As a parent, one of your most important responsibilities may be ensuring that your child is reaching their full potential by allowing them to explore their passions and interests. In your course of encouragement, you may notice that your child is exceptionally good at adding large numbers easily in their head, or that the painting they brought home from art class looks like it belongs in the National Gallery of Art. But how do you know if these traits constitute your child as being gifted, or just very talented?
According to the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), “Gifted individuals are those who demonstrate outstanding levels of aptitude (defined as an exceptional ability to reason and learn) or competence (documented performance or achievement in top 10 percent or rarer) in one or more domains. Domains include any structured area of activity with its own symbol system (e.g., mathematics, music, language) and/or set of sensory motor skills (e.g. painting, dance, sports).” Even with this explanation, it is still difficult to determine whether your child is gifted or not.
However, there are some characteristics that most gifted children have in common. Let’s take a look at the five signs that may indicate that your child is gifted.
1. Absorbs information like a sponge.
Most children forget what you tell them almost five seconds afterwards; however, there are some who can retain almost anything. It may shock you if you hear your student recite entire chapters of a story that was read in their class, word for word. Gifted students often retain a wide variety of information and are able to recall it at a later time.
2. Picks up things early and easily.
Many students do not begin reading or writing until they are in school; however, gifted students can often learn this at home by mimicking others. Simply picking up a book or scribbling with a pencil can lead to developing early academic skills. Artistic and musical abilities also come naturally and easily, where children may have perfect pitch or can draw things to perspective.
3. Pays attention to detail.
A five hundred piece puzzle that may take someone days or even weeks to complete, may take a gifted child only a couple of hours. All they have to do is look at the picture on the box and then figure out which colors and shapes match up on the pieces. They also may put toys away where they got them, or will notice if something has been moved from its usual spot. Rather than getting excited to ride a bike for the first time, your child may be more interested in how the bike is made and works.
4. Understands Complexity
Many young children give up or lose interest easily if they are attempting to solve a complex problem that is beyond their capabilities. Gifted students, however, welcome the challenge and opportunity to think creatively and abstractly. It gives them the chance to think outside the box and use their intelligence to its potential. The next time you give your kid a Rubik’s cube, check to see how fast and eager they are to solve it.
My Child May Be Gifted
If your child meets one or more of the characteristics mentioned above and you believe he or she may be gifted, then it might be a good idea to get them tested. Identifying giftedness can be tricky, and using traditional testing methods such as assessments and IQ tests can make it easier. Many parents have also found speaking with their student’s teachers and counselors and getting their feedback and input to be helpful when making this determination.
There are schools that cater to students with gifted abilities, and familiarizing yourself with what is offered can help you figure out what is best for your student. Remember, it is important to be aware of these signs of giftedness and take action when you notice them. Your insight and instincts can help your child unlock their unique gifts and creativity.