Educating a "Gifted" Child

I am having exactly the same issue, and am quite disheartened that everyone seems to think there is something wrong with me for thinking my child should be in kindergarten next year. Her birthday is 9/30, and she is in the oldest room at a full-time daycare doing all of the things you mentioned. Well, maybe not so much on the geography, but she can write her first & last name. One thing I am considering for next year is a Montessori program. I have requested suggestions from the director at her daycare, and will be happy to pass on any ideas. Where are you located? It seems that District 15 has an assessment process for early entrance: http://www.ccsd15.net/WhatsNew/Documents/PDFs/EarlyEntran...
That is all I know. GOOD LUCK!

The Davidson Institute is a resource you might investigate - http://www.davidsongifted.org/default.aspx
They offer financial & strategic support to families of gifted children - help find local resources, things like that.

In the meantime, make sure his current teachers are aware of differentiation strategies (Carol Ann Tomlinson is a leading specialist in this: http://www.caroltomlinson.com/) that they can use to make sure each child in the class is being challenged with thought given to their interests and aptitudes and readiness. (Remember that a heterogeneous mix does not necessarily mean that "brighter" kids are being held back - there are lots of different ways to be talented and intelligent - every kid has something to offer and learn from his peers.)

Project Choices is a good local resource for schools and families interested in differentiation. www.projectchoices.org/

good luck!

A lot of schools won't skip children a grade when they are that young. They need to learn to socialize. I would say just let him be in the grade the school districts suggest, and maybe at a later time he will be skipped if he truly is gifted. The school won't skip him unless they have seen him work at a higher level for a long period of time, or do an IQ test to see if he is gifted.

My son started reading at 3 1/2 and he was doing 3rd grade math and reading/comprehension in Kindergarten. During 1st grade year he spent the 1st 1/2 of the year in first grade the 2nd half of the year in 2nd grade. Last year he was in 3rd and this year he is in 4th. He's only 8 hes is the youngest and one of the smartest in his class. I am waiting for the school district to let me know about an IQ test for him. Some of the administrators and well as his pediatrician think he is gifted.

Hi, I read this, and the only comment that I could make is that your child may be "gifted", and they could do tests on that, but they are still young and need the socialization skills with other kids that age, and that is very important. I am sure if you work with the teacher, your child could do what they are doing in class, and maybe she could add things to do that is challenging for your child. My daughter is one of the oldest in her class because she just missed the cutoff date, but that is fine with me because I do believe the schools have a reason for the dates. They still do not have that maturity level, and if they are more mature, that is great - that will help them in the future I think???
good luck!

You will probably have to keep him in the "private" sector. He seems to be very gifted. If he is doing all that before the age of four, regular school is not going to challenge him. It was frustrating from one of my son's because he was born after the Sept. 1st cut off date and had to start Kindergarten at almost 6 years of age. You will have to supplement his learning at home until he reaches 5 and then look into private school. He sounds like University of Chicago Lab School caliber.

Hi Chistine,
Have you checked into the CPS Gifted and Enhanced programs? I think the applications just went on line. They will test your child for free. Our son tested into a gifted K program. But if your guy is not going to be 5 by the cut off date I understand your frustration.
Our son attended 2 different Montessori preschools. Both were great experiences for him. It can be costly.
Even though our son was reading, counting etc. we realized social skills were equally as important: to listen and follow through on directions as part of a class, that clocking a kid on the head as a friendly hello is not cool. Like your son, he still does not enjoy writing, but as he gets older it's becoming easier for him and a new challenge. Sounds like you're a great mom. Out there proactively planning the future.

I would say that private schools are not that strict about the cut-off day within the reason though. I don't know when your son turns 4.
Private school will do some testing whether he is ready to be in a Kindergarten. At least Chesterbrook allows kids to attend K (don't have the info what other months other than Sept. would be considered).
I would check private schools as public schools will not let him in.

Any good school should be able to accomodate our child. Children enter Kindergarten at various levels, and have different academic needs. It is the teachers job to differentiate instruction based on your child. You should look for a school that has differentiated instruction. Reading, writing, math, etc, is important in school, but socializing with children your own age is also very important. Believe it or not, it's much easier to support to academic piece right now than it is the social/ emotional. Good luck!

I would suggest checking out Montessori schools in your area. With Montessori, there may be a greater willingness to work with your son's advanced learning skills instead of trying to fit him into a traditional learning standard.

Hi C.- I'm not sure what area you are in but if you are interested in public school programs, you might look into the Chicago Public School's Gifted and Enhanced Academic Programs. Some of the Regional Gifted Centers, Classical schools, and Magnet schools under this umbrella offer preschool (either free part time or tuition based full time). Applications for next fall are already available and are due in December. If you are going to stay at the school which you are already in, you might need to supplement your son's education with a rigorous Home School plan. I agree with other posters that the social benefits of attending school programs are extremely important.

I believe the age 5 requirement is state mandated so it will be difficult to get in earlier. I agree with the private school route and would also suggest The Center for Talent Development through Northwestern University. If you really want to know where you child stands they have age appropriate testing and enrichment programs throughout the year for gifted kids as early as pre-k. My daughter was tested at age 4 and has participated in these programs. She loves them and they give her the extra push she needs. It great for her to be around other gifted kids. The program is NOT over the top when it comes to giftedness but is well researched and professional. Check it out online.