My child is curious, analytical, and inventive...so is he or she gifted?
Those are some of the characteristics of a gifted child. However, there are many other characteristics that some may view as negative that are also gifted characteristics:
Has a need for freedom
Tends to dominate others
Has difficulty accepting authority
Sometimes is non-conforming
Often overreacts, may cry or show anger when things go wrong
Strives for perfection, is critical of self and others
Frequently interrupts others when they are talking (even peers)
Is frequently bored and may refuse routine tasks
Is not interested in details
Is disorganized with things or tasks but is obviously learning or accomplishing tasks
Is impatient, quick to anger, is anxious to complete the task
What are some other characteristics I should be looking for?
Is a recognized leader
Questions everything
Displays a mature sense of humor and at times may be inappropriate (uses puns, associations)
Is inventive
Tells imaginative stories
Evidences outstanding vocabulary
Is resourceful; can solve problems with ingenious methods
What are the rules for becoming gifted?
All school districts have different procedures for the evaluation process. Here in Florida, the eligibility process is three-fold. It includes 1) Need for a special program 2) A majority of characteristics of gifted students according to a standard scale or checklist (check the characteristics listed above); and 3) Superior intellectual development as measured by an intelligence quotient of two (2) standard deviations or more above the mean on an individually administered standardized test of intelligence (this means an IQ of 130 or above). For more details here is Florida's DOE rule.
When should I get my child tested for gifted?
To go back to school districts having different procedures, each district, and sometimes each school is different. Generally a screener has to be used first before a full IQ evaluation can be used. Because of this the procedures for gifted testing can take many months and can be frustrating.
According to the National Association for Gifted Children, it's best to wait until your child is at least 6 years old for gifted testing because it's more consistent at this age and above.
Why should I care if my child is gifted?
By identifying giftedness early on, it's more likely that your child's giftedness will be developed into talents. Giftedness can be isolated to one area, and testing gifted children may lead to the identification of learning disabilities that require intervention and special accommodations from schools. Without testing, these weaknesses are often overlooked in a child who excels in other areas.
If you're in the Tampa Bay area and want to have your child tested for gifted contact me for information.
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