Hi Everyone,
I have a question about a (iq tested HG+) child who appears to fit in with her chronological peers and be very well balanced, happy child (so teacher tells us). As she is a self-taught reader from just after 2 years, and at 5, has a reading age of around 10, and vocab, knowledge, abstract thinking are all well beyond her chronological age, I wonder what others thought of this. My concern arises after reading the Miraca Goss research on the Forced Choice Dilemma - the choice between achievement or the social pressure to camouflage to fit in with others. However,the teacher says she can see none of the red flags that this child is bored or unhappy (ie. withdrawing, disrupting, changes in behavior - although she rarely participates in class conversations). Apparently, they ask her quite a bit whether she would like to read with children two grades up, and to participate in enrichment activities but she flatly refuses - even though some other kids in the class want to go off with the teacher and do it! Apparently, they tell me, they have tried all sorts of strategies but she gets a bit angry if they persist in asking her. At home, she is different and engages in her own activities which she will go off and do herself (lots of writing, workbooks, watching documentaries etc) although I have noticed she is not as interested in reading her chapter books (she used to be obsessed) and she will tell me that she does not want to do X activity as 5 year olds don't do that. She also will refuse to take her chapter books to school to read in class as she tells me that none of the others are reading books at that level. She also sometimes refuses to play with board games, she previously played with her 9 year old brother, as she tells me 'those games are for older kids not 5 year olds'. When she is at her singing, dancing, drama class - she is with children ranging from 5 years to 9 years - she has chosen as friends in that class the oldest and she clearly acts older around them and is challenged. I wondered if anyone had any thoughts about this? Should I be concerned or just be happy that she seems to be happy. Should I just leave it until she lets me know that she is unhappy with X or Y situation? Perhaps she is just interested in other things and getting used to school at the moment.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
thanks
Tiz
