Characteristics of Gifted Students
Cognitive Traits
Very observant
Extremely curious
Intense interests
Excellent memory
Long attention span
Excellent reasoning skill
Well-developed powers of abstraction, conceptualization, and synthesis
Quickly and easily sees relationships in ideas, objects, or fact
Fluent and flexible thinking
Elaborate and original thinking
Learns quickly with less practice and repetition
Unusual and/or vivid imagination
Social and Emotional Traits
Interested in philosophical and social issues
Very sensitive emotionally and even possible physically
Concerned about fairness and injustice
Perfectionist
Energetic
Well-developed sense of humor
Intrinsically motivated in areas of choice
Relates well to adults
Language Traits
Extensive vocabulary
May read early
Reads rapidly and widely
Asks "what if" questions
Additional Traits
Enjoys learning new things
Enjoys intellectual activity
Displays intellectual playfulness
Prefers books and magazines meant for older children
Skeptical, critical, and evaluative
Asynchronous development
From giftedkids.about.com