We are in the process of preparing for Kindergarten and trying more group learning opportunities. So far, they haven't gone well. We have 1.5 years to figure it out (he has an October b-day so will be nearly 6 when he starts). We hope to enroll him in a K-3 mixed-age school with ability groupings so subject acceleration will be no biggy (teacher/student ratio 1:6). He is generally very social & out-going but kid interaction is hit/miss. My guess is that he is on the HG-spectrum (reading at age 2, geography obsessed at age 3 memorizing countries/capital, flags/languages, and now at age 4 math/reading at 1st or 2nd grade level). In a nutshell:
Good experiences:
--Playing with 'best friend" -- 1st grader
--Playing with cousin -- 1st grader
--Taking swimming lessons with & without peers (we are there sometimes and other times he is on his own no problem)
--Doing board activities at library story time
--Answering/asking questions about the story at story time
--Playing with kids at the park if there are only a few kids there
Not-so-good experiences:
--Singing at library hour - refuses to participate
--If more than a few kids are at the park, resorts to guessing all their ages, counting them (add/sub as the come and go), and talking about how each play structure is constructed
--Went to spanish/art/singing program for 3-5 year olds, he REFUSED to participate in anything (I was there)
--After having a seemingly good time with other kids at the park/swimming, has no interest in playing with them outside that context
My plan is to keep trying the group things -- and sign up for more individual lessons (piano, tennis). I am also looking for math/games groups -- he loves playing board games (monopoly, Parcheesi, etc.).
My gut feeling is that he will not participate in any pre-k program. A Montessori would be a good alternative -- but his extreme allergies to animals prevent him from attending any in the area.
Any advice? Should we not worry about the group-learning thing at this stage? Thanks!
