What Are the Characteristics of a Gifted Child?

Jennifer—Early Reader and Perfect Child

Jennifer surprised her mother when, at the age of three, she began reading signs as they traveled down the street. Stop signs, store signs, bill boards—they were all of special interest to Jennifer. Jennifer's interest in reading continued and, with very little help from her parents, she entered kindergarten reading at the second grade level. She was very mature and often acted as a mediator when disputes arose in the classroom. Jennifer occupied herself in constructive ways and was anxious to please everyone. When she finished her schoolwork (which she normally did much faster than anyone else in class), she would read, draw, straighten things in the room, or work on a project of her own. Jennifer seemed to be the "perfect child."

Ramon—Math Whiz

Ramon was not very interested in reading, but loved math. By the middle of first grade, he taught himself all the math facts—addition, subtraction, multiplication and division—using a hand held computer game. In second grade, he was fascinated with the statistics in the Guinness Book of World Records and in the World Almanac. Because his math ability was advanced, Ramon was bored in school. Sometimes he got in trouble for not paying attention, for squirming in his seat, or for getting up and walking around. Ramon had no patience with classmates who did not share his interests and sometimes he made rude or inappropriate remarks to the other children and to adults such as "That is a stupid idea!" or "That's baby stuff!"

Mike and Tammy—Unusual Ways of Looking at Things