Learners who are Gifted and Talented
Gifted children are born with natural abilities well above the average for their age.
Gifts become talents when they're developed and nurtured. Gifted and talented'
describes children with the ability or potential to develop significantly ahead of their
peers:
- Gifted - learners are those with abilities in one or more academic subjects,
such as math or English
- Talented - learners are those who have practical skills design or creative
and performing arts
According to Linda Silverman(1979-2002) The Gifted Development Center has been
in operation since June 1979 and we have assessed nearly 4,000 children in the last
22 years.
Signs/Symptoms
- Advanced development
- Prefer to talk with adults or children
Gifted and talented children also learn differently from other children. For example, if
your child is gifted, they might:
- be able to concentrate and focus well on tasks
- learn very quickly
- have an extremely good memory
- be very imaginative and creative
Performing Arts
- Exceptional performing artists possess extraordinary talent and aptitude in
various artistic expressions, demonstrating exceptional skills and creativity
in acting, singing, dancing, and other performance areas, driven by a deep
passion.
Characteristics:
1. These learners possess a remarkable ability to generate novel ideas, explore
unconventional approaches, and think outside the box in their artistic
expression.
2. Gifted performing artists show an unwavering commitment to their craft.
3. These learners use their art form as a powerful means of self-expression and
communication.
4. While capable of independent work, many gifted performing artists excel in
collaborative environments, contributing their unique skills and insights to
group projects.
Musical:
Exceptional listening skills, strong sense of rhythm, ability to reproduce complex
melodies, creative expression through music.
Dance:
Exceptional coordination, spatial awareness. ability to learn choreography quickly.
expressiveness in movement.
Drama:
Strong communication skills (verbal and non-verbal), ability to inhabit characters,
creativity in improvisation, confidence in performance. @
General:
Advanced learning pace, strong memory for performance elements, motivation to
excel, keen observation skills, and a desire to create and innovate.
Examples:
1. A child with exceptional vocal skills might be able to sing complex melodies
after hearing them only once, or possess a naturally powerful and resonant
voice beyond their years
2. A child with natural acting talent might be able to convincingly portray a range
of emotions and characters, even at a young age, or they may have an innate
ability to improvise and create compelling scenes.
3. A child with a natural aptitude for dance might exhibit exceptional
coordination, grace, and a strong sense of rhythm from a young age.
4. A child gifted in performing arts might have a natural ability to improvise and
create on the spot, whether it's in music, drama, or dance.
Reference:
Mullen, R., Davis, J. A., & Polatajko, H. J. (2012). Passion in the performing arts:
Clarifying active occupational participation. Work, 41(1), 15–25.
https://doi.org/10.3233/wor-2012-1236
Wright, B. (n.d.). Performing Arts instruction for exceptionally and profoundly gifted
children | Hoagies’ Gifted. https://www.hoagiesgifted.org/performing_arts.htm
Davidson Institute. (2023, June 16). Characteristics and Traits of Gifted Children |
Davidson Institute. https://www.davidsongifted.org/prospective-families/gifted-traits-
and-characteristics/
