Hi all,
My two sons (6/8) started a new school this year. I've mentioned it and said that I'd report on it.
So far, so good. My 8 year old is getting instruction in algebra, plus instruction in the stuff we skipped to put him in algebra. The goal is to get him through the skipped stuff and algebra I by the end of the year.
His teacher gets that gifties can be not-so-hot at accurate computation, yet ready for more advanced topics. We're working on accuracy as a team. No repetitive worksheets here, though. Just a variety of problems requiring attentiveness on the student's part.
Regarding reading, DS8 says it's more challenging now. He also gets to take music and dance classes.
My six year old's writing had improved visibly by the end of two weeks. They saw that he reads above a typical 1st grade level and are addressing this. His reading ability is improving noticeably, too.
They also recognize different learning styles; today his teacher told me she was reading from an above-grade-level book and he was playing with dinosaurs while she was reading. She thought she'd go with it to see what happened after she was done. She told me he answered all her questions about the story and they had a detailed discussion about it. She told me that some kids can be listening while appearing to be distracted and she thought she'd see if he was like that. They're going to work on teaching him to pay attention in the more traditional way, yet they'll do it constructively, and not by punishing him or forcing him to SIT STILL!!!
Meanwhile, my barely-four-year-old comes with me when I collect the boys and today we chatted about options for her starting kindergarten next year. I asked about the option to do kindergarten in the morning and 1st in the afternoon and the teacher agreed that it might be a good idea. And they'll still test her to see if her reading/math are beyond 1st. The K/1 option will mainly depend on her energy levels (they're high...so very high...so I'm not too concerned).
It's a very small school and so may not be perfect for everyone. At this point, this is the worst I can say about it, and the size is a strength in many ways. And the teachers get it!
Just thought I'd spread a bit of good news.
Val
