The digest examines the range of traits that may be exhibited by intellectually gifted children. The characterisitcs are explained to be signals that a particular child might warrant closer observation and special educational attention. Characteristics are listed under three headings: general behavior (early reading, ability to detect and interpret nonverbal cues, longer periods of concentration and attention than peers, and eclectic as well as focused interests); learning (keen powers of observation, independent reading, rapid insight into cause-effect relationship, and ready grasp of underlying principles); and creativity (fluency, flexibility and originality in thinking and sensitivity to beauty). (CL)