Gifted Learners: Characteristics

Giftedness is . . . a greater awareness, a greater sensitivity, and a greater ability to understand and transform perceptions into intellectual and emotional experiences.  

—Annemarie Roeper (2000)

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PresenterPresentation Notes

Characteristics

• Not all gifted students will have all characteristics

• Some students will have some of the characteristics but may not be gifted

• Both positive and negative manifestations

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Learns new things quickly

Has extensive vocabulary; background knowledge

Intuitive Thinks creatively

Grasps big‐picture concepts, connections

Grasps math concepts easily 

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Great sense of humor

Variety of friends

Complex games, fantasy, nonfiction Perfectionistic

Observant 

Curious

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Asynchron

ous 

Develop

ment

Uneven

developmentUneven cognitive abilities

Conflicting messages from others

Difficulty with

interaction

Asynchronous Development

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Heightened Multifaceted Sensitivity

Giftedness: Two Types of Characteristics 

Cognitive

advanced compre‐hension

efficient information processing

excellent memory

Affective 

heightened sensitivity

heightened self‐

criticism

emotional intensity

(Mendaglio, 2003) 7

Developmental Potential: 

Overexcitabilities

Intellectual

Emotional

SensualPsychomotor

Imaginational

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IntellectualStrong desire to know     and to 

understand

Curiosity; abundance 

of questions

Desire to learn

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Sensual Enriched perceptions of and 

reactions to sensory experiences

May involve one or more senses

Sensory experience may be viewed as too intense

Seeks sensory outlets for tension 

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Heightened excitability—neuromuscular 

systemIntense physical activity

Rapid speech

Less sleep

Need for movement 

Difficulty relaxing

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Deep attachment

Intense joy and exuberance 

Strong empathy and compassion

Concern with death, fears, anxieties, depression 

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Rich imagery, visuali‐zation, inventive

Vivid dreams

Fantasy; imaginary playmates

Difficulty in separating real from imaginary

Imaginational

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PresenterPresentation NotesKristie

Tips

Remember they are children first

Appreciate their interests 

Validate their sensitivities

Give opportunities for them to be together

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