ABSTRACT
What are the characteristics of a mathematically able child?
Abstract thinking
Logical reasoning
Application - being able to transfer skills from one area to another
Independent thinking - being able to see things from a different perspective
Ability to work independently
Organisational skills
Understanding new concepts with ease and being able to use them
Relatively rapid mastery of mathematical techniques, knowledge and habits
Good spatial perception
Mathematical curiosity
Mathematical memory of a higher order
Ability to verbalise their thoughts; flexibility of thought; originality of thought
Ability to find mathematical shortcuts
Perseverance. Broad attention spans which enable them to concentrate and persevere in problem solving
Analytical thinking - ability to evaluate, analyse and generalise
This list is not exhaustive but gives a good feel for what we know as teachers makes a child able, before we ever test them to try to prove and quantify that ability.