Identifying a Gifted Toddler

All parents feel as though their child is exceptionally smart and won't hesitate to brag about their special child because lets face it, as parents we are all a little biased when it comes to our children. While there's nothing wrong with the occasional bragging episode about how smart little Timmy is, there are actually gifted toddlers out there, which are a true reason to brag. So, how do you know if your child is truly gifted or just gifted in your eyes? There are certain developmental milestones that will allow you to identify a gifted toddler.

What Sets Them Apart?

Gifted children demonstrate a certain uniqueness or clever behavior that other children don't have. Most often, gifted children aren't identified until the early school years. However, identifying a gifted toddler is possible if you know what to look for. Most often, a gifted toddler has a high level of curiosity, but this isn't the only sign of a gifted toddler. There are three basic areas used to identify gifted toddlers: motor skills, quantities and comparisons.

"I think a high intellect starts to show as early as when the child is born," says Wendy Skinner, author of Infinity & Zebra Stripes. "That may seem hard to identify, but it's not if you look at the big picture of intelligence. There's a certain way we tend to think of intelligence, which is more of a logical way, but there's also social smarts and a social element that probably shows up before the intellectual component."

Motor Skills

Gifted toddlers have the ability to execute small and complex motor skills with ease. Examples of motor skills include hand-eye coordination, such as sorting shapes and putting things together. Many gifted toddlers have the ability to complete puzzles, including those above their age range. They are able to easily sort and classify items.

Quantities

The quantity category used to identify a gifted toddler includes the child's vocabulary, attention span, the ability to form long or complex sentences and a fast absorption of information. Many gifted toddlers have a large vocabulary and long attention span. They show an interest in reading, the alphabet, numbers and usually begin talking early. Gifted toddlers typically have an easy understanding for concepts, a vivid memory and the ability to relay stories and information.

Comparisons

To identify gifted toddlers, the comparison category identifies if a toddler has the ability to use toys and tools in a more complex method than other children of the same age. It also includes the child's approach to certain activities, imagination and problem solving skills when compared to children of the same age.

References:
"Identifying Gifted Toddlers" MyFoxPhoenix
"Identifying Gifted Toddlers" YourBabyToday
"Talented Toddlers" ToddlerToday