Giftedness
What is giftedness
Giftedness is involuntary – a natural gift. It gives no cause for claims of elitism.
Out of every hundred children, approximately five can be classified as “gifted”, yet only a small proportion may be identified as such in school.
Some may be very lonely because their interests do not match those of their peers. They may have difficulties at school because of their unconventional behaviour and questioning attitude. They can become distressed through frustration and boredom, or through imbalance between their intellectual and emotional development. They may deny their intelligence and underachieve so as to become more acceptable to their peers. They may become troublemakers.
We need to recognise and cater for gifted children to ensure this does not happen.
Some signs of giftedness
an early interest in surroundings
super-sensitivity to surroundings
strong curiosity and powers of observation
an extensive vocabulary
an exceptional memory
may talk early and fluently
the ability to read early – often self-taught
can choose to concentrate for long periods
the propensity to ask shrewd/unusual questions
the ability to grasp ideas quickly
a “quirky” sense of humour