How do you know if your child is gifted, smart, average????

Question

My child is 8. He took his first steps at 8 1/2 months and by 10 1/2 months, he was running around. He learned how to crawl before he knew how to sit. He started reading little words at age 3 and started reading very good at age 4. He learned his numbers at age 2, abc's at 2 1/2, 3 years old. His teacher tells me he's a gooder reader and knows 5th grade math. He loves to read Stephen king books? His father mastered in mathematics. Is it genetics???

Answer 1

Sounds like he may be gifted - check with his school for a test to be administered to determine for certain.

I believe it is genetics...my son is gifted and was able to read and understand the newspapaer at 4 1/2 years old, he was also able to count up into the hundreds at the age of 2 1/2. He is self taught and did not attend any special programs or schools. His grandfather had very similar abilities. Remember though - every child is gifted in their own ways, whether it is sports, art, music, etc. These abilities can make dealing with school boards and teachers very difficult. It can lead to boredom and problems in school so be wary.

There are numerous resources on the internet so check them out for advice and indicators of a gifted child. I found most of the indicators to be bang on!

Answer 2

Aren't smart kids fun? I'm not sure at this point it much helps him to put labels on him (I'm sure you would love to be able to tell people he was gifted, but the question is, what is best for him). The only way to know this is to put him through testing, which can be very stressful, especially for bright children. Unless you are considering putting him into a special school for gifted children, I wouldn't recommend it. It is obvious, though, that he is bright, and the most important thing is that you make sure that he is sufficiently stimulated. So far, it sounds like you are doing well with that. If he starts acting out, though, consider that maybe his capabilities are not being fully utilized, and rather than punishing him, find some way to challenge him (I don't mean to imply that you would even consider punishing him, but a lot of parents do seem to get frustrated by their bright kids). Just keep supporting and encouraging his interests, and it sounds like he (and you) will do well.

Answer 3

If he is in the second grade or higher there is a test you can take to see if your child is highly gifted, gifted, smart, or average.I took this test and found I was highly gifted. I live in California so this might be just for this state, but go to your sons elementary school and ask them if he could take the test, or if they do not have testing available try the local middle school.

Answer 4

He sounds really smart, you should talk to his teacher or counselor about where you can have him take an IQ test. Who knows, he might be able to skip a grade or enroll in special programs for gifted children. I got to take special classes for gifted children at a local college when I was in 5th grade.

Answer 5

Sounds like he is certainly above average if nothing else.
Try this site

http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/

I have a 3 year old that can read, among other things so I know where you are coming from.

Good luck!

Answer 6

genetics from the daddy or step father? omm.. if your new child sits in a nook and eats paste.. then he/she isn't that proficient.. yet heavily, if your toddlers doin this, then he's clearly proficient, and or proficient. so bypass with it. yet once you are able to ask this manner of question, could we undertaking that the youngster isn't proficient long???

Answer 7

Sounds like you have a very smart kid! Get him tested..

Answer 8

wow... sounds like you have one smart little boy!! congrats! =]