Qualities of Gifted Students

“Gifted” learners might possess unique traits that can’t always be easily observed. Some are verbally strong, others are shy. Some learners have a strong sense of humor; others choose not to engage at all. Gifted children learn differently from other subgroups in the student population as well as from one another. Students who are gifted learners are entitled to accommodations in curriculum and instruction to the same extent as other learners.

Preconceived notions about gifted children in the classroom often result in primarily only high achieving learners being identified as gifted. Bertie Kingore provides a chart which helps teachers and parents to consider the differences between High Achievers, Gifted Learners, and Creative Thinkers. It is important to keep in mind that some learners possess qualities from more than one category; this is another reason that making appropriate changes in instruction creates the best possible learning environment.

From Professional Learning Board’s online continuing education course for teachers: Differentiation for Gifted Learners in the Classroom