Case studies of gifted kindergarten children: Profiles of promise

Early life experiences can powerfully impact attitudes toward learning and later achievements in education. The chances for optimal development of children with special needs, including the gifted and talented, can be enhanced with identification and intervention at an early age. Current research on the young gifted has overlooked the delineation of developmental characteristics and specific educational experiences applicable to this population. In an effort to bridge this gap in the literature, this paper will report on investigations into the lives of five gifted kindergarten students utilizing a case study methodology, which yielded themes relating to intellectual, achievement, social, affective, physical, aesthetic and creative domains.