Two years ago, I would have been firmly in the acceleration camp, being a product of acceleration. And I am not saying that acceleration isn't welcome, but only with peers for me.

I have already stated this in other topics but I just thought of starting a new one.

DD6 is in grade 1. Late Sept birthday, so one of the youngest, not the youngest. Though smallest, even smaller than the Asian ethnic kids. Had a problem with a boy who stood in line in front of her (they all have numbers to identify themselves and line up). After a few instances -- figured he just liked her but a boy swinging a lunch bag around a girl a head shorter is not a good plan, even if just to get her attention.

And on the yard, during recess, a boy knocker her down -- just an accident, but this is a girl who is in hot shots gymnastics, track to preteam, so she is not frail, but she is frail.

I am doing this post because I noticed there were a lot of posts about acceleration and comments about their kids being tall. We are trying again for the alternative gifted school (all lottery based) which is accelerated, since DD is way ahead in her CTY math. But being a loner accelerated wouldn't work for her.

Alternatively, she is doing Spanish and chess in her class as part of her grade work. We supplement with Chinese, piano and Science at the museum -- the latter being a fabulous science program. So she gets words like: brother, this and over for her weekly spelling but she learns how to use a dictionary as part of her word study. OK, not rocket science but there are a bunch of little things, including the social stuff -- which is strong in NYC school yards -- and using a dictionary to figure out definitions, OK, I couldn't think of another one.

For those of you who find out your kid is really smart, it may not be all about acceleration -- except for math, and we would not be happy without the CTY math. It can work for a little while in their grade -- with horizontal diversification -- like we do with Chinese and piano and science.

But consider the size of your child. It does make a difference.

Side note: on the social thing. Kid comes up to DD and says that she must sit beside her at lunch. DD says OK and Blank will sit with them. This child insists Blank cannot sit anywhere near them. DD says Blank can sit on one side and she can sit on the other side. This child insists that Blank cannot sit on the other side or she will have to cry all afternoon and DD will feel bad that she is so sad. DD did relate this story and laugh and Blank did sit beside her and another child sat on the other side at lunch. We discussed ultimatums and she made the right choice.

Anyone else have such bizarre social stories at grade 1? Like the little boy bullying. I went on a field trip and could tell the teachers an incident I observed, plus another I saw in the morning plus what DD said so she was switched in her line up. Did not expect this kind of stuff in grade 1.

In addition, since I am on a writing roll. As mentioned, DD is in hot shots at gymnastics. Next year, she, if decided, would have to go to preteam, which means 4:30-7 two times a week. In ballet, if she goes preprofessional, it is 2 times a week, but not so much time. It is like making a commitment at 7 to something you want to spend a lot of time doing. Though I do insist she practice piano enough. At the Young People's concerts, there was a violin virtuoso, a 13 year old, who performed. She practices 3 hours a day and said she should practice 5 hours. It just seems you make choices, if you want to be competitive, at such a young age. I keep telling DD that I want her to have choices when she is grown. Maybe she wants to be a corporate lawyer doing deals around the world (hence she takes Chinese), maybe she wants to be a doctor or an astronaut, and she takes the science at the museum, maybe she wil want to write musical theater so she takes her piano and ballet. No reason for the gymnastics except they love to do walk overs and flips.

That's it. Post for the day. Though maybe the month.

Have a merry, healthy holiday season everyone.

Best,
Ren