Gifted Children: A Comprehensive Guide to Identification and Support them in 5 ways

Gifted Children

Generally, gifted children are those who are exceptionally proficient. They are exceptional children. A child is considered gifted if their Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is 130 or above. Terman and Merrill stated that the limit should be 140 or more, while Goddard suggested 130 or more.

Modern educationists argue that it is flawed to consider IQ as the sole basis for identifying a talented child. Maker and Torrance clarified that talented children cannot be defined solely on the basis of IQ.

According to them, such children can be defined based on a combination of superiority in seven types of scores:

1. Intelligence scores

2. Creativity scores

3. Achievement scores

4. Teacher nomination

5. Nomination by guardian/parents

6. Self-nomination

7. Peer nomination

Thoughts of Torrance

Torrance has defined a gifted child as follows: “A child is called a talented and skilled child who performs well in any field of human behavior which is important for the society.”

“That child is Gifted and talented who shows an excellent performance in any area of human behaviour that is important to society” (Torrance 1977).

This view of Torrance has also been supported by Reilly and Lewis (1983). Hence, we can say that a talented and skilled child is one who has sufficient ability to excel in intelligence as well as other social fields.

Renzulli model of gifted children

According to Renzulli, a gifted child is a mixture of three qualities:

• high intelligence or high ability,
• high motivation or high commitment
• high Creativity

Characteristics of Gifted Child

(i) Mental Traits

– A gifted child typically has an IQ of 130 or more, whereas a normal child has an IQ of 90 to 109.

(ii) Physical Traits

– A gifted child is often 1 pound heavier and more energetic than a normal child at birth.

– Physical appearance does not necessarily determine giftedness.

(iii) Social & Emotional Traits

– Sociability

– Excellence in sports

– Better performance in debates

– More sensitive to others’ feelings and rights

(iv) Learning & Education

– Speaking earlier (three months earlier)

– Walking earlier (two months earlier)

– Learning subjects quickly with concentration

– Getting bored with repetition

(v) Clear & Straight Speaker

– Speaking clearly and directly

– Challenging existing theories and systems

(vi) Theory of Problem Solving

– Ability to solve complex problems effectively

– Concentration and focus on problem-solving

Adjustment and Education of Gifted Children

(i) A Challenge for the Teacher

Gifted children can be a challenge for teachers, as they require special attention and instruction.

(ii) Considering the Subject and Syllabus too Easy

Gifted children often consider the subject and syllabus too easy, leading to a lack of attention to their studies.

(iii) Diversion of Attention and Energy

They may divert their attention and energy into mischief, leading to difficulties in adjustment.

Reasons for Maladjustments of Gifted Children:

1. Considering the syllabus too simple and below their intelligence level.

2. Lack of interest in homework and class work.

3. High ego, leading to difficulties in adjustment with teachers and friends.

4. Anti-teacher behavior when given priority.

5. Domestic maladjustment when talent is not recognized by parents.

6. Social loneliness due to peers not considering them worthy of companionship.

7. Development of a sense of antagonism due to being made fun of by the class instead of encouragement for innovative work.

Adjustment Measures

To provide good education to gifted children and facilitate their educational adjustment, the following steps can be taken:

1. Enrichment of Curriculum

The curriculum can be enriched to cater to the advanced needs of gifted children.

2. Grade Acceleration

Gifted children can be accelerated to higher grades to provide them with more challenging work.

3. Arrangement of Special Classes

Special classes can be arranged to provide gifted children with individualized instruction and attention.

4.  Role of Teacher

The teacher plays a crucial role in the instruction of gifted children, which can be direct, indirect, or self-directed.

5. Able and Effective Teacher

An able teacher should possess knowledge of the subject, effective teaching methods, ability to answer questions, appreciation of students’ achievements, and intellectual alertness.

6. Separate Educational Institution

Separate educational institutions, such as Netarhat School, Tilaiya Sainik School, Indira Gandhi School, and Doon School, can provide gifted children with specialized education and attention.