How likely is it that my daughter is gifted?

[mom2munchkin]

I was informed tonight during parent teacher conferences that my kindergarten daughter (she's almost 6 years old) is reading at a mid-3rd grade level. I never thought my daughter's capabilities were above average so I was slightly taken aback when the kindergarten teacher said she was the best reader in the class. I just assumed kids her age could read like she does. 

Is there any correlation between gifted IQ levels and early success at reading? 

[moominmamma]

There is tremendous variability in the rate of acquisition of reading fluency amongst kids this age. I don't think you can really conclude much about the likelihood of giftedness based on this alone. If there are other indicators, then yes, this is one more reason to consider the possibility that she's gifted.

Very early (< age 4.5 or so) achievement of fluency, particularly if the child is relatively untaught, is in and of itself a strong indicator of giftedness. But at age 5-6, in a classroom environment where reading is being actively taught ... well, it means you have a bright capable little girl who is likely enjoying a strong feeling of success at school. All of which is fabulous, but doesn't necessarily point to a gifted diagnosis.

Miranda

[whatsnextmom]

Studies say that only about half of gifted children are fluent readers prior to kindergarten but most kids have a host of other indicators. The average age range for kids to "click" or "take-off" in reading is 6 to 8. This puts your DD a little ahead of the curve but in itself, isn't a sign of giftedness. Of course, it doesn't mean your DD isn't on the gifted scale but if she's truly not made you or any prior teachers question, it's more likely she's a bright girl who will continue to thrive in school. 

[KaliShanti]

Agree with the above posters. I was an early reader (4 yrs) and advanced.. probably about 3rd grade level in K, was reading adult novels by 8 yrs old. But I am not gifted.

[loraxc]

In my experience, yes, there is some correlation. What is she reading in her free time? Does your school have a GT program and did the teacher suggest testing her? Tell us about her otherwise.

I was an early reader (4 yrs) and advanced.. probably about 3rd grade level in K, was reading adult novels by 8 yrs old. But I am not gifted.

Are you sure about that? Have you been tested? Reading adult-level novels by 8 is pretty advanced. My DD is gifted and a very strong reader and she's not reading adult fiction.

FIW, she was a strong reader by mid-5 and entered K reading probably around a 4th grade level, though I don't think she was ever tested at that age.