Gifted vs. Bright: Understanding the Difference
Do you want to know if your child is gifted or bright? Learn how to recognize and understand the differences between a gifted child and a bright child by viewing the simple table below.
You know your child is smart. But is s/he gifted or bright? While the distinction may seem trivial, there are clear differences between gifted children and bright children. Distinguishing between a gifted child and bright child is important, as they have different academic needs.
While a bright child may work hard and do well in school, a gifted child may struggle to focus, but still be able to achieve high levels of success. Gifted children may become bored with regular classroom material but often thrive in gifted programs. It is often the bright child, not the gifted one, who teachers generally favor, since teachers often struggle to understand and connect with a gifted child.
These are only some of the differences between gifted and bright children. You can also see Janice Szabos’ table below to help you discern if your child is gifted or bright.
Gifted vs. Bright: A Detailed Comparison
| A Bright Child | A Gifted Learner |
|---|---|
| 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 question | Discusses in detail, elaborates |
| Top group | Beyond the group |
| Listens with interest | Shows strong feeling and opinions |
| Learns with ease | Already knows |
| Six to eight repetitions for mastery | One to two 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 a new design |
| Enjoys school | Enjoys learning |
| Absorbs information | Manipulates information |
| Technician | Inventor |
| Good memorizer | Good guesser |
| Enjoys straightforward sequential presentation | Thrives on complexity |
| Is alert | Is keenly observant |
| Is pleased with own learning | Is highly self-critical |
-Janice Szabos, Challenge Magazine, 1989, Issue 34
Tests for Gifted Children
Do you still want to know if your child is gifted or bright? You can have your child tested to find out. Tests such as the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT) and Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) are available to give you a better idea as to whether or not your child is gifted. At TestPrep-Online, we provide children with a wide variety of study materials, including several practice tests with detailed explanations for each question.
In addition, we have comprehensive study guides for some of the more challenging topics of each test to ensure that your child does not have to approach a question alone and has information to rely on. For some tests, there are also video academies to get some of our tips and explanations in a friendlier format.
Preparation with TestPrep-Online
Start helping your child prepare for his or gifted and talented test. TestPrep-Online will to ensure your child is well prepared for gifted testing.
We offer preparation packs for many tests used to determine the acceptance to gifted programs such as the CogAT, OLSAT, NNAT, CogAT Screening Form, SCAT, and many more.
Our practice tests and preparation packs include not only questions based on the format of each particular test, but also comprehensive study guides, parent guides, and explanations to learn new strategies and excel in the test. This way, your child can approach the test after having seen an extensive array of questions to practice and avoid any surprise or unexpected issue. The different tests may vary in topics, duration, restrictions (such as the use of calculators), scoring method, and more, but you can rest assured that we provide all the information available in each of our practice packs.
Using our preparation packs, you can help your child prepare for the test, and even practice for higher levels. Some of our packs contain a section with questions based on the format of the test, but written in a more challenging way to help exceed the bar and reach the highest percentile. In addition, our tests are designed to create the same experience as the real test, that includes being accustomed to the time frame (when relevant), the level of the questions, and the scoring method.
You can retake any of the practice tests and see your child's improvement throughout their preparation process. In addition to the detailed explanations, you have a section that features tips for relevant topics or questions of the exam.
Make sure to check the differences between all the gifted programs, their criteria for acceptance, and where you can take the test (as well as instructions for the registration).
If you have any questions, you may contact us at any moment and we will be happy to help you and your child succeed.