There are many signs that can indicate if a child is particularly intelligent for their age. Some quick answers to common questions about recognizing intelligence in young children include:
What are some early signs of high intelligence in babies and toddlers?
– Hitting major developmental milestones early – rolling over, sitting up, walking, and talking earlier than average
– Long attention span – able to focus on toys/books for extended periods
– Advanced curiosity – asking lots of questions about how things work
– Good memory recall – remembers details, patterns, and sequences easily
– Makes connections between concepts easily
– Shows preference for novelty – gets bored with old toys quickly
What signs point to high intelligence in preschoolers?
– Large vocabulary and speaks in full sentences
– Learns numbers, letters, and reading very quickly
– Asks thoughtful questions and makes insightful observations
– Good at puzzles, problem-solving, and critical thinking
– Wide range of interests and knowledge for their age
– Excellent memory for stories, facts, experiences
– Vivid imagination and creativity in play
What are signs of giftedness in elementary school children?
– Learns new material very quickly with little repetition
– Strong reading, writing, and math skills compared to peers
– Advanced and extensive vocabulary
– Creative, original ideas and solutions to problems
– Perfectionist tendencies and attention to detail
– Prefers playing/talking with older kids rather than same-age peers
– Vast general knowledge and interests in a range of subjects
Assessing Intelligence
While those are some informal signs to look for, intelligence is complex and formal assessment by professionals is needed to determine if a child is truly gifted. Some ways children are evaluated include:
IQ Testing
The most common way is through IQ tests, which measure intellectual aptitude across areas like verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory and processing speed. IQ tests must be administered by psychologists. IQ scores of 130 and over are considered gifted.
Achievement Tests
These measure knowledge and skill mastery in specific subjects, like reading, writing, math, science and social studies. High achievement scores can indicate advanced academic abilities.
Gifted Rating Scales
Parents and teachers fill out questionnaires about the child’s behaviors, abilities and characteristics to help identify giftedness. Some popular ones are the Gifted Rating Scales, the Scales for Identifying Gifted Students and Renzulli scales.
Creativity Tests
Specialized tests like the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking measure divergent thinking skills and creative potential. This can identify artistically gifted kids.
| Test | What it Measures |
|---|---|
| IQ Tests | Intellectual aptitude and reasoning abilities |
| Achievement Tests | Academic knowledge and subject proficiency |
| Gifted Rating Scales | Behaviors and characteristics associated with giftedness |
| Creativity Tests | Divergent thinking, imagination and creative problem-solving |
Traits and Behaviors
Beyond test scores, there are many cognitive, social, emotional and psychological traits that may be observed in gifted individials. These include:
Cognitive Traits
– Quick learner, absorbs information rapidly
– Excellent memory and recall
– Long attention span, persistent when interested
– Creative and original thinker
– Loves complex concepts and tasks
– Advanced and elaborate vocabulary
– Draws inferences and makes connections intuitively
Social/Emotional Traits
– High intensity of emotions
– Heightened self-awareness and self-criticism
– Perfectionistic tendencies
– May have asynchronous development (cognitive abilities exceed emotional maturity)
– Strong sense of justice and morality
– Difficulty relating to same-age peers
Other Common Behaviors
– Unusual intensity about interests; becomes “expert” in hobbies/topics
– Loves reading books above grade level
– Prefers playing with older children or adults
– Philosophical; asks questions about existence, meaning of life
– Observes and analyzes people and situations
– Vivid imagination; elaborate pretend play
– Quirky sense of humor; gets complex jokes
– Shows sensitivity; deeply concerned about others
Nurturing Giftedness
There are many things parents and teachers can do to nurture giftedness in children:
Provide Opportunities for Enrichment
– Specialized gifted programs, advanced classes and accelerated learning
– Entry into contests, competitions and academic clubs
– Music, art, drama and cultural programs
– Summer camps with focus areas that interest the child
– Online supplemental learning programs and platforms
– Debate club, Junior MENSA, math circles
Adapt Teaching Strategies
– Individualized education plans and personalized instruction
– Curriculum compacting; test out of mastered material
– Tiered assignments with increasing complexity
– Use of higher order critical thinking questions
– Opportunities for independent study and research
– Assign mentors or tutors with advanced knowledge
Pay Attention to Social-Emotional Needs
– Don’t isolate from same-age peers; find like-minded friends
– Address perfectionism and self-criticism positively
– Discuss moral concerns and sense of justice
– Allow creative freedom and self-expression
– Foster identity beyond gifts and talents
– Find supportive communities for gifted kids
Advocate and Stay Involved
– Request assessment and advanced programming early
– Discuss needs and progress with teachers frequently
– Seek subject acceleration or early entrance to higher grades
– Transfer to specialized school if needed
– Find support groups and resources for gifted kids
– Attend workshops, seminars and conferences on giftedness
Conclusion
Giftedness spans a broad spectrum, with many levels of exceptionality. While testing and formal assessment are important to identify highly advanced students, parents and educators should also look for key cognitive, academic, social emotional and psychological traits in recognizing gifted potential. With supportive enrichment, appropriate academic adaptations and differentiated instruction, gifted youngsters can thrive both academically and interpersonally. Understanding and nurturing giftedness early creates opportunities for children to develop their talents and abilities to the fullest.
