I am not sure if I would call it challenged or engaged -- if the topic is interesting, he will listen and pay attention. He tunes out on activities that are not engaging or if it is repetitive -- simple math that he long ago mastered. We had a great kindergarten teacher who hand wrote more advanced math activities on the back of worksheets for him to do and he enjoyed it. She also listened to what he was interested in and would get special books for him. He was obsessed with the number googol for a time and she found a kid's book about it for him to read during "reading". During art, instead of following the example, he would make whatever the project they were doing 3D by rolling and taping paper. She told me she had to work hard to keep him engaged, and had a student teacher to help her. But she really enjoyed him and he had a great year. Now the curriculum is not differentiated. Our problems started in first grade. But it can't all be that he is bored. He loves to talk and has very creative ideas, but hates to write anything down. One of the activities in first grade was journal. He had to write 3-4 sentences. It was like pulling teeth! When I told him to make it creative -- write a Haiku, a story or a letter -- he did better. We have tried to use "fun" activities as incentive -- going to the art table or reading when you finish your work -- with varied success. He just has a hard time staying on task to finsish really simple work sheets. Things we know he has mastered but simply can't stay on track to complete.