Test Your Knowledge on Gifted and Talented Children

Understanding Gifted and Talented Children

• Gifted and talented children have the ability or potential to develop significantly ahead of their peers in academic subjects or practical skills such as sport, music, design, or creative and performing arts.
• The Three Ring Conception of Giftedness developed by Joseph Renzulli includes above-average ability, creativity, and task commitment, and these traits combine and interact to form gifted behavior.
• Gifted children require modifications to their educational experiences to learn and realize their potential fully.
• Gifted children have a high level of intensity, enjoy learning, have depth of perception, have a keen sense of observation and extraordinary memory, possess sophisticated language and thought processes, recognize more options, dislike repeating or practicing something they already know, are perfectionists, and demonstrate perseverance and a higher level of sensitivity.
• Parents who think their child is gifted or talented should discuss their abilities and needs with their teacher or school principal.
• Schools have a responsibility to meet the educational needs of all their pupils and should provide greater challenges and opportunities for gifted and talented children.
• If a child in primary school shows abilities to fully participate in the next school year group, the principal may consider moving the child into that group.
• Emotional and social development levels and needs of gifted and talented children should be considered alongside their academic progress.
• The board of governors of a primary school can decide if a child should transfer to a post-primary school a year earlier than normal based on the advice of the principal and agreement from the parent.
• Gifted education serves two purposes: to maximize opportunities to develop potential within individuals and increase the number of people who can advance society through solving problems and producing new contributions.
• Gifted children tend to be more emotionally sensitive, compassionate, and have a moral sensitivity about them.
• It is essential to note that not all children exhibit all the characteristics of giftedness, and these traits may also be evident in non-gifted children.