Parent Resources
The following table of characteristics is a guideline for helping make the distinction between a child who is bright and a high achieving learner in the classroom from one who is gifted and has a special ability for gathering and processing information about the world around them. The gifted child may demonstrate qualities from the bright child list and also be identified by characteristics of the gifted child list. For example, s/he knows the answers AND asks the questions. Please note that no child will display all of the characteristics listed below nor will they display a characteristic all of the time. This table is used merely as a guide in helping to determine giftedness.
The Bright Child vs. the Gifted Child
| The Bright Child | The Gifted Child |
|---|---|
| Knows the answers | Asks the questions |
| Is interested | Is highly curious |
| Is attentive | Is mentally and physically involved |
| Has good ideas | Has wild, silly, creative ideas |
| Works hard | Plays around, yet tests well |
| Answers the questions | Discusses in detail, elaborates |
| Is in the top group | Is beyond the top group |
| Listens with interest | Shows strong feelings and opinions |
| Learns with ease | Already knows |
| Needs 6 to 8 repetitions for mastery | Needs 1 to 2 repetitions for mastery |
| Understands ideas | Constructs abstractions |
| Enjoys peers | Prefers the company of adults or older children |
| Grasps the meaning | Draws inferences |
| Completes assignments | Initiates projects |
| Is receptive | Is intense |
| Copies accurately | Creates new ideas |
| Enjoys school | Enjoys learning |
| Absorbs information | Manipulates information |
| Technical | Inventor |
| Good at memorizing | Makes connections and accurate guesses |
| Enjoys straightforward, sequential presentations | Thrives on complexity |
| Is alert | Is keenly observant |
| Is pleased with own learning | Can be highly self-critical |
Printable Handout
↓ PDF The Gifted Child vs. the Bright Child
“The Gifted Child vs. the Bright Child” by Janice Szabos.