Can you be smart but not gifted? Absolutely. Giftedness is much more than intelligence alone. Take a look at this comparison to see some key differences:
| The bright child… *Knows the answers *Is interested *Is attentive *Has good ideas *Works hard *Answers the questions *Top group *Listens with interest *Learns with ease *6-8 repetitions for mastery *Understands ideas *Enjoys peers *Grasps the meaning *Completes assignments *Is receptive *Copies accurately *Enjoys school *Absorbs information *Technician *Good memorizer *Prefers straightforward tasks *Is alert *Is pleased with own learning | The gifted learner… *Asks the questions *Is highly curious *Is mentally and physically involved *Has wild, silly ideas *Plays around, yet tests well *Discusses in detail; elaborates *Beyond the group *Shows strong feelings and opinions *Already knows1-2 repetitions for mastery *Constructs abstractions *Prefers adults *Draws inferences *Initiates projects *Is intense *Creates new designs *Enjoys learning *Manipulates information *Inventor *Good guesser *Thrives on complexity *Is keenly observant *Is highly self-critical |
Zebras Not Horses 