I have been lurking here for quite some time but recent events have prompted me to post. My DS 13 mos has met most milestones early, is very intense and has an amazing attention span. Recently the teachers at his school have brought to my attention that his does things they have never seen other kids his age do. He apparently looks at books much of the time and only participates during art, music and storytime. They say he tries to actually involve other babies in games and activities that he initiates and seems hurt when they don't
respond. Also we recently discovered that he knows the entire
alphabet and all the phonetic sounds. In light of these things
I feel I may need a place that is safe to ask questions and share in the future. I also have an older daughter who is HG
but she did not do any of the things DS is doing as a baby. I feel proud of him but also terrified at the same time. I would
appreciate any advice on dealing with an advanced toddler who
learns seemingly by osmosis.

Welcome PMc - - so glad u found us! What do you think about asking his school to let him spend some time with older kids? He might enjoy playmates, yes?
Welcome,
Grinity

Welcome! It's a good sign that his teachers are tuned in to things like this. I remember one of DD's preschool teachers telling me that DD was interested in a rock collection display that the teacher had never seen other children pay much attention to before. These teachers were very good about giving her books that were at the appropriate level too.

Welcome!

And I agree, it's a GREAT sign to have the teachers notice. Is there anyway they can afford to take 30 minutes to an hour each day and work on something else - not sure what, but... Or to send him in the next class (age wise) for an hour, even if it's during art or a "fun" time?

My advice would be read, read, read to him. Everything and anything that interests him, regardless of the recommended age level. My son loved Robert Louis Stevenson when he was not much older than yours. I can't imagine what he got out of it, but he would ask us to read the same poem over and over, saying "Do it again!" and would listen so intently that we knew he was working something out.

Welcome, PMc You've found your safe place!

Thank you all for the great suggestions! Since DS is not a good napper, his teachers and the teachers from the next group up
have arranged a little play group for the kids who wake up early
and will hold the class in a large common area that has lots of fun equipment. They estimate this "class" will last about 45 minutes a day. He is one of the youngest in his current class
but if he does well with the new situation they may move him up to the next class permantly.

We actually still have a copy of A Child's Garden of Verses
that belonged to DD. She loved it too, I think I may be able to recite The Swing and Bed in Summer by heart. I will definately
dig it out for DS.

I feel very fortunate to have found such a great school for DS,
They just started taking 1yo's, his class is the first one they have had. The teacher's as well as the administrators have picked
up on the fact that he is advanced and are very accomodating. Both of the teacher's in DS's class have been layed off from the public schools due to the deep budget cuts in our state and we are very lucky to have them teach our little guy.