Academic Enrichment Programs

Couple of thoughts...
1. New York State does not recognize "giftedness" for special education purposes, so do not request testing through the school. There is no need for you to know your son's IQ score , which is all the information you will gain. This testing is extensive and time consuming. Unless you feel that your son has an educationally disabling condition, the testing is not necessary. You can always elect to do so privately if you want the information.

2. Skipping grade levels is not always beneficial. While your son is academically advanced right now, socially he is likely to struggle with older children. It may not seem like a big deal for an 8 yr old to be in classes with 10 and 11 yr olds, but it is a big deal to have your 10 yr old with teens. Developmentally, very challenging and often causes social isolation and major social problems in middle and high school. Will you allow him to extend his curfew at age 11 or be in a car with a 16 yr old when he's 13?

3. Look into the local community colleges and universities. Many offer "kiddie college" opportunities after school and in the summer. I have seen courses in science, art, music and other enrichment opportunities. You are more likely to have him "skipped" a grade in an afterschool program than in his school.

This one is going to be up to you to explore. At this time, school districts are largely reducing programs and are not likely to add enrichment opportunities in the near future. Keep in mind that you can make anything you do into a learning opportunity.

You can also speak with the teachers and ask if they are able to differentiate for your son. Many teachers think that gifted kids need "more" when in actuality they need "different". For example, when the third graders are doing a research project on ecosystems, ask the teacher to enhance the assignemtnt for your son. Maybe he can explore how rainforests and deserts are similar and different rather than researching one or the other. His presentation could be more complex and extensive.

I'm probably no help here, but my advice is to just let your 8 year old be an 8 year old. Schools push kids too hard, too early these days. Kids need time for slacking off, outdoor play, reading on their own, watching tv, etc. Everything in moderation. I know this is not what you asked but just thought I'd give another view. Good luck to you.

Hi M.,

I can't answer your questions specifically about a program, but I can tell you what we are doing. My youngest daugter is very advanced as well. We homeschool her. She is able to go at her own pace which is sometimes at warp speed. It has been a blessing for us because she is getting so much more at home and we can study whatever we want. We have a group that we are connected with so we lots of field trips and gatherings. She is just thriving. It is fantastic that you can make your own hours with your work. I work around my kids too. If you think that homeschooling might be a possibility for you, I would love to tell you more about it. There's nothing in it for me, except that I get to help someone else. Feel free to contact me anytime if you are curious about it.

Blessings,
T. E.
www.LiveWellShopSmart.com
www.LovinLifeWithHomeBiz.com

HI M.
I know you were asking about enrichment programs, but since we homeschooled using much curriculum I can tell you some of those. I do wonder if you have considered homeschooling. It is a great alternative to schooling at school and at home. I'd love to talk about that.
Saxon Math is what I used, but there is also Math-U-See that I have experience with. Abeka, Bob Jones University, and many others have full curriculum.
Go to www.christianbooks.com and search
They send out a homeschool catalog which will let you read alot of different curriculum & see what is out there. Trust me from experience I know that there is more out there than you can possibly do.
God bless you
Intelligent kids can do anything they choose and that is very exciting to see and watch.
K. ==SAHM married 38 years --- adult children 37, coach; 33, lawyer, married with 9 mo; and homeschooled twins 18, journalism major with 3.6 GPA, commuting; fine arts major with 3.8 GPA, on campus. We farm, & went through 4H program as well as taking classes at the community college. Each of them had 6 credits and a GPA of 4.0 as a matriculating freshman. Lots of experience. Ask me.

I've heard of places like Sylvan Learning Center and there are a few other ones. I don't have personal experience with any of these.

Have you gone to the Board of Ed to have him tested, perhaps skipped to a different grade?