What is a gifted child?
Like height and weight, intelligence is one of the areas in which most people are fairly average. The further we get away from the average, the more rarely we see people of a particular height, weight or level of intelligence. We describe children as 'gifted' if they are in the top 5 per cent or so of intelligence. This does not mean that they are geniuses, or destined to be the next Einstein, but simply that they are very bright sparks.
How do I know if my child is gifted?
The first thing that parents will notice about gifted children is that they seem different from most others. Some, though not all, will pass milestones more quickly than other children - smiling, talking, sitting up or walking at much younger ages than would normally be expected. Other typical characteristics include a wide vocabulary and general knowledge, asking lots of questions and learning more quickly than others. They may become bored quickly when asked to do more of the same, have a retentive memory and the unusual ability to concentrate early. They will have the ability to argue logically, but also to make original connections. Other characteristics can include a vivid imagination, strong opinions, intense feelings and highly self-critical perfectionism.
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