Common behaviors of gifted children
The behaviour of gifted children can be challenging for parents and teachers. These children tend to display boundless curiosity, deep thinking and great sensitivity to the world around them. However, they may also experience frustration, boredom or isolation if they are not provided with an environment that stimulates their potential.
At Palacio de Granda, we understand the importance of recognising, understanding and supporting the behaviour of these students so that they can grow up happy and fully developed.
What does it mean to be intellectually gifted?
Having high intellectual abilities does not only mean getting good grades or learning quickly; it is a different way of perceiving, processing and understanding reality. Gifted children tend to think in more complex ways, making connections that often go unnoticed by others. They may display precocious language skills, outstanding memory or unusual creativity, but also a deep need for meaning and coherence.
These children develop asymmetrically: their cognitive abilities are often well above their chronological age, while their emotional or social maturity may progress at a different pace. This can lead to internal tensions and difficulties in adapting to the school or social environment if they are not given the necessary support. At our school, we work precisely on this balance, helping each student to understand and manage their own uniqueness.
Characteristics of gifted children
Gifted children share certain common traits, although each one is unique in how they express them. Rapid learning, constant curiosity, boundless imagination and a need for new challenges are common traits.
Hypersensitive and emotionally intense
Hypersensitivity is one of the most notable characteristics of the behaviour of gifted children. Their ability to perceive nuances and emotions is much greater than average, which allows them to enjoy things intensely, but also to suffer more deeply. These are children who can be moved by a piece of music, a gesture of kindness or an injustice, and experience these feelings with overwhelming intensity.
This sensitivity, far from being a weakness, is a source of empathy, creativity and commitment. However, it can cause confusion if not properly understood.
Energetic and active
Highly gifted children tend to have boundless energy. They find it difficult to remain inactive because their minds are always racing. This intellectual and physical dynamism can be misinterpreted as hyperactivity, but in reality it responds to a constant need for stimulation.
It is essential to offer them activities that channel this energy in a constructive way. At our centre, we encourage research projects, artistic, sporting and scientific activities that allow students to develop their creativity while learning to manage their enthusiasm and inner rhythm.
High standards
Another common characteristic is self-imposed high standards. Gifted children tend to be very critical of themselves and strive for perfection. They become frustrated when they make mistakes and may develop a fear of failure. This trait, although seemingly positive, can become a source of anxiety if not managed properly.
At Palacio de Granda, we work to help them learn to value the process over the result, understanding that mistakes are an essential part of learning. We foster an environment where effort, perseverance and curiosity are more important than perfection.
Possible obsessive behaviour
The behaviour of gifted children may also include periods of intense concentration on a single subject or activity. Sometimes, these children become so passionate that they become almost obsessive about a particular area: astronomy, animals, ancient history, chess, or any other interest.
This type of behaviour should not be interpreted as problematic, but rather as a manifestation of their intellectual and emotional intensity. However, it is important to teach them to balance their interests, diversify their activities and develop social and emotional skills in parallel. In this way, they can enjoy their curiosity without isolating themselves or becoming mentally overwhelmed.
How to identify the behaviour of gifted children?
Identifying a gifted child requires looking beyond school grades. Often, these children do not necessarily stand out for their grades, but for their way of thinking, their speed in solving problems, or their insatiable curiosity. In some cases, they may even show signs of demotivation if their environment does not meet their intellectual needs.
Parents and teachers should pay attention to signs such as precocious language, prodigious memory, artistic sensitivity or a tendency to question everything. A proper diagnosis, carried out by specialised professionals, allows for a better understanding of their needs and the design of personalised educational strategies.
At Palacio de Granda, we have specific observation and support programmes designed to detect and enhance the talent of each student.
Our High Ability Programme
At Palacio de Granda, we have developed a comprehensive programme for high ability students that aims to stimulate talent, promote autonomy, and care for the emotional well-being of students. We combine curricular enrichment with interdisciplinary projects, personalised tutoring, and activities that encourage creativity, critical thinking, and personal expression.
Our approach is based on the idea that every child has unique potential. That is why we adapt learning experiences so that each child can progress at their own pace, exploring areas that spark their interest and motivation.
The behaviour of gifted children requires empathy, observation and an education that allows them to be themselves without limits. At Palacio de Granda, we guarantee that space for them to grow, learn and shine with their own light.
