This is a question that continues to be debated by many. It’s the old nature vs. nurture conversation. In my view, I would have to say I think that it is a little of both. I believe that we can all agree that both are equally important in raising a child regardless of whether the child is classified as gifted or bright.

It would kind of be logical to think that heredity plays a huge role in whether a child might be gifted. You know the story “smart parents naturally have smart kids”… right?

I know that in some cases this might be true. However, I have met many smart kids who when I met their parents wonder if maybe the smart gene skipped a generation. In any case, like most simple ideas about human beings, intellectual growth turns out to be much more complicated.

Recent research on the development of the human brain has revealed that an individual’s experiences early in life can cause the brain to grow and expand in certain areas. In addition, families who are in a position to provide their child with an enriched environment, stimulating conversations, and security can expect their child to benefit intellectually. It just makes sense, doesn’t it?

So the current answer to whether a child is born gifted is only partially correct, it also depends on the richness of the environment interacting with any genetic inheritance a child receives. Any genetic transfer of giftedness or intelligence is only a potential and left without intervention or further nurturing is left to lie dormant.

Now let us also say that a child who is not gifted, but given the proper educational intervention can do equally well compared to a gifted child who is not challenged. Giftedness is innate – brightness can be created. You cannot provide all the educational materials in the world to make a child gifted – but that child can certainly be bright and gain admission to the very best universities available.

So what makes a child gifted vs. bright?

The three most common signs of giftedness in young children are language development, mental alertness, and abstract thinking.

Many adults mistakenly assume that the studious, eager child who works hard, answers questions, and listens with interest is a “gifted child.” While these children are without a doubt, “bright” and hardworking individuals, when tested on intellectual measures, they do not necessarily have the characteristics that are associated with giftedness. They are, however, great students and extremely smart in their own right.

Gifted students can ask endless questions, be good manipulators, and be inattentive yet still score high on tests or get good grades without much effort. Gifted students are often perfectionistic and idealistic. They are problem solvers and may be so far ahead of their chronological age mates that they know half (or more) of the curriculum before the school year even begins. Gifted students often think abstractly and with such complexity that they may need help with concrete study and personal organization skills. They can be argumentative and demanding and do not necessarily mind being different from the crowd.