Q&A:Educating Gifted Children

I think my child is gifted. What information or resources do you recommend?

There are many resources related to gifted education. Please see our list of recommended resources.

How do I choose a school for my gifted child?

You should take into account your child’s academic ability, the overall academic range of the school, as well as the flexibility of its instructional program. You should educate yourself on giftedness and school choices, and always visit the schools you are considering.

How do gifted children develop socially?

Gifted children have better social adjustment in classes with children like themselves. The brighter the child, the lower the child’s social self-concept in regular classrooms. Social self-concept immediately improves when children are placed with true peers in classes designed for students with advanced academic abilities.

What are some of the personality traits of gifted children?

Perfectionism, sensitivity, and intensity are three personality traits associated with giftedness. They are derived from the complexity of the child’s cognitive and emotional development. According to Polish psychologist Kazimierz Dabrowski’s theory, those traits are indicative of potential for high moral values in adult life. The brighter the child, the earlier and more profound is his or her own concern with moral issues.

Is giftedness hereditary?

Brothers and sisters are usually within five to ten points in ability. Parents’/grandparents’ IQ scores, when known, are usually within ten points of their children’s/grandchildren’s.