Thank you for the reassurance. it was just what I need to hear. In case you haven't guessed this is my first attempt at any sort of 'formal' identification. Even though I was identified as probably being gifted myself, I was not permitted to undertake any testing or even any pull out programs, so this seems very intimidating, even though its such an inexact process!
I hadn't thought of videos, but he usually clams up when he's being watched. We could try it. Creating with building materials could work really well, too. I also hadn't thought of milestones.
Science is definitely his strength. Maths is second, less obvious though. I don't think it has to be a huge portfolio, so maybe just a write up with some photos about one of his projects. We've also been offered provisional membership, so i think it will be fairly obvious fairly quickly if he isn't 'keeping up'.
Iucounu - It's not snap circuits, just alligator clips with battery and fans or lights. He can do parallel and series circuits with two components, a 'skill tester' with a light, and simple, homemade switches by himself now, and built a dog/cat whistle with his dad from a kit. They worked on that for hours!
JaneSmith - where I am, it is normal for children to start 2 days a week in preschool when they turn 4, or even earlier. I like the idea of challenges, if it is phrased well (and doesn't sound 'test-like' it could really work for him. I do think the process is more token than a real attempt to tease out IQ scores or anything.
Katelyn'sM om - It isn't a school, its just a weekend program. Every few weeks they have an activity for an afternoon. The activities look like things DS would really enjoy, that's why I want to get him into the program. For example, the one coming up is going to be something to do with investigating light, with torches and mirrors. My boy would love that. They also have access to resources and things that I think could be useful - especially with home education. I also would really like if I could find some peers for him. At the moment he is copying other children who don't have his spoken language skills or his interests. I don't really want to test him yet either.
kimck - I only really caught on that he was probably gifted because a child he has grown up with was identified and the two of them have played leapfrog with milestones etc, so I looked into it. I thought all kids were like that!
Thank you all again. I'm sure I will freak out a few times between now and when it is all done, so I will probably be back!
