Bright Child Vs. Gifted

Bright Child Versus Gifted Child
Some of the research by Janice Szabos helps distinguish between children who are bright versus children who are gifted. Bright children have educational strengths to be admired. Their strengths can be sup- ported and educational opportunities can be enhanced within the classroom. It is important for teachers to be able to differentiate instruction. Gifted students’ needs can often be met within the regular class- room as well. Janice Szabos shared the following information in the Gifted Child Quarterly, as well as Gifted Magazine. It is important to note not all descriptors must be present to determine brightness or giftedness.

A Bright Child…

A 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 ideas.

Works hard.

Plays around, yet tests well.

Answers the questions.

Discusses in detail and elaborates.

Is in the top group.

Is beyond the group.

Listens with interest.

Shows strong feelings and opinions.

Learns with ease.

Already knows.

Needs 6-8 repetitions for mastery.

Needs 1-2 repetitions for mastery.

Understands ideas.

Constructs abstractions.

Enjoys peers.

Prefers adults.

Grasps the meaning.

Draws inferences.

Completes assignments.

Initiates projects.

Is receptive.

Is intense.

Copies accurately.

Creates new designs.

Enjoys school.

Enjoys learning.

Is a technician.

Is an inventor.

Absorbs information.

Manipulates information.

Good memorizer.

Good guesser.

Prefers straightforward tasks.

Thrives on complexity.

Is alert.

Is keenly observant.

Is pleased with own learning.

Is highly self-critical.