Gifted children are young people who have extremely high intelligence or exceptional creative ability–or both–in one or more areas. These areas can include art, drama, leadership, mathematics, music, and science. Gifted children need special programs to develop their abilities fully. Such programs encourage creativity, independent thinking, and the use of individual talents, while providing a well-rounded education.
Educators identify gifted children in two chief ways. The youngsters may perform well on tests that measure creativity, intelligence, or a specific skill. Or, they may distinguish themselves through outstanding achievements noticed by their teachers, friends, or parents. Gifted children may be identified at any age, from infancy through young adulthood.
Many schools offer programs that encourage gifted children to develop at their own rate in regular classrooms. For example, a teacher may provide learning materials and individual instruction to help a student investigate a subject beyond the point reached by his or her classmates. Some schools promote gifted children to a higher grade as quickly as they learn the required subjects at each one. In other cases, an exceptional child may be grouped with students at the same level of ability for specific subjects. The gifted child’s pace may be accelerated only in that area in which he or she excels. For example, a third-grader with an aptitude for mathematics may take a fifth-grade mathematics course.
Some schools also arrange special activities outside the classroom for gifted children. In addition, the gifted child may be paired with a specialist who coaches the child.
See also Genius ; Special education .
