Hi Ellen,
I looked at Sage School's website Gifted information and am very impressed -
http://www.sageschool.org/gifted.shtml It sounds to me like they "get" gifted kids. I'll bet they would be a good resource for you.
I think that looking for a peer group and talent search, and "afterschooling" are good places to start. LOL - if you find a peer group for dd, you will probably also find a support group for you in their parents! What do you think of the idea of DD taking the Explore? It must seem so amazing, but honestly, from her developmental milestones that sounds right to me.
As far as supplimenting at home, I'm re-labling it afterschooling because 1) that gives you acess to your local homeschooling community and 2) that gives the activity you do with your daughter the respect it deserves and 3)because if you daughter responds well to you as learning partner, then it's likely that your work together will be the main course, and the 9-3 will be the suppliment.
So, what does she want to learn? What do you feel comfortable teaching? How does she like to learn? In what form does she like to express what she's learned? Does she have a special interest that can be harnessed towards a learning goal? How does she respond when facing a academic challenge - here's a warning - if she has never faced an academic challenge before, and you introduce one, be prepared for some feelings to bubble up to the surface. You may see more intensity than you are used to seeing.
The wonderful thing about afterschooling is that you can truly follow the child's lead. Keep your eyes open for places where she is so used to "instant learning" that she might give up well before she has challenged herself. That's where the supported push comes in. Most of all, have fun! Learning together is a fine way to pass the time.
There are so many books availible to Parents of Gifted Children. Are you reading one now? Do you have a next on in mind?
Here's a link to "Mrs. Hoagies" Amazon list. Friends, are there any books you would add to Gifted 101?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/li...detail_fullview_cf_1/102-2521882-7546561
