How to Know if Your Child is Gifted?

Gifted or Just Bright?

Sometimes it's difficult to discern whether a child is truly gifted, and therefore in need of special services in order to thrive, or simply very bright and well-served by the traditional classroom setting. Remember, a gifted child is not necessarily a model student.

• A bright child will know the answers, but a gifted child asks the questions.
• Bright children are interested. Gifted children are extremely curious.
• A bright child will pay attention, while a gifted one will get involved physically and mentally - often not seeming to pay attention, but taking in information anyway.
• Bright kids work hard and gifted kids play around but still get good grades and test scores.
• Bright children answer all the questions while gifted children question all the answers.
• Bright kids have same-age peers. Gifted kids prefer adults and older kids.
• A bright child memorizes easily. A gifted child is good at guessing the right answer.
• A bright child learns with ease, but a gifted child gets bored because he already knew the answers.
• Bright children listen well. Gifted children express strong feelings and opinions.
• Bright kids are self-satisfied, but gifted kids are highly self-critical and perfectionist.