Characteristics of the Above Average Child

The Gifted Preschooler

• Is alert beyond his/her years
• Has interests of older children or of adults in games and reading
• Is observant
• Has lots of ideas to share
• Uses unique and unusual ways of solving problems
• Wants to know how and why (subjective answers)
• Likes to pretend
• Older children call him or her to initiate play activities
• Asks a lot of questions about a variety of subjects
• Enjoys and responds to beauty
• Often finds and corrects own mistakes
• Is able to plan and organize activities
• Others seem to enjoy his/her company
• Makes up stories and has ideas that are unique
• Has remarkable memory and possesses vast information on matters he/she considers important
• Possesses a large and unusual vocabulary for his/her age
• Although advanced mentally, physical development is in close accordance with chronological age
• Seems to have a high prevalence of left-handedness and allergies.
• Often perceives his/herself as inept and is easily frustrated when unable to achieve what he/she wants
• Is highly sensitive, compassionate, and just
• Gets other children to do what he/she wants
• Likes to play organized games and is good at them
• Enjoys other people and seeks them out