I don't know if this helps at all, but I second what Grinity said about kids being really sensitive to _level_ of teacher-driven instruction. Mine is only 2, and I don't even know if he's gifted (I just like this group), but he rejects leader-driven programmes directed at his age group to the point where the leaders often commiserate with me and give poorly couched "special needs" advice... But he recently found a curriculum book lying around, quickly sorted out he could't study it by himself, and almost immediately came to me to get me to, effectively, teach it to him. And I'm going to hide the darned book, because I don't like the content, and he's eating up the "being taught" part. He had a similar reaction when we started giving him sticker books almost a year ago. He also had a similar reaction when the SLP started "hothousing" his articulation a couple years above age range to match his expressive language score, and also in his swim school, the classes are semi-private, and the school caters to a noticably smart local population, and prides itself deeply on differentiation in all dimensions. So it seems to be a pattern. My primary approach to tantrums now is to start lecturing on some random topic
He hasn't really had a chance at genuine group instruction that's pitched at skills so different from age-expectations, but there have been moments where he tries to jump into a passing class... I think there's a translation problem, though, he can't just jump into a much older age class and manage, because he lacks social conventions, reading, numeracy, etc. (and doesn't get it that he's supposed to be, like, registered) But the level of stuff directed at pre-school kids leaves him glassy eyed if there isn't someone there to provide "enrichment" (yes, I have been told I'm mumbling in his ear too loudly, more than once, sigh)
First "daycamp" experience comming MONDAY... so I'm thinking about how DS is going to fit into what is basically short-term preschool, too. I have no idea what they actually mean when they call it an "enrichment" camp, but I'm hoping it at least means they do stuff with the kids, unlike the preschools I've been to to observe!
So... maybe yours will rise to it (with a little help learning the conventions) when the level of instruction is appropriate? But I haven't a clue what I'm talking about!
-Mich
