Generally, they grow taller, make
advances in learning and memory, start showing emotions, learn language and gain strength to crawl, sit and take their first steps.
CASEL, a national organization dedicated to
advancing the development of integrated academic, social,
and emotional
learning, established the award to honor the
memory of its vice president Mary Utne O'Brien, who passed away
in April 2010 after a battle with cancer.
The following are common characteristics of gifted children, although not all will necessarily apply to every gifted child: • Has an extensive
and detailed
memory, particularly
in a specific area of interest • Has
advanced vocabulary for his or her age; uses precocious language • Has communication skills
advanced for his or her age
and is able to express ideas
and feelings • Asks intelligent
and complex questions • Is able to identify the important characteristics of new concepts
and problems •
Learns information quickly • Uses logic
in arriving at common sense answers • Has a broad base of knowledge; a large quantity of information • Understands abstract ideas
and complex concepts • Uses analogical thinking, problem solving, or reasoning • Observes relationships
and sees connections • Finds
and solves difficult
and unusual problems • Understands principles, forms generalizations,
and uses them
in new situations • Wants to
learn and is curious • Works conscientiously
and has a high degree of concentration
in areas of interest • Understands
and uses various symbol systems • Is reflective about
learning • Is enraptured by a specific subject • Has reading comprehension skills
advanced for his or her age • Has
advanced writing abilities for his or her age • Has strong artistic or musical abilities • Concentrates intensely for long periods of time, particularly
in a specific area of interest • Is more aware, stimulated,
and affected by surroundings • Experiences extreme positive or negative feelings • Experiences a strong physical reaction to emotion • Has a strong affective
memory, re-living or re-feeling things long after the triggering event