What is Giftedness?

Giftedness refers to an individual’s exceptional abilities in one or more areas compared to their peers. It encompasses a wide range of talents and aptitudes, including intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership abilities, as well as advanced aptitude in specific academic fields such as mathematics or language. Giftedness is diverse and multidimensional, requiring personalised support for individuals while enabling them in maintaining balance and well-being. 

We underestimate the abilities of ALL young children, and we really underestimate the abilities of the very young, gifted child.

Giftedness is not solely about high academic performance; it often involves unique ways of thinking, problem-solving, and perceiving the world. Some common signs in young children include:



Characteristics of giftedness typically refer to traits identified through research and observation of gifted individuals. These traits highlight common cognitive, emotional, and behavioural tendencies. While specific lists may vary slightly among experts, the following characteristics are widely acknowledged in the field of gifted education:

Cognitive Characteristics

Exceptional Memory: Ability to retain and recall detailed information over time.

Advanced Vocabulary: Early use of complex words and language patterns.

Rapid Learning: Quick understanding and mastery of new concepts.

Intense Curiosity: Strong desire to explore, ask questions, and seek knowledge.

High Comprehension: Understanding abstract concepts and ideas beyond age norms.

Creative Problem-Solving: Finding innovative solutions or approaches.

Logical Thinking: Exceptional reasoning and analytical skills.

Early Reading Skills: Reading fluently at a young age (often self-taught).

Long Attention Span: Ability to focus deeply on interests.

Preference for Complexity: Enjoyment of challenging and intricate tasks.


Emotional Characteristics

Emotional Sensitivity: Intense feelings and empathy for others.

Strong Sense of Justice: Concern for fairness and ethical issues.

Perfectionism: Setting high standards for oneself and others.

Intrinsic Motivation: Driven by internal goals rather than external rewards.

Heightened Awareness: Noticing subtle details in the environment.

Asynchronous Development: Uneven growth across intellectual, emotional, and physical domains.

Intense Reactions: Strong responses to stimuli, criticism, or frustration.

Need for Autonomy: Preferring independence in decision-making and tasks.


Social Characteristics

Leadership Skills: Natural ability to inspire and guide others.

Preference for Older Peers: Relating better to older individuals or adults.

Sensitivity to Social Issues: Awareness of societal challenges and injustices.

Introversion or Extroversion: Strong tendencies toward one social orientation.

Adaptability: Flexibility in social situations and problem-solving.


Behavioural Characteristics

High Energy Levels: Physically or mentally active and engaged.

Wide Range of Interests: Enthusiasm for diverse topics and hobbies.

Persistence: Determination to pursue goals despite obstacles.

Intellectual Playfulness: Enjoyment of mental challenges, jokes, and puns.

Intense Focus on Interests: Devotion to mastering specific areas of passion.

Risk-Taking: Willingness to experiment and embrace challenges.

Unusual Sensory Perception: Heightened sensitivity to light, sound, textures, or tastes.


There is a list of the thirty most recognised characteristics. The more characteristics that you identify in a given child, the greater the likelihood that they are, in fact, gifted. If you are looking at a particular child, you can tick as many of the characteristics that apply. Alternatively, you can also list all the children in a group who have each of the characteristics. (Note: No child is likely to demonstrate all characteristics and a baby, or a very young child, will not show some of them. Although they may appear later.)

Characteristics:

· Is good at thinking.

· Learns easily and learns quickly.

· Uses, and understands, sophisticated oral language.

· Has an exceptional memory. Retains a quantity of information.

· Has a long concentration span - when interested.

· Perseveres. Is motivated.

· Is curious with wide ranging interests and knowledge.

· Has a preference for older companion including adults.

· Is a keen observer. Has an eye for detail.

· Is interested in, and skilled with, numbers.

· Has exceptional spatial ability (puzzles, mazes, maps, diagrams).

· Demonstrates early or sophisticated drawing or writing.

· Is individualistic.

· Shows leadership skills.

· Achieves milestones earlier.

· Is an early and avid reader.

· Has high mental energy.

· Is highly imaginative or creative.

· Is a perfectionist

· Shows sensitivity and empathy

· Is concerned with moral or social issues.

· Is intense.

· Shows a sophisticated sense of humour.

· Has high academic achievement.

· Works independently.

· Is self-motivated, self-sufficient.

· Demonstrates/demonstrated rote knowledge: counting, alphabet, knowledge of body parts etc.

· Shows advanced social skills: mature understanding of social situations.

· Is emotionally well adjusted.

· Requires little sleep.


Māori Characteristics of giftedness


Ngā mahi a Rēhia (Recreational pursuits)

Demonstrates advance practical creative ability in some form of Māori art or craft (eg. Raranga – weaving, whakairo – carving, kowhaiwhai – motif & symbols)

Demonstrates advanced performing and creative ability in some form of Māori music (performance or composition

Displays advanced ability in Māori games, pastime, and practices.

Demonstrates advanced practical creative ability in some form of Māori performing arts (waiata, haka, karakia, mau kakau, toi Whakaari, whaikorero, karanga)


Manaakitanga (Generosity)

Exhibits a strong natural inclination to care for others.

Demonstrates strong tautoko qualities.

Understands that one person’s success is the success of the group.

Shows generosity of spirit by demonstrating reciprocity

Has deep appreciation of traditional Māori values such as manaakitanga and whanaungatanga and embodies these in words and actions.


Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship of: Knowledge environment resources)

Exhibits an understanding of the connected ideas of human and environmental welfare

Perceptive of the importance of protecting knowledge and/or resources for the future

Shows strong awareness of global issues and responsibilities.


Tikanga (Etiquette and behaviours)

Has a keen interest in and wide knowledge of whanau, hapu and iwi whakapapa

Can compose, deliver, and respond to a karanga, karakia, mihimihi, or whaikorero

appropriate to the occasion and audience

Guides others in learning appropriate tikanga

Appropriately adapts behaviours to suit a variety of situations and environments

Shows a deep understanding of protocols, customs, and rituals that demonstrate and reinforce values and beliefs

Understands the “why” of rituals and protocols


Mātauranga (Knowledge)

Communicates in Te Reo Māori clearly, fluently, and flexibly using a variety of advanced language structures and figures of speech

Has a broad knowledge of Māori mythology and can interpret myth messages in a contemporary context

Thinks creatively to solve problems

Has a broad knowledge of Māori, iwi, and hapu history and tikanga

Quickly applies new knowledge to different concepts

Has in depth knowledge of a particular iwi or hapu including history, tikanga, dialect, and whakatauaki

Shows pride in whakapapa, iwi

Intrinsically motivated to acquire new information and knowledge


Wairuatanga (Balance/Harmony/Spirituality)

Has a well-developed sense of altruism and is selfless in service to others

Sensitive and reflective thinker

Can read the wairua of an event or environments and respond appropriately

Has advanced spiritual understanding, perception, and ability; knowledge of traditional and contemporary karakia


Whanaungatanga (Family values/Relationships)

Shows both and understanding of, and a desire to be, a role model

Demonstrates an understanding of different roles/positions/relationships and how they connect to each other

Aware of their responsibilities in relationships

Actively works to promote inclusiveness and make connections

Has a high level of respect for and affinity with kaumatua


Rangatiratanga (Leadership that inspires unity)

Possesses and is accorded a high degree of mana from peers

Inspires others to work for the common good

Sees beyond immediate needs and can recognize next steps

Demonstrates willingness to advocate for beliefs even when facing adversity