How to Spot a Gifted Student
Gifted students possess some common characteristics. Recognizing these general traits and understanding how they may reveal themselves in the classroom is an important step toward working effectively with this unique group of children.
Some of these behaviors are listed and described below. Positive traits are included along with those behaviors that may frustrate you as a teacher. If a student in your classroom exhibits these characteristics on a consistent basis, there is a good chance he or she is gifted.
| The Gifted Student | But.... |
| · Asks many questions and is very curious · Possesses a large amount of information · Has a good memory |
· Easily gets "off task" and "off
topic" · Is impatient when not called on in class |
| The Gifted Student | But.... |
| · Learns new information quickly · Retains information easily · Masters reading skills earlier · Demonstrates strong abilities in math · Displays unusual academic achievement · Finishes classwork quickly |
· Is easily bored · Can become disruptive in class · Shows strong resistance to repetitive activities and memorization · Completes work quickly but sloppily |
| The Gifted Student | But.... |
| · Is interested in many things · Becomes involved in a variety of activities · Is motivated to try new things · Enjoys a challenge |
· May resist working on activities
apart from areas of interest · Leaves projects unfinished · Takes on too much and becomes overwhelmed |
| The Gifted Student | But.... |
| · Thinks independently · Expresses unique and original opinions · Is self-motivated |
· Challenges authority |
| The Gifted Student | But.... |
| · Uses higher level thinking
skills (analysis, synthesis, evaluation) · Makes connections other students don't see · Considers unusual approaches to problem-solving |
· Tends to be absent-minded
regarding practical details · Forgets homework assignments |
| The Gifted Student | But.... |
| · Has a strong sense of justice · Likes to debate current issues and real life problems |
· Can be very critical of self
and others · Likes to argue a point · Is a perfectionist and expects others to be perfect as well |
| The Gifted Student | But.... |
| · Has a sophisticated sense
of humor · Understands subtle humor · Enjoys plays on words and satire |
· Easily gets carried away with
a joke · Has a tendency to become the "class clown" |
| The Gifted Student | But.... |
| · Demonstrates strong expressive
skills · Is sensitive to feelings of others · Elaborates on ideas · Shows skill in drama/art/music/language |
· Sometimes perceived as a "know-it-all"
by peers · Is sometimes "bossy" to peers in group situations |
Working with Gifted & Talented Students • Meeting the Needs of Gifted Students in the Regular Classroom