zookeeper

Follow your gut. If you think your child is gifted have him/her tested by a learning specialist. I did and it has made a world of difference in helping me determine the best school for my child. I personally went the private route to take advantage of the more challenging and individualized curriculum (vs public schools that are more geared toward teaching what's on standardized tests), smaller student body and greater supervision (to reduce liklihood of bullying), more diverse musinc and arts program, more teacher attention and encouragement of parent involvement. Research says the more involved a parent is in their childs school, the better they perform. As quoted to me by a former member of the Board of Ed in my community, "a smart kid will stay smart in public school but will more likely get smarter in private." The mere fact that you are asking the question tells me you are in tune with your child. That's a good thing.

stepmommy0221

Being put in gifted programs in elementary school improved my time there. Without the gifted program, me and about 9 of my co-students would have gone crazy. We were always the first ones done our work, which led to us being constantly bored so we would turn into real brats. My mom laughs now that my teachers used to tell her at meetings that I was exceptionally bright but a chatter box and I didn't listen often because I was already done my work and wanted to do other stuff. At first, most gifted students are put into the ADD or ADHD category until the teacher realizes that that student is bored not because they don't understand, but because they have already finished all their work for the next 2 weeks...without any faults!!! I am thankful that in high school, we were pushed with different types of incentives. To be able to play on the school sports team, or band or theater, you had to maintain a minimum grade average...reguardless of your level. So being in french second language or french mother toungue, advanced or remedial math etc, you had to achieve a certain level to be eligible for those activities. If your grades weren't up to par, even if you were the most gifted athlete, too bad so sad...being gifted at the time wasn't something that we were made fun of...it was just the way it was. It's also up to schools of all levels to offer extra curricular activites that students can strive towards being able to participate in. With good incentives, all students can be gifted.

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puti1

I thought of sending this article for your reading...In my opinion, you should try to nurture your child if he is exhibiting signs of giftedness

Hope this helps

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Real people. Real questions. Real answers

musicmom

Mandi_1s

I was tested in in first grade.

Mind you a lot has changed since then. It's not just about finishing work 'on time' or ahead of time, since for example, my oldest has massive unfinished work because he is a quality freak. He wants to spend ages making everything ridiculously intricate.

I would err on the side of later rather than sooner.

You don't get a cookie for being 'gifted' You also have to take into account what the kid wants. A kid who just wants to ride the norm wont be served well by pulling them for a 'special' program.

You get a pull out program and a couple extra field trips a year, a heaping plate of pressure, expectation and some alienation, and if you're really lucky and gifted a shrink to help you 'deal with normals' but outside of that you don't loose anything by waiting till a kid is solid in basics to consider testing.

shazzal

My daughter belongs to NAGTY(National association of gifted and talented youths).She was recommended by the school and to be honest I only agreed because I thought it would look good on her CV. Her school however paid for her to go to summer school this year and she loved it. It was nice to see brighter kids getting something extra instead of those who are falling behind being the ones who get extra help and attention. Lets face it all kids benefit from a little bit of special attention.

Scott W

Gifted Mom:

I am an educator and yes, most schools do have test or assessments that will tell you if your child meets their definition of "gifted." Many public schools use nationally norm test (Iowa Basics, Stanford etc.) to help determine giftedness. Speak with a school counselor or gifted school coordinator.

Scott W.
ScottCounseling.com

aliinnc

IMHO, it may depend upon your school system. My kids' elementary school is a magnet school and the kids take electives. The school offers Academically Gifted electives. These are great for gifted kids. I think they were the only classes that ever challenged my kids in elementary school.

KathleenS

I recommend reading "Guiding the Gifted Child" There is more to being gifted than the obvious. Many kids are gifted in particular areas, but not necessarily across the board, etc. Also, gifted kids can have specific behavioral issues - so "gifted" isn't always a positive attribute - it can also be very challenging! (my son is "gifted") Definately worth reading this book! There are others out there, but I think this is the psychologists standard recommendation. Good luck!
Kathleen
www.paycheck4mom.com

musicmom