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| Characteristic Traits of Gifted Child |
 Specific academic aptitude
• shows similar characteristics to general intellectual ability but concentrated around one or a few fields
• has a long attention span in areas of interest
• learns rapidly, easily and with less repetition in one or a few specific areas (probably not all subject areas)
• likes or loves one or a few areas of knowledge
• likes to study some subjects more than others
• spends time voluntarily beyond ordinary assignments on projects of interest to him or her
• is able to extend learning from these key areas to various situations somewhat unrelated in orientation
• is able to show broad perspective on one or more subject areas
• is able to judge own and others' relative abilities in key areas of interest
• seeks assistance of others beyond his or age peers in extending knowledge in areas of interest
Creative thinking and production
• is fluent in producing and elaborating on ideas
• makes unusual associations between remote ideas
• is flexible in thinking patterns
• senses when problems exist
• acts spontaneously, intuitively
• tolerates ambiguity and uncertainty
• senses inconsistencies and discontinuities
• readily guesses and makes hypotheses
• juggles or redefines elements of a problem or task
• can show intense concentration on a task
• retains own ideas in a discussion or collaboration
• provides multiple solutions or responses to problems
• is uninhibited in expression, sometimes radical
• is intellectually playful, interested in fantasy, imagination
• always trying to adapt or improve things
• has a keen sense of humour, seeing humour in situations others don't
• doesn't mind being different
• doesn't accept authoritarian pronouncements without own judgement
• asks provocative questions, challenges parents, teachers, written and other authorities
• is bored with memorisation and recitation
• displays energy, sometimes disruptively
• produces unexpected, sometimes "silly" responses
• is considered, and perhaps resented, by some peers as "crazy"
• can show unusual degrees of originality, concentration and persistent hard work on projects that capture their interest and imagination
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