Many educationalists have produced lists of characteristics of very able children.
Familiarity with these characteristics can help teachers to build up a pupil profile of learning strengths. Such a profile may help to identify a pupil who might not be achieving at a particularly high level but who may have real ability in certain areas. However, these characteristics are indicative and not definitive.
General Characteristics of Gifted, Talented and More Able Pupils - he or she may:
- be a good reader
- be very articulate or verbally fluent for their age
- give quick verbal responses (which can appear cheeky)
- have a wide general knowledge
- learn quickly
- be interested in topics which one might associate with an older child
- communicate well with adults - often better than with their peer group
- have a range of interests, some of which are almost obsessions
- show unusual and original responses to problem-solving activities
- prefer verbal to written activities
- be logical
- be self taught in their own interest areas
- have an ability to work things out in their head very quickly
- have a good memory that they can access easily
- be artistic
- be musical
- excel at sport
- have strong views and opinions
- have a lively and original imagination / sense of humour
- be very sensitive and aware
- focus on their own interests rather than on what is being taught
- be socially adept
- appear arrogant or socially inept
- be easily bored by what they perceive as routine tasks
- show a strong sense of leadership
- not necessarily be well-behaved or well liked by others
