HIGHLY INTELLIGENT KIDS.
Did Isaac Newton’s mother know that her son had an extremely high IQ
of 192—among only one percent of the population with an intelligence
quotient of higher than 136? Did she suspect that he’d grow up to be
one of the most influential scientists of all time? Probably not, as
she actually took him out of school in his early teenage years in
hopes that he would become a farmer like his late father.
But according to Mensa, “the high IQ society,” there are signs parents
can look for that indicate their children may have a higher than
average IQ. Check out the list below to see how many describe your
child!
Highly intelligent children often exhibit some of the following traits:
1. Excellent Memory
Clearly, a good memory is important for children to learn and retain
new information, both in school and at home. In fact, according to
psychologist and author Tracy Packiam Alloway, “working memory is
linked not just to learning (from kindergarten to college), but for
decision making in everyday activities.” One word of warning, studies
indicate that kids with good memories are also better at lying.
2. Early Reading Skills
“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body,” wrote English
essayist Joseph Addison. On average, extremely intelligent kids begin
to sight-read before the age of four, while most kids are closer to
the age of six or seven before they reach this milestone. There are
many stages of reading, and children must learn to recognize and
understand words before they can begin to read on their own. Some kids
may discover the joy of reading later in life, but once they begin
reading, intelligent kids are often hooked.
3. Curiosity
According to the Harvard Business Review, “curiosity is as important
as intelligence,” and having an inquisitive mind is a good indicator
of success. Children who ask a lot of questions are demonstrating an
innate desire to learn. As they seek out opportunities to learn
wherever they are, they further develop their minds and intellect.
4. Sense of Humor
Historians often remark about Abraham Lincoln’s witty sense of humor.
When accused of being two-faced in a presidential debate, Lincoln
replied, “Honestly, if I were two-faced, would I be showing you this
one?” Many of Winston Churchill’s most famous quotes are the funny
quips that revealed his wit. Though his humor could be cutting, he
also had a way with words. “Ending a sentence with a preposition is
something up with which I will not put,” he joked. Don’t discourage
your child’s sense of humor; it could be a sign of greatness!
5. Musical Ability
Studies show a link between being musical and being intelligent, and
researchers believe that children benefit academically when they
receive a music education. All parents should expose their children to
music at a young age, even if they do not have a particular musical
talent. Researchers believe that musical training impacts the brain
and unlocks the ability for creative thinking.
6. Sets High Standards
Smart kids—and successful adults—tend to set a high bar for
themselves. They have an instinctual need to improve and do better in
areas that matter to them. This drive also assists them in learning
new skills and school subjects to the best of their ability. Being
hyper-focused in specific areas of interest can also be a sign of a
high IQ.
7. Talkative with Adults
Gifted children are often described as “little adults” because of
their early maturity, a greater awareness of current events, and their
inclination to chat with adults rather than other children. A
particularly bright child may be the one who chats with the adults at
a birthday party rather than playing with the other kids. Enjoying
conversation and talking about a variety of subjects is also a sign of
intelligence in kids.
Even if a child doesn’t currently demonstrate some of these signs of a
high IQ, he or she could still be a future genius. Experts disagree on
whether a person is born a genius or develops into one over time, but
most agree that nurture—the child’s positive environment—has a lot to
do with their future abilities and chances of success. In Outliers:
The Story of Success Malcolm Gladwell wrote, “. . . the tallest oak in
the forest is the tallest not just because it grew from the hardiest
acorn; it is the tallest also because no other trees blocked its
sunlight.” All children have potential to reach their own version of
brilliance and success. “We all know that successful people come from
hardy seeds,” Gladwell writes in the book, “But do we know enough
about the sunlight that warmed them, the soil in which they put down
the roots . . . ?” That’s where moms, dads, and other supportive
adults come in!
You can develop your child’s inner genius by providing a nurturing
environment for learning. Make sure your kids are reading, getting
enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and are always open to
learning. Just being an involved parent will go a long way to ensure
your child’s future success.
If you are concerned that your child isn’t being challenged at school,
consider enrolling him or her in an online school, which offers a
rigorous curriculum and a more flexible schedule.
Credit: www.learninglift.com
of 192—among only one percent of the population with an intelligence
quotient of higher than 136? Did she suspect that he’d grow up to be
one of the most influential scientists of all time? Probably not, as
she actually took him out of school in his early teenage years in
hopes that he would become a farmer like his late father.
But according to Mensa, “the high IQ society,” there are signs parents
can look for that indicate their children may have a higher than
average IQ. Check out the list below to see how many describe your
child!
Highly intelligent children often exhibit some of the following traits:
1. Excellent Memory
Clearly, a good memory is important for children to learn and retain
new information, both in school and at home. In fact, according to
psychologist and author Tracy Packiam Alloway, “working memory is
linked not just to learning (from kindergarten to college), but for
decision making in everyday activities.” One word of warning, studies
indicate that kids with good memories are also better at lying.
2. Early Reading Skills
“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body,” wrote English
essayist Joseph Addison. On average, extremely intelligent kids begin
to sight-read before the age of four, while most kids are closer to
the age of six or seven before they reach this milestone. There are
many stages of reading, and children must learn to recognize and
understand words before they can begin to read on their own. Some kids
may discover the joy of reading later in life, but once they begin
reading, intelligent kids are often hooked.
3. Curiosity
According to the Harvard Business Review, “curiosity is as important
as intelligence,” and having an inquisitive mind is a good indicator
of success. Children who ask a lot of questions are demonstrating an
innate desire to learn. As they seek out opportunities to learn
wherever they are, they further develop their minds and intellect.
4. Sense of Humor
Historians often remark about Abraham Lincoln’s witty sense of humor.
When accused of being two-faced in a presidential debate, Lincoln
replied, “Honestly, if I were two-faced, would I be showing you this
one?” Many of Winston Churchill’s most famous quotes are the funny
quips that revealed his wit. Though his humor could be cutting, he
also had a way with words. “Ending a sentence with a preposition is
something up with which I will not put,” he joked. Don’t discourage
your child’s sense of humor; it could be a sign of greatness!
5. Musical Ability
Studies show a link between being musical and being intelligent, and
researchers believe that children benefit academically when they
receive a music education. All parents should expose their children to
music at a young age, even if they do not have a particular musical
talent. Researchers believe that musical training impacts the brain
and unlocks the ability for creative thinking.
6. Sets High Standards
Smart kids—and successful adults—tend to set a high bar for
themselves. They have an instinctual need to improve and do better in
areas that matter to them. This drive also assists them in learning
new skills and school subjects to the best of their ability. Being
hyper-focused in specific areas of interest can also be a sign of a
high IQ.
7. Talkative with Adults
Gifted children are often described as “little adults” because of
their early maturity, a greater awareness of current events, and their
inclination to chat with adults rather than other children. A
particularly bright child may be the one who chats with the adults at
a birthday party rather than playing with the other kids. Enjoying
conversation and talking about a variety of subjects is also a sign of
intelligence in kids.
Even if a child doesn’t currently demonstrate some of these signs of a
high IQ, he or she could still be a future genius. Experts disagree on
whether a person is born a genius or develops into one over time, but
most agree that nurture—the child’s positive environment—has a lot to
do with their future abilities and chances of success. In Outliers:
The Story of Success Malcolm Gladwell wrote, “. . . the tallest oak in
the forest is the tallest not just because it grew from the hardiest
acorn; it is the tallest also because no other trees blocked its
sunlight.” All children have potential to reach their own version of
brilliance and success. “We all know that successful people come from
hardy seeds,” Gladwell writes in the book, “But do we know enough
about the sunlight that warmed them, the soil in which they put down
the roots . . . ?” That’s where moms, dads, and other supportive
adults come in!
You can develop your child’s inner genius by providing a nurturing
environment for learning. Make sure your kids are reading, getting
enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and are always open to
learning. Just being an involved parent will go a long way to ensure
your child’s future success.
If you are concerned that your child isn’t being challenged at school,
consider enrolling him or her in an online school, which offers a
rigorous curriculum and a more flexible schedule.
Credit: www.learninglift.com
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