Martha Morelock and John Feldman described gifted children as, “those showing sustained evidence of advanced capability relative to their peers in general academic skills and/or in more specific domains (music, art, science, etc.) to the extent that they need differentiated educational programming” (p. 302). To address the specific needs of gifted children and foster their development, identification and intervention for very young children (under the age of seven) is critical, as discussed in this entry.

Very young gifted children often have highly advanced verbal skills, emotional sensitivity, a cooperative play style, leadership skills, and a mature sense of humor. They are commonly curious, have a wide range of interests or demonstrate advanced skill in a single area, and are sensitive to problems with their peers. They ...