I have read this forum often and thankful to have now joined. I have three DD who are all in public school, two are in the GT program and the other is just as bright, but not necessarily a kid who would fit into the program.
My youngest is in 2nd grade and does not turn 8 until June so is definitely one of the younger ones. She started reading at 4.5, has a memory that is shocking, can carry on conversations that make you forget she is just a kid, is a natural athlete. Most people describe her as unique, the real deal in terms of being very well rounded. We had her tested at the end of kinder and she is highly intelligent.
Her kinder teacher set up a separate area of the class for her and she was a big help with the other kids. It gave her tremendous confidence and she reveled in being the smartest. First grade she figured out getting attention by being good did not work with that teacher and started acting out. She really learned nothing all year. She also was separated from her BFF and the little group of 2 became 3. That worked last year, but this year she is being left out and is devastated by it.
As for school, this year is not much better. My dd says she is bored, often does not turn in homework and has such a change in attitude from prior years. The teacher is rigid which is fine, but very by the rules. I have met with her twice to seek help to engage my DD, give consequences, etc. but nothing has changed. She is in the GT program, but it is a pull out and only is a few times a week.
My dh and I went to see a child therapist that one of my other daughters has used and she agreed that she might be depressed and after further discussion, agreed that a change of school might be good for her.
Curious how those of you out there have dealt with highly intelligent children in a tough school dilemma.
Thank you in advance!
