Sign of Giftedness

Ellen says: Many parents have indicated interest on how to pick on early signs of giftedness for very young children. Therefore, I believe that the rough estimation I came up with from various researches, my personal experiences to my son and through the help of an expert, Ral's Developmental Pediatrician may be of help to many parents .

Some early signs of giftedness include:
*Abstract reasoning and problem-solving skills
*Advanced progression through developmental milestones
*Curiosity
*Early and extensive language development
*Early recognition of caretakers (for example, smiling)
*Enjoyment and speed of learning
*Excellent sense of humor
*Extraordinary memory
*High activity level
Is unusually active, though not hyperactive. While hyperactive children often have a short attention span, gifted children can concentrate on one task for long periods of time and are passionate about their interests.
*Intense reactions to noise, pain, or frustration
*Less need for sleep in infancy
*Sensitivity and compassion
*Perfectionism
*Unusual alertness in infancy
*Vivid imagination (for example, imaginary companions)
*Competitiveness

Whether a child shows signs early or later, all children deserve an opportunity to develop themselves to the fullest and at a tender age, and we parents are the best teachers/educators.

Finding an appropriate education for a gifted child can be difficult and trying. Because I believe that when gifted children are not given opportunities to work at their own level and pace, they settle for less than their best. They learn to slide by without stretching themselves.

To prevent underachievement in gifted child, we need to become informed so that we can ask the school to provide for our child’s needs. The first step in advocating is obtaining information about the level of our child’s abilities. Once we have solid information about our child’s strengths, weaknesses, level of potential, achievement, self-concept, personality and learning style, we have an objective basis for requesting a more challenging curriculum, or advanced reading material, or enrichment, or special class placement. Our children need us to be their advocate—an informed advocate—who knows what they need and how to help them get their needs met. Smart children need smart parents, who are willing to fight the system, if necessary, to help them develop to their fullest.