Characteristic

Positive Behavior

Negative Behavior

Learns rapidly/ easily

Memorizes and masters basic facts quickly

Gets bored easily, resists drill, disturbs others, underachieves

Reads intensively

Reads, uses library on own

Neglects other responsibilities

Perfectionist

Exceptional accomplishments

Intolerant of mistakes

Retains quantity of information

Ready recall and responses

Resists repetitions, “know it all”

Long attention span

Sticks with task of personal interest

Resists class routine, dislikes interruptions

Imaginative, curious, many interests

Asks questions, gets excited about ideas, takes risks

Goes on tangents, no follow–through, disorganized

Works independently

Creates and invents beyond assigned tasks

Refuses to work with others

Alert, observant

Recognizes problems

Impolitely corrects adults

Good sense of humor

Able to laugh at self

Plays cruel jokes or tricks on others

Comprehends, recognizes relationships

Able to solve problems alone

Interferes in the affairs of others

Aesthetic Insight, awareness

Appreciation of the arts

Poses personal values/judgments on others

Highly verbal, extensive vocabulary

Fluent with words, numbers,leads peers in positive ways

Leads others into negative behaviors,monopolizes discussion

Individualistic, strong-willed

Asserts self and ideas, has small circle of friends; sense of own uniqueness

Stubborn in beliefs

Self-motivated, self-sufficient

Requires minimum teacher direction or help

Aggressive, challenges authority

Prefers older peers

Wise beyond years

Isolated or misunderstood

Highly sensitive, passionate

Emphasizes fairness, and morality, compassionate

Over-reacts to situations

Views with a different perspective

Observes across boundaries, makes connections

Resists limitations and narrowly focused content