To identify gifted preschool children, parents and teachers need to be aware of some of the characteristics that these children possess. Gifted preschool children may have verbal and mathematical abilities that are advanced beyond their years, show creativity and imagination, and have an excellent memory. They exhibit a high level of curiosity,…

The article describes why the Enrichment Triad Model needs to be adapted for a preschool/primary setting and provides suggestions on how to do this. A real-life example of a five-year-old who successfully completed a Type III project is presented. (Author)

Louisiana's statewide provisions for education of gifted and talented preschoolers are reviewed, and difficulties encountered in serving 300 gifted young children are addressed. Among the administrative burdens cited are narrow identification criteria and the combination of limited financial and personnel resources resulting in the availability of…

A pumpkin patch is one way to incorporate sensory experiences, language, expressive writing, and art activities into a project for preschool and school aged gifted children. (CL)

This article surveys the current state of curriculum options for gifted preschoolers, and provides data from a survey of 60 educators of preschoolers in South Carolina concerning attitudes about appropriate curricula and instruction. Drawing on these results a list of recommendations for improvements in preschool programs is offered. (PB)

The digest addresses issues related to preschool gifted and talented children. Such a child is defined as one who functions significantly above average age level in language development, thinking skills, creative thinking skills, physical adaptability, social skills, and/or leadership. Early identification is viewed as important, and the use of…

A program model for gifted preschool children incorporates a differentiated curriculum into an open classroom environment. The Structure of Intellect model serves as the basis for classroom activities (10 examples of which are provided) which stress creative and productive thinking. (CL)

The booklet contains a collection of separate short guidelines, checklists, and recommendations for parents and teachers of young gifted children and is divided into sections on characteristics/identification, parenting, and maximizing the child's potential. Titles of components include the following: "Characteristics of Advanced Abilities in…

Gifted girls need the guidance of parents, teachers, and counselors to overcome external and internal barriers to success. Suggestions are offered for preschool, early primary, junior high, senior high, and college level students. (CL)

The manual contains three instruments (including instructions and sample materials) used in the Bringing Out Head Start Talents (BOHST) project to identify children with potential talent in one or more of the following six areas: intellectual, creative, leadership, visual and performing arts, academic, psychomotor. A teacher checklist and parent…

One Louisiana school system's development of a program to provide a differentiated curriculum for gifted preschoolers is described. The article focuses on student identification and placement; program structure; types of activities (games tables, free choice centers, individualized and whole group instruction); behavior management and motivation;…

A general framework consisting of four curricular dimensions (content, process, product, learning environment) and criteria for developing and judging appropriate curricula for gifted students are presented with adaptations for gifted preschoolers. Examples of teaching activities and techniques appropriate for gifted preschool students can be…

The section includes four articles on the use of computers for gifted students. Topics covered include basic information for parents, care and operating routines, a curriculum guide for computer literacy, the computer's role in problem solving, and computer applications for mathematically gifted students. (CL)

Head Start children (n=446), divided into intervention and comparison groups, received programing to enhance thinking skills. Intervention group children identified as gifted also received programing in their talent area. Intervention group children, whether or not identified as gifted, made significant gains over the comparison group in cognitive…

The Multimethods Model organizes the learning activities of preschool classes for gifted children and assures a differentiated curriculum geared to the individual student. Model components include prescriptive instruction, acceleration of content, building self-direction, creative divergent problem solving, affective guidance, cultivation of…