be considered.

References

Colangelo, N., & Davis, G. (2003). Handbook of gifted education. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

Frasier, M.; And Others. (1995). A new window for looking at gifted children (RM-95222) Storrs, CT: National Reseach Center on the Gifted and Talented. (ERIC Doc. Reproduction No. ED 402 710)

The Queensland Association for Gifted and Talented Children Inc. Characteristics of young gifted children. Retrieved: July 3, 2006 from http://www.qagtc.org.au/char_ygc.htm.

Silverman, L.K. (1992). How parents can support gifted children. Retrieved: July 16, 2006 from http://www.hoagiesgifted.org.