There are three children in a million who are ‘profoundly gifted’. Conventionally this means they have measured IQs of 180+. It is likely they will have spoken in sentences at 6–9 months, learned to read and spell by the age of 21 ⁄2, self taught, and are ready for formal learning by the age of three. Placed in kindergarten or preschool they quickly settle and will perhaps read to the ‘little ones