My daughter started to read at about 2 1/2 years and is now almost 4 years. She has a very strong memory and is starting to read in French. She is now reading chapter books, loves the solar system, nature, and playing pre-sports with other kids at a local class, She is always looking for me to challenge her. She picks things up all on her own after watching me do something once or twice. She is at home and we are doing homeschooling right now. Is anyone familiar with the signs of giftedness? Does this sound like giftedness?
She wants to learn how to play the harp and is taking a group music class, but not the harp- they are working on aural skills and play-based music activities.
So, I guess my questions are- is she gifted and if so- should I continue with homeschooling or try preschool with other children her age to prepare her for school and help her socialize, she can be shy with new children. I am so confused!
Thank you for all of the ideas, suggestions, and support. Yes, we are definitely proud of her. By helping her with her interests, I'm learning everyday too. She teaches me that life is so exciting and there is so much to experience. We will check into Montessori, thank you for the suggestion. We will look into resourses for testing to get a picture of where she is prior to Kindergarten- that should help us with elementary placement. Does anyone know of anywhere we could go for this?
I am no expert my any means but she sounds extremely bright for her age! I would put her in pre-school because socialization is very important. You want her to develop social skills. You can always put her in a gifted program down the road along with other children.
Wow L.,
Is she gifted? I'm not a professional, but I'd say,"YES!" Unless your financial world collapses, do not put her in public school. She's so beyond that. It would destroy her desire to learn. I'd ask an educational expert where to send her. Maybe contact a local college or university with an educational program and testing facilities. There's also Sylvan. You could try them.
As for her socialization, preschool might be too boring for her since it's geared toward learning to count to 20, introduction to the alphabet, being read to, etc. I'd look for other socialization opportunities. Playdates. Sports. I'd get in touch with other homeschooling families. I know in our area they have opportunities for these families to get together at our local libraries. Homeschooled children are also allowed to join extra-curricular and curricular classes at the public schools. I saw an interview on a news program about a girl who was in medical school but also enjoyed doing "girlie" things with her friends.
Another idea is to interview other people who were gifted children and ask for their suggestions. Here are some links I found that you might find helpful:
http://scientific-child-prodigy.blogspot.com/2006/10/sign...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1542133/Young,-gif...
http://www.squidoo.com/childgenius
http://www.ehow.com/how_###-###-####_determine-child-geni...
Good luck,
: ) Maureen
She does sound gifted, but to be sure I'd have her tested. I've heard there is a school for gifted children in Foxboro - they can do an evaluation. It's important to detect this early, so she does not get bored and lose interest in school or gain interest in things that are not desirable. Socialization in these children is extremely important because they are already going to have trouble playing with children their own age (not the same intelligence or interests). I'd get her into school ASAP! Congrats and good luck with your little star!
Preschool is a year to learn how to learn. How to behave in class with other students. How to wait your turn. How to be patient and caring, how to get along with others. They learn their letters, how to sit quietly, how to play and interact with others. I think as long as you keep offering her ways to stimulate her mind that preschool would be fine. It is a great idea, whether or not you homeschool to add some additional classes that she may be interested in, if she is interested in them -- like music classes. Find out if there is a preschool program that offers curriculum that is geared to each students needs, perhaps a montesorri school. Since she can already read at four then she may not be challenged enough in a regular preschool. Some kids don't even know their ABCs, so the classes are geared to the lowest learner. Talk to the teachers, the director etc. to see if the school will meet your child's needs. Every preschool is different. You may also just need a couple of hours everyday to yourself, which may be another good reason for preschool. Plus preschool gets your child into a routine.
Maybe you could look into a Montessori program. It definitely sounds like your daughter is gifted. You must be very proud of her. Preschool is great for learning social skills. This is so important for her. I really would recommend looking into a special program for her where she will be surrounded by children who she can relate with and who will be able to relate to her. Good luck!
As a public school teacher, I normally do not discourage public education because I know how hard we all work to meet the needs of all our kids. However, I would have to recommend in your case to consider not only preschool, but kindergarten and beyond. We found a small preschool that allowed our son to go part time (and we paid half price). If you can continue to homeschool her but give her the chance to socialize and learn school routines and rules, it would be the best of both worlds, I imagine.
What will probably end up happening in public school is that they'll skip her ahead at least a year, and even then she'll probably be ahead. Socially that could (possibly) have some ramifications and you'd have to consider them. My son entered K reading and goes to 1st for reading group. He has finished all the K goals for math and often has to be the leader of groups in order for him to be challenged. Academically he probably could have gone right to first, but socially and behaviorally it would have been a nightmare. It doesn't sound like this would be the case for your daughter, but I guess my point is that if you can afford to look into alternatives, you should. Public school has to be somewhat uniform and rigid because of the volume of kids and expectations we need to fulfill (standardized testing, for one). She sounds so curious! She should be in an environment with fewer restrictions and probably fewer kids so she can really thrive as a little girl with huge capabilities.
Have you heard of the Waldorf school model? It is Montessori-like with a focus on music. Google Waldorf school to see if there is one in your neighborhood.
In my opinion, she should spend at least some of her days with other children, especially because she is gifted (and yes, she's definitely gifted). She does need to learn to socialize and connect with people her age, and this will be even more important because her talents may make her stand out a little.
I don't know if there are part-time preschool programs, or other structured programs where she can make friends, etc., even if you decide to continue homeschooling.
It must be so fun watching her new skills develop so early!
Hi L.,
Children are sponges, and young girls are more mature then young boys. Also, individual children develop at different rates. The rate at which children develop does not necessarily determine their potential to achieve later in life.
Many young boys who are still in diapers at 3 1/2 will become tommorrows great scientists, lawyers, politicians, writers, musicians etc.
I cannot tell you if your daughter is "gifted" I suppose that depends on how you define "gifted". If she is thriving, happy, engaged and your finances can afford it than I say continue to provide her with enrichment classes that she enjoys.
You could always consider having her professionally evaluated if you think she would be bored in a classroom with other children her age. But, remember, you have to balance her intellect with her maturity.
Even the greatest child prodigies are still children, let her enjoy this short time of innocence. What most people, regardless of intellect, desire is acceptance and good friends these blessings are available to all.
God Bless,
J.
The Sage School in Foxboro is for gifted children. In the meantime, it sounds like you are doing a great job. Another option is to find a preschool that does NOTHING academic. That way she won't be bored but she'll get the socialization. I found a great one in Providence that uses the Reggio Emillia approach. It's similar to Montessori but more art based. Good luck!
Hi L., Just yesterday I read an article about a little boy & how his family was trying to deal with these issues. There is a school in connecticut & I'll be darned if I can recall the name of it. At least there's a lead for you:)Small lead, but a lead just the same. Good luck!
