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Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>You Tell Me--Is My Son A Baby Genius?
preschoolteacher 05:50 PM 09-19-2013
So as daycare providers, you all have seen so many children throughout the years. It got me thinking that you are a good group of people to ask this question to!
Recently, my almost-14 month old son has been doing things that I personally think are advanced for his age. I'm curious if this is true--or maybe I'm just a really proud mom reading too much into normal toddler behavior? Either way, the little dude is happy and healthy which is what really matters. The title of my post is tongue-in-cheek, but of course, I would like to believe he's a smarty pants!
Here's what gets me wondering:
Baby boy was playing pretend at 11 months. His first make-believe game was bringing us empty bowls/cups and pretending to feed us. He would say "mm mm mm" and pretend to chew invisible food. He made this up on his own (we didn't teach him at least). Now, his pretend play has gotten more complex. Just this evening, he walked over to the (turned off) stereo, did the baby sign for "music", and then grabbed his doll (he loves his baby!) by the arms and made it jump up and down on the floor. I asked what baby was doing and he said "dance." He also lies down and says "ni-night" and then starts making weird noises... the first time, I asked him what he was doing and he said "sno" (snore). We had just read a book about a snoring cat.
He says roughly 50 words. At his 12 month check up, he was saying about 20 words. Some of his vocabulary includes: Shoes, snack, box, stop, watermelon, cracker, banana, cheese, chalk, Play-dough, stool (step stool), tickle, cheers, and the names of the daycare kids. He knows cows say moo, sheep say baa, snakes say hiss, dinos/lions say roar, and so on (and we did not teach him this beyond reading animal books). He has been speaking in two-word sentences for the past month -- Mama go, Mama ball (what he calls playing catch), bye-bye car (cars driving past our house).
This morning I was putting on make-up and made a reference to a book we had just read the day before about a dog and a baby who get into the mom's make-up. (Good Dog, Carl!) He walks out of the room. When I go to see where he went, he had gone to his book basket, dug through about 10 books until he found the one I mentioned, and was paging through it.
So those are the things I'm mostly wondering about! I'd love to hear any stories you have of kids this age or other kids who have you wondered about...
Recently, my almost-14 month old son has been doing things that I personally think are advanced for his age. I'm curious if this is true--or maybe I'm just a really proud mom reading too much into normal toddler behavior? Either way, the little dude is happy and healthy which is what really matters. The title of my post is tongue-in-cheek, but of course, I would like to believe he's a smarty pants!
Here's what gets me wondering:
Baby boy was playing pretend at 11 months. His first make-believe game was bringing us empty bowls/cups and pretending to feed us. He would say "mm mm mm" and pretend to chew invisible food. He made this up on his own (we didn't teach him at least). Now, his pretend play has gotten more complex. Just this evening, he walked over to the (turned off) stereo, did the baby sign for "music", and then grabbed his doll (he loves his baby!) by the arms and made it jump up and down on the floor. I asked what baby was doing and he said "dance." He also lies down and says "ni-night" and then starts making weird noises... the first time, I asked him what he was doing and he said "sno" (snore). We had just read a book about a snoring cat.
He says roughly 50 words. At his 12 month check up, he was saying about 20 words. Some of his vocabulary includes: Shoes, snack, box, stop, watermelon, cracker, banana, cheese, chalk, Play-dough, stool (step stool), tickle, cheers, and the names of the daycare kids. He knows cows say moo, sheep say baa, snakes say hiss, dinos/lions say roar, and so on (and we did not teach him this beyond reading animal books). He has been speaking in two-word sentences for the past month -- Mama go, Mama ball (what he calls playing catch), bye-bye car (cars driving past our house).
This morning I was putting on make-up and made a reference to a book we had just read the day before about a dog and a baby who get into the mom's make-up. (Good Dog, Carl!) He walks out of the room. When I go to see where he went, he had gone to his book basket, dug through about 10 books until he found the one I mentioned, and was paging through it.
So those are the things I'm mostly wondering about! I'd love to hear any stories you have of kids this age or other kids who have you wondered about...
MyAngels 05:57 PM 09-19-2013
He sounds awfully cute, and yes, very smart for his age 
. I'll bet you're one proud mama!
. I'll bet you're one proud mama!
cheerfuldom 06:01 PM 09-19-2013
He sounds a bit ahead of the game verbally for sure. but pretend play and recognition sounds right one track for a young toddler.
Michael 07:14 PM 09-19-2013
That sounds like a gifted baby. 
I learned my son was gifted at 5 years old. While it is a blessing it is also considered a handicap in the educational system. Most schools want children to be "cogs in the wheel" and gifted children need special attention that most teachers don't have time needed to keep a gifted child interested. They learn far too fast. There are some areas that have great charter schools and gifted classes if you are lucky to be located near them.
Jonathan was using and learning on the computer at 2 and reading at 2 1/2 years. It took someone who saw him reading the editorial section of the LA times, out loud to me, to inquire if he was really reading it. She recommended we get him tested, which at the time I had no idea was an option, and for what reason? He was tested at 165 IQ. It is more expensive and time consuming to raise a highly gifted child. Adults love talking with them and find them very entertaining. Problem is, they need to be with children their own age. So we tried a gifted school that was VERY expensive in Bel Air, CA. It was like paying for college and he was only 6! We ended up homeschooling him. He currently is getting his degrees in both computer science and pure math. He also works on his off days as NASA / JPL in Pasadena. He is a great person as I am sure yours will grow up to be. Take care of your son's special needs.
My wife wrote a lengthy article on Daycare.com some years ago about our experience with a gifted child. If you have time, you should read it. https://www.daycare.com/story/index.html
I learned my son was gifted at 5 years old. While it is a blessing it is also considered a handicap in the educational system. Most schools want children to be "cogs in the wheel" and gifted children need special attention that most teachers don't have time needed to keep a gifted child interested. They learn far too fast. There are some areas that have great charter schools and gifted classes if you are lucky to be located near them.Jonathan was using and learning on the computer at 2 and reading at 2 1/2 years. It took someone who saw him reading the editorial section of the LA times, out loud to me, to inquire if he was really reading it. She recommended we get him tested, which at the time I had no idea was an option, and for what reason? He was tested at 165 IQ. It is more expensive and time consuming to raise a highly gifted child. Adults love talking with them and find them very entertaining. Problem is, they need to be with children their own age. So we tried a gifted school that was VERY expensive in Bel Air, CA. It was like paying for college and he was only 6! We ended up homeschooling him. He currently is getting his degrees in both computer science and pure math. He also works on his off days as NASA / JPL in Pasadena. He is a great person as I am sure yours will grow up to be. Take care of your son's special needs.
My wife wrote a lengthy article on Daycare.com some years ago about our experience with a gifted child. If you have time, you should read it. https://www.daycare.com/story/index.html
SilverSabre25 07:27 PM 09-19-2013
Sounds like my gifted kids. I forget with the "official" milestone things say on the subject of the pretend play, but I want to say that it's not "supposed" to be until more like late one/early two.
A good clue about intelligence is a sort of...global ahead-ness. My daughter was one of those. Ahead in just about everything. My son is too, except for speaking in sentances. He says a lot of single words (mostly sound effects) but makes his point VERY clear and expresses complex concepts through words and phrases, and his receptive language has been extremely good for a long time. He just has a chatty older sister who makes it hard for him to get a word in edgewise,
A good clue about intelligence is a sort of...global ahead-ness. My daughter was one of those. Ahead in just about everything. My son is too, except for speaking in sentances. He says a lot of single words (mostly sound effects) but makes his point VERY clear and expresses complex concepts through words and phrases, and his receptive language has been extremely good for a long time. He just has a chatty older sister who makes it hard for him to get a word in edgewise,
preschoolteacher 07:32 PM 09-19-2013
Michael, thanks! Gifted or not, we actually are planning on homeschooling as well. The schools in our city are overcrowded and teach to the test. Art, music, and other electives that used to be part of the classroom day are now offered as after-school activities that extend the children's school day up to 10 hours if you enroll in them. If you don't, your kid won't be getting art, music, etc. in school. There are some great private schools but like you said, tuition is comparable to a college education.
I read your wife's article. Thanks! How many years was your son home schooled for? I wonder how your wife would feel about writing an update some day! I know other providers here home school. I'm always curious about curriculum choices and how parents make it work.
Thanks for the responses everyone
I read your wife's article. Thanks! How many years was your son home schooled for? I wonder how your wife would feel about writing an update some day! I know other providers here home school. I'm always curious about curriculum choices and how parents make it work.
Thanks for the responses everyone
Michael 07:40 PM 09-19-2013
Originally Posted by preschoolteacher:
Michael, thanks! Gifted or not, we actually are planning on homeschooling as well. The schools in our city are overcrowded and teach to the test. Art, music, and other electives that used to be part of the classroom day are now offered as after-school activities that extend the children's school day up to 10 hours if you enroll in them. If you don't, your kid won't be getting art, music, etc. in school. There are some great private schools but like you said, tuition is comparable to a college education.
I read your wife's article. Thanks! How many years was your son home schooled for? I wonder how your wife would feel about writing an update some day! I know other providers here home school. I'm always curious about curriculum choices and how parents make it work.
Thanks for the responses everyone
Yes, she needs to update the article again. Jonathan was homeschooled from 8 until 13 at which time he went to the community college and now CSUN. We did both hard cover and online curriculum. We paid for tutors when we were no longer able to teach at his level. Our daughter Jessica has been homeschooled her whole life, although she is itching to go to public high school next year. (I think she watches too much Teen Wolf) School was never that much fun. Who knows, she may just like it. Michael, thanks! Gifted or not, we actually are planning on homeschooling as well. The schools in our city are overcrowded and teach to the test. Art, music, and other electives that used to be part of the classroom day are now offered as after-school activities that extend the children's school day up to 10 hours if you enroll in them. If you don't, your kid won't be getting art, music, etc. in school. There are some great private schools but like you said, tuition is comparable to a college education.
I read your wife's article. Thanks! How many years was your son home schooled for? I wonder how your wife would feel about writing an update some day! I know other providers here home school. I'm always curious about curriculum choices and how parents make it work.
Thanks for the responses everyone
If you need suggestions for online schooling, let me know. Not all states are kind to homeschooling. We have quite a few threads on it: https://www.daycare.com/forum/tags.php?tag=homeschool
Suggest you join The Home School Legal Defense Association http://www.hslda.org/
Angelsj 08:14 PM 09-19-2013
I also have one of those...well actually three of them.
But the one I was referring to was my dd 17. She is a junior in college, only because I held her back as much as possible, to allow her to emotionally mature. She tested just under 180 IQ at the age of two, and about 165 at the age of 10.
She was speaking in full sentences IN TWO LANGUAGES by the age of 10 months. She now speaks four languages fluently, and another five less fluently.
Best advice. teach wide. Don't try to make him go up as much as possible, because you may not ever get there. Nothing we gave her challenged her. She has still not found anything that does, and she began college courses at 14.
But teach wide and deep. Let him explore what interests him, deeply and fully. Encourage him to look into subjects fully, and into subjects that are deep and "adult" if he wants.
My children have explored complex physics and chemistry problems by the age of three, the concept of infinity at the age of four and the depths of calculus before they were 10. Let them go, give them lots of opportunity, and watch them fly!
But the one I was referring to was my dd 17. She is a junior in college, only because I held her back as much as possible, to allow her to emotionally mature. She tested just under 180 IQ at the age of two, and about 165 at the age of 10.
She was speaking in full sentences IN TWO LANGUAGES by the age of 10 months. She now speaks four languages fluently, and another five less fluently.
Best advice. teach wide. Don't try to make him go up as much as possible, because you may not ever get there. Nothing we gave her challenged her. She has still not found anything that does, and she began college courses at 14.
But teach wide and deep. Let him explore what interests him, deeply and fully. Encourage him to look into subjects fully, and into subjects that are deep and "adult" if he wants.
My children have explored complex physics and chemistry problems by the age of three, the concept of infinity at the age of four and the depths of calculus before they were 10. Let them go, give them lots of opportunity, and watch them fly!
Michael 08:19 PM 09-19-2013
Originally Posted by Angelsj:
I also have one of those...well actually three of them.
But the one I was referring to was my dd 17. She is a junior in college, only because I held her back as much as possible, to allow her to emotionally mature. She tested just under 180 IQ at the age of two, and about 165 at the age of 10.
She was speaking in full sentences IN TWO LANGUAGES by the age of 10 months. She now speaks four languages fluently, and another five less fluently.
Best advice. teach wide. Don't try to make him go up as much as possible, because you may not ever get there. Nothing we gave her challenged her. She has still not found anything that does, and she began college courses at 14.
But teach wide and deep. Let him explore what interests him, deeply and fully. Encourage him to look into subjects fully, and into subjects that are deep and "adult" if he wants.
My children have explored complex physics and chemistry problems by the age of three, the concept of infinity at the age of four and the depths of calculus before they were 10. Let them go, give them lots of opportunity, and watch them fly!
I also have one of those...well actually three of them.
But the one I was referring to was my dd 17. She is a junior in college, only because I held her back as much as possible, to allow her to emotionally mature. She tested just under 180 IQ at the age of two, and about 165 at the age of 10.
She was speaking in full sentences IN TWO LANGUAGES by the age of 10 months. She now speaks four languages fluently, and another five less fluently.
Best advice. teach wide. Don't try to make him go up as much as possible, because you may not ever get there. Nothing we gave her challenged her. She has still not found anything that does, and she began college courses at 14.
But teach wide and deep. Let him explore what interests him, deeply and fully. Encourage him to look into subjects fully, and into subjects that are deep and "adult" if he wants.
My children have explored complex physics and chemistry problems by the age of three, the concept of infinity at the age of four and the depths of calculus before they were 10. Let them go, give them lots of opportunity, and watch them fly!
Stellar! Hey both you and the OP are from Minnesota. You got something in the water up there??
Cradle2crayons 08:59 PM 09-19-2013
I agree 100% to what Michael has said.
I knew my daughter was gifted very young as well. The ADHD and oer abbreviation diagnoses threw us off track a little.
It's very difficult to keep her on track and if she's bored oh my gosh!!!
I really had no idea she was truly gifted until they did her ADHD testing at age 3 and did an iq test as part of the assessment. The number really surprised me. Not quite as high as michaels genius but very close.
Honestly I was clueless how to deal with her, the genius with all of the abbreviations!! I homeschooled her for a while too until I found this local public school that caters to the smarter children. It's been a true blessing!!
My son is adopted and while I haven't had him tested yet, I see the signs with him also. He's a very very fast learner and I'm already hearing he's bored in kindy. S I've taken over doing some extras with him to keep him interested. He doesn't have any abbreviations, thank goodness so this is a little different as far as dealing with his gifted ness (is that a word lol)
My advice. Always keep them interested. Take their interests and run with them. Don't allow their schools to dumb them down to meet some invisible number. Don't treat him different socially because a lot of gifted children are already treated different developmentally and intellectually. Be sure he spends a lot of time with his own age group.
I knew my daughter was gifted very young as well. The ADHD and oer abbreviation diagnoses threw us off track a little.
It's very difficult to keep her on track and if she's bored oh my gosh!!!
I really had no idea she was truly gifted until they did her ADHD testing at age 3 and did an iq test as part of the assessment. The number really surprised me. Not quite as high as michaels genius but very close.
Honestly I was clueless how to deal with her, the genius with all of the abbreviations!! I homeschooled her for a while too until I found this local public school that caters to the smarter children. It's been a true blessing!!
My son is adopted and while I haven't had him tested yet, I see the signs with him also. He's a very very fast learner and I'm already hearing he's bored in kindy. S I've taken over doing some extras with him to keep him interested. He doesn't have any abbreviations, thank goodness so this is a little different as far as dealing with his gifted ness (is that a word lol)
My advice. Always keep them interested. Take their interests and run with them. Don't allow their schools to dumb them down to meet some invisible number. Don't treat him different socially because a lot of gifted children are already treated different developmentally and intellectually. Be sure he spends a lot of time with his own age group.
Michael 11:12 PM 09-19-2013
Originally Posted by Cradle2crayons:
I agree 100% to what Michael has said.
I knew my daughter was gifted very young as well. The ADHD and oer abbreviation diagnoses threw us off track a little.
It's very difficult to keep her on track and if she's bored oh my gosh!!!
I really had no idea she was truly gifted until they did her ADHD testing at age 3 and did an iq test as part of the assessment. The number really surprised me. Not quite as high as michaels genius but very close.
Honestly I was clueless how to deal with her, the genius with all of the abbreviations!! I homeschooled her for a while too until I found this local public school that caters to the smarter children. It's been a true blessing!!
My son is adopted and while I haven't had him tested yet, I see the signs with him also. He's a very very fast learner and I'm already hearing he's bored in kindy. S I've taken over doing some extras with him to keep him interested. He doesn't have any abbreviations, thank goodness so this is a little different as far as dealing with his gifted ness (is that a word lol)
My advice. Always keep them interested. Take their interests and run with them. Don't allow their schools to dumb them down to meet some invisible number. Don't treat him different socially because a lot of gifted children are already treated different developmentally and intellectually. Be sure he spends a lot of time with his own age group.
You brought up something that I think is true for a lot of children, especially gifted children. "They" will dummy down to their environment. It is so important that they get the tools and attention they need. Only testing will give parents an idea of what their needs are. We had no clue. This was the first school Jonathan went to at 6 years: http://www.mirman.org/admissions/testingI agree 100% to what Michael has said.
I knew my daughter was gifted very young as well. The ADHD and oer abbreviation diagnoses threw us off track a little.
It's very difficult to keep her on track and if she's bored oh my gosh!!!
I really had no idea she was truly gifted until they did her ADHD testing at age 3 and did an iq test as part of the assessment. The number really surprised me. Not quite as high as michaels genius but very close.
Honestly I was clueless how to deal with her, the genius with all of the abbreviations!! I homeschooled her for a while too until I found this local public school that caters to the smarter children. It's been a true blessing!!
My son is adopted and while I haven't had him tested yet, I see the signs with him also. He's a very very fast learner and I'm already hearing he's bored in kindy. S I've taken over doing some extras with him to keep him interested. He doesn't have any abbreviations, thank goodness so this is a little different as far as dealing with his gifted ness (is that a word lol)
My advice. Always keep them interested. Take their interests and run with them. Don't allow their schools to dumb them down to meet some invisible number. Don't treat him different socially because a lot of gifted children are already treated different developmentally and intellectually. Be sure he spends a lot of time with his own age group.
Some good reading: http://www.tip.duke.edu/node/809
http://ideas.time.com/2013/04/25/the...-gifted-child/
Cradle2crayons 01:36 AM 09-20-2013
Originally Posted by Michael:
You brought up something that I think is true for a lot of children, especially gifted children. "They" will dummy down to their environment. It is so important that they get the tools and attention they need. Only testing will give parents an idea of what their needs are. We had no clue. This was the first school Jonathan went to at 6 years: http://www.mirman.org/admissions/testing
Some good reading: http://www.tip.duke.edu/node/809
http://ideas.time.com/2013/04/25/the...-gifted-child/
Yes, I discovered this when she was in preschool. At the time, she was an only child and her ADHD doc encouraged socialization with others her age.You brought up something that I think is true for a lot of children, especially gifted children. "They" will dummy down to their environment. It is so important that they get the tools and attention they need. Only testing will give parents an idea of what their needs are. We had no clue. This was the first school Jonathan went to at 6 years: http://www.mirman.org/admissions/testing
Some good reading: http://www.tip.duke.edu/node/809
http://ideas.time.com/2013/04/25/the...-gifted-child/
So, we paid a ton of money to send her to a private preschool.
The point of sending her there was really just to be around others and keep her mind busy.
By the end of the fist two weeks she would cry badly at drop off. I thought it was just because she was used to being home with me, the. I heard the I'm bored, and I thought there's no way!!
Then I would get calls be a use she was inconsolable.
After some digging, I discovered that they were not even giving her school work at ALL. I confronted them and I was told that the others were just learning colors and the typical stuff for her age and she was BORED. Apparently she had been asking for abc papers and they refused because the others weren't ready for that. They refused to give her books because the others couldn't read at all.
At interview, they appeared to understand her level and said they'd move her to the four year old room or give her extra work to keep her on track. But in the end, they refused because she was outside the norm.
After it was all said and done, she was inconsolable if left with anyone else. For a while, she didn't want to do any work like before because she said she was stupid?? I had no idea where she got that from except at that preschool.
It really harmed her by sending her there and I was really angry.
Apparently they assumed because she had abbreviations, that she was stupid and incapable of learning. I never for sure found out if they CALLED her stupid or not. But since nobody else had ever said that to her or made her feel hat way I can only assume what they did to her there.
When it was time for kindy and first grade, I did my research. I talked to a lot of parents who said that x school or y school only taught what was on state testing. Or z school had this or that wrong. So I homeschooled her.
Then for second grade, we moved back here, where I grew up, and I found this public school. And I was impressed. And she's been there for two years and she's THRIVING.
She does, however prefer homeschool and we have offered her that option after fifth grade, if she still wants it. I understand why she prefers it, but because we live in the middle of nowhere without any real homeschooling association options that we like, I knew that school was a better option during the young years, now we are involved in sports and youth extra activities and the social aspect will be covered in the future.
Angelsj 03:59 AM 09-20-2013
Originally Posted by Michael:
Stellar! Hey both you and the OP are from Minnesota. You got something in the water up there??
LOL Possibly. We certainly have enough "water" up here. Stellar! Hey both you and the OP are from Minnesota. You got something in the water up there??
Unregistered 04:03 AM 09-20-2013
Great thing is at his age you just need to love him up and provide him with an environment he can explore in. Observe his play. Record his milestones for the next while. It helps when answering questions later if you have things documented. Do some reading on raising a gifted child. They can have some unique quirks Keep him well rounded. Sometimes they need extra help with their social and emotional growth.
Have fun and enjoy him. It is certainly never boring raising a gifted child. Also find someone you are able to talk with about him. It can be a bit isolating at times, as you learn other parents around you may interpret your talk about him as bragging.
Keep him well rounded. Sometimes they need extra help with their social and emotional growth. Have fun and enjoy him. It is certainly never boring raising a gifted child. Also find someone you are able to talk with about him. It can be a bit isolating at times, as you learn other parents around you may interpret your talk about him as bragging.
EntropyControlSpecialist 05:54 AM 09-20-2013
What a smart little guy!
Heidi 06:06 AM 09-20-2013
I've found this website to have tons of resources.
http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/
Homeschooling is an awesome option, because gifted children are often asynchronous in their development. They may be gifted intellectually, a little slower physically, or awkward socially. Or, shall I say appear awkward socially because they prefer the company of older people.
If you advance them based on their intellect, they don't "fit in" physically and often get treated like class pets. If you hold them back, they don't excel and sometimes have trouble making friends, or worse yet; cause trouble or shut down.
Read Stephanie Tolan's cheetah metaphor (I think it's on Hoagies somewhere, Google it).
I agree that giving him exposure to as many experiences; art, music, language, science, math; is your best bet. From what I've read, your approach seems largely play based and you provide all that anyway. Even if he's not officially gifted, you can't hurt him by giving him more experiences, so it's win-win.
http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/
Homeschooling is an awesome option, because gifted children are often asynchronous in their development. They may be gifted intellectually, a little slower physically, or awkward socially. Or, shall I say appear awkward socially because they prefer the company of older people.
If you advance them based on their intellect, they don't "fit in" physically and often get treated like class pets. If you hold them back, they don't excel and sometimes have trouble making friends, or worse yet; cause trouble or shut down.
Read Stephanie Tolan's cheetah metaphor (I think it's on Hoagies somewhere, Google it).
I agree that giving him exposure to as many experiences; art, music, language, science, math; is your best bet. From what I've read, your approach seems largely play based and you provide all that anyway. Even if he's not officially gifted, you can't hurt him by giving him more experiences, so it's win-win.
KIDZRMYBIZ 07:25 AM 09-20-2013
We, too, thought we must have spawned a genius with our first child! He was amazing in every facet...crawling up on all-fours at 6mos, RUNNING! at 10mos, and his vocabulary, knowledge of all things marine (he loved, loved, loved all things ocean), and his imagination was uncanny! We even videotaped him at 20mos reciting the alphabet, counting to 100, singing every nursery rhyme under the sun, and quizzing him on his vast knowledge, because we were sure we would question our memory of his abilities at such a young age. Plus, he has always been big for his age (9 1/2 lbs at birth, 5'7" now at age 12). He has always been the sweetest child I've ever known-which I credit much to the home daycare environment. We were then, and still are, enormously proud of him.
We quickly realized that while he is very smart, it's his memory recall that is to credit. His grandfather does have a photographic memory, so I think he must have inherited a nice brain from him. We've never had him tested, nor do we insist on upper-placement classes at school. School curriculum is a cinch for him with a 4.0+ GPA. When he is in high-school, he can choose to take AP classes if he wants to. Right now, we want him to just be a kid and enjoy it-he has his whole adult life to stress out.
That said, I've had a few other DCKs that are smart like him and your boy. They really are neat kids!
We quickly realized that while he is very smart, it's his memory recall that is to credit. His grandfather does have a photographic memory, so I think he must have inherited a nice brain from him. We've never had him tested, nor do we insist on upper-placement classes at school. School curriculum is a cinch for him with a 4.0+ GPA. When he is in high-school, he can choose to take AP classes if he wants to. Right now, we want him to just be a kid and enjoy it-he has his whole adult life to stress out.
That said, I've had a few other DCKs that are smart like him and your boy. They really are neat kids!
SilverSabre25 07:34 AM 09-20-2013
With my gifted daughter, I knew all along that she was much brighter than average. Last summer as she was working on learning to read, all directed by her, at age 4.5 (not uber early of course but I had never pushed it) I gradually became aware that my choices were: Get her tested into kindergarten a year early, or homeschool her. She wasn't "supposed" to do kindy until this year, but I knew last summer that she was already ahead of the game and waiting would be MORe than detrimental.
So we got her tested. She passed with flying colors (scored a 125, only needed a 115 to pass, and I think on that test the genius threshold is 135) and started kindergarten. She seemed to love it, but looking back she was bored from day one. Everything was SO easy. She did make the jump from sounding out to READING but I'm not sure if she was just ready to make that jump or if the school helped. She never struggled with a single assignment she brought home, never struggled with a single "Guided reading" book.
I spoke with other parents of academically advanced kids and they all said the same thing: this school does NOT have the resources to meet the needs of the gifted kids. They pull from a low-SES area with lots of ELL kids and just don't have the time to dedicate to the kids that are far ahead of the rest of the class. and since she was already technically skipped a grade, they would be hesitant to send her to other classrooms for various subjects.
Because of the school's performance we are allowed to open enroll her anywhere in the district...but we have to provide transportation and are incapable of doing that (hello, daycare!) so I made the decision to homeschool.
And it took most of the summer...but the bright, shining girl she was before kindy came back. Her anxiety mostly melted away. The behavior issues abated. She made leaps and bounds of progress and started to speak with the more advanced sentance structure that had faded during the year. Looking back, she wasn't happy in public school. She couldn't relate to anyone in her class on an intellectual level, and they had very different life experiences than her. She was bullied repeatedly last year by various kids and each time, I brought my concerns to the school and they worked with me and helped to stop it but no sooner did we stop one then more were starting. She just attracted them like i did...largely for being unable to hide how smart she is.
I'm not saying homeschooling is the only answer because it certainly isn't! I guess i'm trying to warn you (or anyone) about choosing the RIGHT school.
So we got her tested. She passed with flying colors (scored a 125, only needed a 115 to pass, and I think on that test the genius threshold is 135) and started kindergarten. She seemed to love it, but looking back she was bored from day one. Everything was SO easy. She did make the jump from sounding out to READING but I'm not sure if she was just ready to make that jump or if the school helped. She never struggled with a single assignment she brought home, never struggled with a single "Guided reading" book.
I spoke with other parents of academically advanced kids and they all said the same thing: this school does NOT have the resources to meet the needs of the gifted kids. They pull from a low-SES area with lots of ELL kids and just don't have the time to dedicate to the kids that are far ahead of the rest of the class. and since she was already technically skipped a grade, they would be hesitant to send her to other classrooms for various subjects.
Because of the school's performance we are allowed to open enroll her anywhere in the district...but we have to provide transportation and are incapable of doing that (hello, daycare!) so I made the decision to homeschool.
And it took most of the summer...but the bright, shining girl she was before kindy came back. Her anxiety mostly melted away. The behavior issues abated. She made leaps and bounds of progress and started to speak with the more advanced sentance structure that had faded during the year. Looking back, she wasn't happy in public school. She couldn't relate to anyone in her class on an intellectual level, and they had very different life experiences than her. She was bullied repeatedly last year by various kids and each time, I brought my concerns to the school and they worked with me and helped to stop it but no sooner did we stop one then more were starting. She just attracted them like i did...largely for being unable to hide how smart she is.
I'm not saying homeschooling is the only answer because it certainly isn't! I guess i'm trying to warn you (or anyone) about choosing the RIGHT school.
harperluu 08:21 AM 09-20-2013
Originally Posted by Michael:
Stellar! Hey both you and the OP are from Minnesota. You got something in the water up there??
My son was identified as twice exceptional at the age of 8 (gifted with a learning disability) and we are also from MN. I personally believe he's a strong visual/spatial learner. He is now 9 years old and reads at a 9th grade level, but can barely string two words together to write a sentence. Our principal, special ed and gifted office have really helped make sure he has a good teacher fit each year and is receiving the help he needs. I'm sure other states are great, but I think MN does such an exceptional job in accommodating many different learning styles and challenges. Stellar! Hey both you and the OP are from Minnesota. You got something in the water up there??
OP: Keep talking to that baby of yours. Use lots of words and don't dumb down your speech. My children were all advanced verbally (a little behind on gross motor skills) and when I hear my 4 year old daughter use the word doppelganger correctly in a sentence, I feel like I must be doing something right by enriching their language everyday.
Leanna 09:56 AM 09-20-2013
I have a question that is slightly OT and may seem mean, but I truly don't mean it that way. So many parents nowadays claim to have a "gifted" child or a specially talented child. Yes, there are lots of gifted kids but not every child can be gifted or have a truly exceptional talent or then the word "gifted" would be meaningless. I know all parents think their child is special (as they should) but it isn't appropriate for them to throw around the word "gifted." I have interviewed parents of infants who have said, "Well, our baby is gifted so how will you support that in your program?" I look at the child and he is a six month old asleep with his blanky - a "regular" baby! Ummmmm....
Parents these days seem to think that their child has to be exceptional and that having a typical, happy, healthy child is not ok. It is ok! In fact we should be celebrating that! Being gifted and talented is awesome but so is being a regular kid! How do you tell parents: Hey your kid is great! He is smart and funny and is great at some things....but he's not gifted?
Parents these days seem to think that their child has to be exceptional and that having a typical, happy, healthy child is not ok. It is ok! In fact we should be celebrating that! Being gifted and talented is awesome but so is being a regular kid! How do you tell parents: Hey your kid is great! He is smart and funny and is great at some things....but he's not gifted?
Scout 10:04 AM 09-20-2013
He sounds so much like my son!
He turned 2 the last week in June and is so dang smart! On his 24 mo check up survey I snickered at the question, "does your child say 2 word sentences?" because he always says 5-6 word sentences! He plays so well with others, knows how to hit a baseball off a tee, golfs(as well as a 2 yo would
), gets in the little tykes car and says "I go momucks(gma)". If he would spill something he would wipe it up at about 18 mos old. Now he tells me "I pooped, change me!" but, has no interest in the potty yet!
It is so fun to watch them learn and grow when they are so verbal at a young age!
He turned 2 the last week in June and is so dang smart! On his 24 mo check up survey I snickered at the question, "does your child say 2 word sentences?" because he always says 5-6 word sentences! He plays so well with others, knows how to hit a baseball off a tee, golfs(as well as a 2 yo would), gets in the little tykes car and says "I go momucks(gma)". If he would spill something he would wipe it up at about 18 mos old. Now he tells me "I pooped, change me!" but, has no interest in the potty yet! It is so fun to watch them learn and grow when they are so verbal at a young age!
harperluu 10:10 AM 09-20-2013
Originally Posted by Leanna:
I have a question that is slightly OT and may seem mean, but I truly don't mean it that way. So many parents nowadays claim to have a "gifted" child or a specially talented child. Yes, there are lots of gifted kids but not every child can be gifted or have a truly exceptional talent or then the word "gifted" would be meaningless. I know all parents think their child is special (as they should) but it isn't appropriate for them to throw around the word "gifted." I have interviewed parents of infants who have said, "Well, our baby is gifted so how will you support that in your program?" I look at the child and he is a six month old asleep with his blanky - a "regular" baby! Ummmmm....
Parents these days seem to think that their child has to be exceptional and that having a typical, happy, healthy child is not ok. It is ok! In fact we should be celebrating that! Being gifted and talented is awesome but so is being a regular kid! How do you tell parents: Hey your kid is great! He is smart and funny and is great at some things....but he's not gifted?
I think they'll get a dose of reality once their child starts school. Or they won't. Just smile and nod. While I posted earlier that my son is identified as gifted, he is fairly average in lots of things like math. And he behaves just like a regular 9 year old most of the time. He loves soccer but isn't particularly good at it. That's okay too. I have a question that is slightly OT and may seem mean, but I truly don't mean it that way. So many parents nowadays claim to have a "gifted" child or a specially talented child. Yes, there are lots of gifted kids but not every child can be gifted or have a truly exceptional talent or then the word "gifted" would be meaningless. I know all parents think their child is special (as they should) but it isn't appropriate for them to throw around the word "gifted." I have interviewed parents of infants who have said, "Well, our baby is gifted so how will you support that in your program?" I look at the child and he is a six month old asleep with his blanky - a "regular" baby! Ummmmm....
Parents these days seem to think that their child has to be exceptional and that having a typical, happy, healthy child is not ok. It is ok! In fact we should be celebrating that! Being gifted and talented is awesome but so is being a regular kid! How do you tell parents: Hey your kid is great! He is smart and funny and is great at some things....but he's not gifted?
When they pose a particular question like how will your program foster his giftedness, just explain all of the things you would normally do for all babies.
SilverSabre25 10:17 AM 09-20-2013
Originally Posted by Leanna:
Parents these days seem to think that their child has to be exceptional and that having a typical, happy, healthy child is not ok. It is ok! In fact we should be celebrating that! Being gifted and talented is awesome but so is being a regular kid! How do you tell parents: Hey your kid is great! He is smart and funny and is great at some things....but he's not gifted?
You don't Parents these days seem to think that their child has to be exceptional and that having a typical, happy, healthy child is not ok. It is ok! In fact we should be celebrating that! Being gifted and talented is awesome but so is being a regular kid! How do you tell parents: Hey your kid is great! He is smart and funny and is great at some things....but he's not gifted?
You just smile and say something noncommitally supportive and positive. "I support every child at exactly the developmental stage they are in at any given time." There is a HUGE bias in our country/society against the intelligent people. It's just not considered socially acceptable to say that your child is bright or smart or gifted with regards to academics. But it IS okay to have a physically gifted child. It's highly desireable in fact. even musically gifted is more acceptable than academically gifted. You don't see people with bumper stickers that say "my dauchsand is a better athlete than your varsity quarterback!" or "My Chihuahua is a better musician than your flautist!" but you DO see "My kid can beat up your honor student" and "My dog is a better student than your Honor student" and all sorts of other really derogatory and insulting things regarding smart kids. You post something on Facebook about your child being bright and you get slammed. Hell even threads like this on many forums inevitably turn into an arguement about how no one's child can POSSIBLY be truly academically gifted, or a genius, or whatever.
not to pick on you...but just to say...there is a bias. So tread carefully. You're right that a lot of parents (usually first time parents) try to say that theirs is the SMARTEST baby EVER in the WORLD because she is holding her own bottle at six months, or crawling at 8 months, or pointing at pictures of dogs and saying "woof" at ten months...all perfectly normal things. or worse the parents whose child is truly delayed and the parents insist that they are SOooooo gifted.
it's a tough road to walk. And trust me...being gifted, being smart...isnt' as much of a picnic as one might imagine. And PARENTING these super smart kids is just as difficult...you may not fight with bad grades (or you might...because they might be so bored they aren't doing the work) but you fight with kids who are able to give you well reasoned and logical arguements about why they shouldn't have to go to bed yet or why they should be allowed to have a cookie ten minutes before dinner.
KIDZRMYBIZ 10:21 AM 09-20-2013
Originally Posted by Leanna:
Parents these days seem to think that their child has to be exceptional and that having a typical, happy, healthy child is not ok. It is ok! In fact we should be celebrating that! Being gifted and talented is awesome but so is being a regular kid!
Parents these days seem to think that their child has to be exceptional and that having a typical, happy, healthy child is not ok. It is ok! In fact we should be celebrating that! Being gifted and talented is awesome but so is being a regular kid!
Right on, Sister!That is exactly why we don't pursue "special" treatment at school and/or put our child through testing. He's smart. We know it, and that's enough. He will totally excel in life and do anything he wants without us insanely pushing him because he IS smart. We see it with friends and neighbors-their kids can't come out to play or socialize much because of the loads of homework or instrument practice they have to do. And those kids seem so stressed out. Many parents live so vicariously through their children or seek attention for having a "special" child. No thanks. I will live my life and allow my child to live his own, too.
Unregistered 10:39 AM 09-20-2013
Another not seeking special or attention here. Our child was home with me until she started school. I've never approached her teachers on this. I've always waited until they approached me.
In our district they do not do testing until grade four. Teachers have strongly suggested getting testing done then, and for us to consider a move to another school. At this point I'm willing to consider the testing, but can't help but think it will answer what we already know. We know our child is bright and that academics have always come very easy to her. I think a move to another school would be detrimental to her. I wish to consider the whole child as she is. I think a move would be huge set back emotionally and socially. I don't know the right answer yet. At this point I just take each year as it comes, observe, be involved and keep an open mind. We have also had the luck of having great teachers so far that have made extra efforts to program for her in the classroom.
In our district they do not do testing until grade four. Teachers have strongly suggested getting testing done then, and for us to consider a move to another school. At this point I'm willing to consider the testing, but can't help but think it will answer what we already know. We know our child is bright and that academics have always come very easy to her. I think a move to another school would be detrimental to her. I wish to consider the whole child as she is. I think a move would be huge set back emotionally and socially. I don't know the right answer yet. At this point I just take each year as it comes, observe, be involved and keep an open mind. We have also had the luck of having great teachers so far that have made extra efforts to program for her in the classroom.
AcornMama 10:54 AM 09-20-2013
I think it's important to remember the multiple intelligences theory. My first born (girl) was/is your typical over-achiever first born in terms of verbal intelligence. We homeschool, but never thought she was gifted on the level to require testing or anything. We just fed her what she needs. She's always had a brilliant mind for language and literature, and later we discovered her natural disposition for music. But math and logical thinking? Nope, not her thing.
One of my other kiddos would be the boy in school driving the teachers crazy and sending him for medication to calm him down. He's not a "gifted" student...struggles with age appropriate spelling and writing, for example. But his mind is incredibly gifted/inclined toward spatial skills. Building things and taking things apart and knowing how they work and such.
Anyway, I just wanted to add that yes, some kids are clearly academically gifted and benefit from specialized courses of instruction. However, with enough time and space to grow and explore (yes, that's my shameless plug for homeschooling) observant and involved parents will likely see some area of giftedness manifest in their child. Just remember that it might not be what is typically tested for. It could be musical or interpersonal or ???
One of my other kiddos would be the boy in school driving the teachers crazy and sending him for medication to calm him down. He's not a "gifted" student...struggles with age appropriate spelling and writing, for example. But his mind is incredibly gifted/inclined toward spatial skills. Building things and taking things apart and knowing how they work and such.
Anyway, I just wanted to add that yes, some kids are clearly academically gifted and benefit from specialized courses of instruction. However, with enough time and space to grow and explore (yes, that's my shameless plug for homeschooling) observant and involved parents will likely see some area of giftedness manifest in their child. Just remember that it might not be what is typically tested for. It could be musical or interpersonal or ???
Clara 10:58 AM 09-20-2013
Above is a lot of good advice.. Thrilled that you realized it at such an early age!
I have found parents of higher intelligent kids have quite a job advocating for their child's education.
I have an 2 year old Great Grand. All that spend time with realize she is far ahead in language and oral comprehension.
Her parents are having her tested by early education professionals that was recommended by the local elementary school. She met the Vice Principle at church 3 weeks ago. He and his wife substituted for the Sunday School teacher. When her parents picked her up He spoke with them and the ball has been rolling ever since.
A genius, I don't think so but intelligent - Yes.
All that said to say go by the elementary school and talk with them.
I have found parents of higher intelligent kids have quite a job advocating for their child's education.
I have an 2 year old Great Grand. All that spend time with realize she is far ahead in language and oral comprehension.
Her parents are having her tested by early education professionals that was recommended by the local elementary school. She met the Vice Principle at church 3 weeks ago. He and his wife substituted for the Sunday School teacher. When her parents picked her up He spoke with them and the ball has been rolling ever since.
A genius, I don't think so but intelligent - Yes.
All that said to say
go by the elementary school and talk with them.
Leanna 11:02 AM 09-20-2013
Originally Posted by SilverSabre25:
You don't You just smile and say something noncommitally supportive and positive. "I support every child at exactly the developmental stage they are in at any given time."
There is a HUGE bias in our country/society against the intelligent people. It's just not considered socially acceptable to say that your child is bright or smart or gifted with regards to academics. But it IS okay to have a physically gifted child. It's highly desireable in fact. even musically gifted is more acceptable than academically gifted. You don't see people with bumper stickers that say "my dauchsand is a better athlete than your varsity quarterback!" or "My Chihuahua is a better musician than your flautist!" but you DO see "My kid can beat up your honor student" and "My dog is a better student than your Honor student" and all sorts of other really derogatory and insulting things regarding smart kids. You post something on Facebook about your child being bright and you get slammed. Hell even threads like this on many forums inevitably turn into an arguement about how no one's child can POSSIBLY be truly academically gifted, or a genius, or whatever.
not to pick on you...but just to say...there is a bias. So tread carefully. You're right that a lot of parents (usually first time parents) try to say that theirs is the SMARTEST baby EVER in the WORLD because she is holding her own bottle at six months, or crawling at 8 months, or pointing at pictures of dogs and saying "woof" at ten months...all perfectly normal things. or worse the parents whose child is truly delayed and the parents insist that they are SOooooo gifted.
it's a tough road to walk. And trust me...being gifted, being smart...isnt' as much of a picnic as one might imagine. And PARENTING these super smart kids is just as difficult...you may not fight with bad grades (or you might...because they might be so bored they aren't doing the work) but you fight with kids who are able to give you well reasoned and logical arguements about why they shouldn't have to go to bed yet or why they should be allowed to have a cookie ten minutes before dinner.
I agree with you on some aspects...like the fact that it is not easy being a gifted child OR a parent of a gifted child. Besides struggling to get an appropriate education, the social issues can be overwhelming. However, from what I've seen, the bias against smart/gifted kids is more of a peer issue - kids teasing and bullying other kids for being smart, truly gifted kids trying to hide their talents to fit in, etc. Parents in our area seem to push academics fiercely. You would never see a bumper sticker like that here!You don't
You just smile and say something noncommitally supportive and positive. "I support every child at exactly the developmental stage they are in at any given time." There is a HUGE bias in our country/society against the intelligent people. It's just not considered socially acceptable to say that your child is bright or smart or gifted with regards to academics. But it IS okay to have a physically gifted child. It's highly desireable in fact. even musically gifted is more acceptable than academically gifted. You don't see people with bumper stickers that say "my dauchsand is a better athlete than your varsity quarterback!" or "My Chihuahua is a better musician than your flautist!" but you DO see "My kid can beat up your honor student" and "My dog is a better student than your Honor student" and all sorts of other really derogatory and insulting things regarding smart kids. You post something on Facebook about your child being bright and you get slammed. Hell even threads like this on many forums inevitably turn into an arguement about how no one's child can POSSIBLY be truly academically gifted, or a genius, or whatever.
not to pick on you...but just to say...there is a bias. So tread carefully. You're right that a lot of parents (usually first time parents) try to say that theirs is the SMARTEST baby EVER in the WORLD because she is holding her own bottle at six months, or crawling at 8 months, or pointing at pictures of dogs and saying "woof" at ten months...all perfectly normal things. or worse the parents whose child is truly delayed and the parents insist that they are SOooooo gifted.
it's a tough road to walk. And trust me...being gifted, being smart...isnt' as much of a picnic as one might imagine. And PARENTING these super smart kids is just as difficult...you may not fight with bad grades (or you might...because they might be so bored they aren't doing the work) but you fight with kids who are able to give you well reasoned and logical arguements about why they shouldn't have to go to bed yet or why they should be allowed to have a cookie ten minutes before dinner.
SilverSabre25 11:04 AM 09-20-2013
Originally Posted by Leanna:
I agree with you on some aspects...like the fact that it is not easy being a gifted child OR a parent of a gifted child. Besides struggling to get an appropriate education, the social issues can be overwhelming. However, from what I've seen, the bias against smart/gifted kids is more of a peer issue - kids teasing and bullying other kids for being smart, truly gifted kids trying to hide their talents to fit in, etc. Parents in our area seem to push academics fiercely. You would never see a bumper sticker like that here!
Lucky... I agree with you on some aspects...like the fact that it is not easy being a gifted child OR a parent of a gifted child. Besides struggling to get an appropriate education, the social issues can be overwhelming. However, from what I've seen, the bias against smart/gifted kids is more of a peer issue - kids teasing and bullying other kids for being smart, truly gifted kids trying to hide their talents to fit in, etc. Parents in our area seem to push academics fiercely. You would never see a bumper sticker like that here!
preschoolteacher 11:23 AM 09-20-2013
Originally Posted by KMK:
We quickly realized that while he is very smart, it's his memory recall that is to credit. His grandfather does have a photographic memory, so I think he must have inherited a nice brain from him.
This is so interesting! I never considered this. My husband has always said that he has a photographic memory. He is an engineer and always claimed to do so well on his exams in college because when he had to remember a formula, he could just remember exactly what it looked like written down on the whiteboard or from his text book. We quickly realized that while he is very smart, it's his memory recall that is to credit. His grandfather does have a photographic memory, so I think he must have inherited a nice brain from him.
Even now, I'll ask him where something went and he'll tell me... oh yeah, I saw it on the third shelf in the garage next to the garbage bags. When did you see it? I don't know, a few weeks ago?? Ha!
preschoolteacher 11:34 AM 09-20-2013
I've been pouring over this thread. Thanks for all of the comments. So many of you have really interesting stories about working with gifted kids, and it makes me feel really inspired to keep looking into homeschooling.
I love the advice about teaching wide and deep. I really agree with that, philosophically. My interest is in project-based homeschooling based on the child's passion and interests and a living books method (instead of text books) to teach history, social studies, and so on.
My engineer husband is on board with the idea of homeschooling, but he worries about math and science-- specifically, how will our son will learn them? Clearly these topics are really important to him (they are his passions and interests!). I am not a math person and absolutely could not teach it beyond early elementary school. As for science, my skill set is nature-based, but don't get me started on chemistry, etc.
How do you all handle math and science? I like the idea of a tutor once the child is a little older. I've read lots of things that say you don't need to learn algebra, chemistry and so on... but for my husband, that wouldn't fly. He really DID need to learn algebra to get him to where he is today in his career, and I think if we didn't teach traditional math concepts to our son he would worry that we were not properly preparing him.
I love the advice about teaching wide and deep. I really agree with that, philosophically. My interest is in project-based homeschooling based on the child's passion and interests and a living books method (instead of text books) to teach history, social studies, and so on.
My engineer husband is on board with the idea of homeschooling, but he worries about math and science-- specifically, how will our son will learn them? Clearly these topics are really important to him (they are his passions and interests!). I am not a math person and absolutely could not teach it beyond early elementary school. As for science, my skill set is nature-based, but don't get me started on chemistry, etc.
How do you all handle math and science? I like the idea of a tutor once the child is a little older. I've read lots of things that say you don't need to learn algebra, chemistry and so on... but for my husband, that wouldn't fly. He really DID need to learn algebra to get him to where he is today in his career, and I think if we didn't teach traditional math concepts to our son he would worry that we were not properly preparing him.
MotherNature 01:20 PM 09-20-2013
Originally Posted by SilverSabre25:
With my gifted daughter, I knew all along that she was much brighter than average. Last summer as she was working on learning to read, all directed by her, at age 4.5 (not uber early of course but I had never pushed it) I gradually became aware that my choices were: Get her tested into kindergarten a year early, or homeschool her. She wasn't "supposed" to do kindy until this year, but I knew last summer that she was already ahead of the game and waiting would be MORe than detrimental.
So we got her tested. She passed with flying colors (scored a 125, only needed a 115 to pass, and I think on that test the genius threshold is 135) and started kindergarten. She seemed to love it, but looking back she was bored from day one. Everything was SO easy. She did make the jump from sounding out to READING but I'm not sure if she was just ready to make that jump or if the school helped. She never struggled with a single assignment she brought home, never struggled with a single "Guided reading" book.
I spoke with other parents of academically advanced kids and they all said the same thing: this school does NOT have the resources to meet the needs of the gifted kids. They pull from a low-SES area with lots of ELL kids and just don't have the time to dedicate to the kids that are far ahead of the rest of the class. and since she was already technically skipped a grade, they would be hesitant to send her to other classrooms for various subjects.
Because of the school's performance we are allowed to open enroll her anywhere in the district...but we have to provide transportation and are incapable of doing that (hello, daycare!) so I made the decision to homeschool.
And it took most of the summer...but the bright, shining girl she was before kindy came back. Her anxiety mostly melted away. The behavior issues abated. She made leaps and bounds of progress and started to speak with the more advanced sentance structure that had faded during the year. Looking back, she wasn't happy in public school. She couldn't relate to anyone in her class on an intellectual level, and they had very different life experiences than her. She was bullied repeatedly last year by various kids and each time, I brought my concerns to the school and they worked with me and helped to stop it but no sooner did we stop one then more were starting. She just attracted them like i did...largely for being unable to hide how smart she is.
I'm not saying homeschooling is the only answer because it certainly isn't! I guess i'm trying to warn you (or anyone) about choosing the RIGHT school.
This is ringing some bells for me. I tested as gifted in the 1st grade & was extremely bored in school. I got bullied by peers & targeted by teachers when I corrected them. My kids are very bright as well. They didn't necessarily do well in standard schools. My eldest graduated from a charter school & took many college courses while there, & is now a freshman majoring in comp. programming, & my middle child got accepted to a residential high school for gifted kids & loves the challenge and being around other kids who were also the brightest in their school, and bored.With my gifted daughter, I knew all along that she was much brighter than average. Last summer as she was working on learning to read, all directed by her, at age 4.5 (not uber early of course but I had never pushed it) I gradually became aware that my choices were: Get her tested into kindergarten a year early, or homeschool her. She wasn't "supposed" to do kindy until this year, but I knew last summer that she was already ahead of the game and waiting would be MORe than detrimental.
So we got her tested. She passed with flying colors (scored a 125, only needed a 115 to pass, and I think on that test the genius threshold is 135) and started kindergarten. She seemed to love it, but looking back she was bored from day one. Everything was SO easy. She did make the jump from sounding out to READING but I'm not sure if she was just ready to make that jump or if the school helped. She never struggled with a single assignment she brought home, never struggled with a single "Guided reading" book.
I spoke with other parents of academically advanced kids and they all said the same thing: this school does NOT have the resources to meet the needs of the gifted kids. They pull from a low-SES area with lots of ELL kids and just don't have the time to dedicate to the kids that are far ahead of the rest of the class. and since she was already technically skipped a grade, they would be hesitant to send her to other classrooms for various subjects.
Because of the school's performance we are allowed to open enroll her anywhere in the district...but we have to provide transportation and are incapable of doing that (hello, daycare!) so I made the decision to homeschool.
And it took most of the summer...but the bright, shining girl she was before kindy came back. Her anxiety mostly melted away. The behavior issues abated. She made leaps and bounds of progress and started to speak with the more advanced sentance structure that had faded during the year. Looking back, she wasn't happy in public school. She couldn't relate to anyone in her class on an intellectual level, and they had very different life experiences than her. She was bullied repeatedly last year by various kids and each time, I brought my concerns to the school and they worked with me and helped to stop it but no sooner did we stop one then more were starting. She just attracted them like i did...largely for being unable to hide how smart she is.
I'm not saying homeschooling is the only answer because it certainly isn't! I guess i'm trying to warn you (or anyone) about choosing the RIGHT school.
Michael 01:37 PM 09-20-2013
Originally Posted by Leanna:
I have a question that is slightly OT and may seem mean, but I truly don't mean it that way. So many parents nowadays claim to have a "gifted" child or a specially talented child. Yes, there are lots of gifted kids but not every child can be gifted or have a truly exceptional talent or then the word "gifted" would be meaningless. I know all parents think their child is special (as they should) but it isn't appropriate for them to throw around the word "gifted." I have interviewed parents of infants who have said, "Well, our baby is gifted so how will you support that in your program?" I look at the child and he is a six month old asleep with his blanky - a "regular" baby! Ummmmm....
Parents these days seem to think that their child has to be exceptional and that having a typical, happy, healthy child is not ok. It is ok! In fact we should be celebrating that! Being gifted and talented is awesome but so is being a regular kid! How do you tell parents: Hey your kid is great! He is smart and funny and is great at some things....but he's not gifted?
That is why testing is so important. Here is LA county these are professionals that will adequately diagnose the gifted: http://www.mirman.org/admissions/tester-referralsI have a question that is slightly OT and may seem mean, but I truly don't mean it that way. So many parents nowadays claim to have a "gifted" child or a specially talented child. Yes, there are lots of gifted kids but not every child can be gifted or have a truly exceptional talent or then the word "gifted" would be meaningless. I know all parents think their child is special (as they should) but it isn't appropriate for them to throw around the word "gifted." I have interviewed parents of infants who have said, "Well, our baby is gifted so how will you support that in your program?" I look at the child and he is a six month old asleep with his blanky - a "regular" baby! Ummmmm....
Parents these days seem to think that their child has to be exceptional and that having a typical, happy, healthy child is not ok. It is ok! In fact we should be celebrating that! Being gifted and talented is awesome but so is being a regular kid! How do you tell parents: Hey your kid is great! He is smart and funny and is great at some things....but he's not gifted?
Being average/normal is also a gift. Normal always fits in. On the other hand, a gifted child will most likely be looked at as handicapped by our system. They don't fit in. It is we, the parents, that have to be the advocate or cheerleader for these children. They normally do not get the care they often need. They are special needs children. If it is diagnosed early, it can be a huge benefit to one's future possibilities. It if is not, these children will dummy down to fit in.
I started another thread where we can talk about all children called; Tell Us About YOUR Children: https://www.daycare.com/forum/showthread.php?t=65315
melskids 01:50 PM 09-20-2013
here is a link to an excellent blog. she talks mostly of childcare, but has gifted children of her own and worked with gifted children much of her career. http://auntannieschildcare.blogspot.com/ I have contacted her before, and she usually responds right away.
Michael 02:09 PM 09-20-2013
Originally Posted by preschoolteacher:
My engineer husband is on board with the idea of homeschooling, but he worries about math and science-- specifically, how will our son will learn them? Clearly these topics are really important to him (they are his passions and interests!). I am not a math person and absolutely could not teach it beyond early elementary school. As for science, my skill set is nature-based, but don't get me started on chemistry, etc.
How do you all handle math and science? I like the idea of a tutor once the child is a little older. I've read lots of things that say you don't need to learn algebra, chemistry and so on... but for my husband, that wouldn't fly. He really DID need to learn algebra to get him to where he is today in his career, and I think if we didn't teach traditional math concepts to our son he would worry that we were not properly preparing him.
I think you are worrying too much at this stage. In time your child will give you a better idea of his interests. I suggest online courses. Let your child decide. Our son chose a programming course from Australia when he was very young. You have the whole world to help you. The difference is YOU get to decide what is best. You son will help you as long as you help him to mentally grow.My engineer husband is on board with the idea of homeschooling, but he worries about math and science-- specifically, how will our son will learn them? Clearly these topics are really important to him (they are his passions and interests!). I am not a math person and absolutely could not teach it beyond early elementary school. As for science, my skill set is nature-based, but don't get me started on chemistry, etc.
How do you all handle math and science? I like the idea of a tutor once the child is a little older. I've read lots of things that say you don't need to learn algebra, chemistry and so on... but for my husband, that wouldn't fly. He really DID need to learn algebra to get him to where he is today in his career, and I think if we didn't teach traditional math concepts to our son he would worry that we were not properly preparing him.
On another note, over time you may find your child is emotionally stunted. Gifted children know more at too young an age and don't have the capacity to understand how to manage it emotionally. They should be more blissful when that young. Be aware of his fears. My wife had an ectopic surgery when Jonathan was only four. He knew exactly what it was and was telling all of our friends about it. I thought, should a child his age be worrying about something like that? My point; give him lots of security. Let him know mom and dad are taking care of everything. Constant reinforcement for his emotionally needs will set the basis for better learning.
SunnyDay 03:34 PM 09-20-2013
Originally Posted by AcornMama:
I think it's important to remember the multiple intelligences theory. My first born (girl) was/is your typical over-achiever first born in terms of verbal intelligence. We homeschool, but never thought she was gifted on the level to require testing or anything. We just fed her what she needs. She's always had a brilliant mind for language and literature, and later we discovered her natural disposition for music. But math and logical thinking? Nope, not her thing.
One of my other kiddos would be the boy in school driving the teachers crazy and sending him for medication to calm him down. He's not a "gifted" student...struggles with age appropriate spelling and writing, for example. But his mind is incredibly gifted/inclined toward spatial skills. Building things and taking things apart and knowing how they work and such.
Anyway, I just wanted to add that yes, some kids are clearly academically gifted and benefit from specialized courses of instruction. However, with enough time and space to grow and explore (yes, that's my shameless plug for homeschooling) observant and involved parents will likely see some area of giftedness manifest in their child. Just remember that it might not be what is typically tested for. It could be musical or interpersonal or ???
So true!! I think it's important to remember the multiple intelligences theory. My first born (girl) was/is your typical over-achiever first born in terms of verbal intelligence. We homeschool, but never thought she was gifted on the level to require testing or anything. We just fed her what she needs. She's always had a brilliant mind for language and literature, and later we discovered her natural disposition for music. But math and logical thinking? Nope, not her thing.
One of my other kiddos would be the boy in school driving the teachers crazy and sending him for medication to calm him down. He's not a "gifted" student...struggles with age appropriate spelling and writing, for example. But his mind is incredibly gifted/inclined toward spatial skills. Building things and taking things apart and knowing how they work and such.
Anyway, I just wanted to add that yes, some kids are clearly academically gifted and benefit from specialized courses of instruction. However, with enough time and space to grow and explore (yes, that's my shameless plug for homeschooling) observant and involved parents will likely see some area of giftedness manifest in their child. Just remember that it might not be what is typically tested for. It could be musical or interpersonal or ???