I don't think there are processing issues...just a little perfectionism, but not too bad. She DOES however know way too much about how other children did on the test, who finished, who didn't and who cheated. She is a big "people watcher" and I guess maybe this might have come into play. Also, the teacher told the class that this test was not intended to be finished. She also didn't encourage them to fill in all the bubbles, even if they didn't know the answer.
So, yeah, maybe not the BEST way to get ability. I was really hoping to not have to pay for testing. We really can't at the moment. I'm not sure it would be helpful at this point anyway. The teachers know she is on the list. The Math teacher's idea of enrichment involves challenge questions in addition to regular (crazy easy) homework and making games during class time for the rest of the class to play.
I worry that eventually she will not know everything on the Unit Pre-test, and will not get the 'enrichment' material for the Unit and will think that she is not smart or has failed in some way. I really want her to know that to learn, you have to take risks and when you take risks, you are sometimes wrong.
I love that she is in Chess Club with all boys and almost always loses to the older kids. It doesn't seem to upset her any and she still likes going. I love that in Math Olympiads, she is only able to get 2 out of 5 correct during the competitions. (these are for 4th and 5th graders) and she still enjoys it. (The principal says that if they get one or two right they are doing GREAT!)
I have looked into the very expensive private schools here. I feel that although, she would learn to take risks and stand up straight at these schools, she would learn to take personal responsibility, confidence and pride in her work, I'm not sure the accademics are THAT much more advanced than the public school.
In the public school, she will be able to take pre-algebra as a 6th grader.(also with the private school) The after school activities such as robotics club and competitive Math are a reason to stay at her school. (I don't think the private school offers as many after school clubs)
Right now, she isn't making friends like I would expect. She is more mature than many of the other 4th graders, but I am thinking if we stick it out until 6th grade, this may be a place where she can thrive, for free, walking distance from home with the kids from her town. Also, I hate to move her around so much. This is her 3rd district and 4 school.
Hmmmm. I also wonder about the opportunities that she will be given in public school. Being at the top of your class should give you opportunities - right? Although I'm guessing she would be near the top in the private school too, just with lots of other kids at the top with her..lol...
Sooo much to consider. I also have a 6 year old who is just emerging as a kid who I think may be gifted as well, just a weird kind of gifted...I think it is my 6 year old with the processing issues...I'm wondering if I should be concentrating my efforts on her. DD9 is coasting, bored with her work, but in general happy to be the smart one in class.
She and another boy in her class have labeled themselves as the "smart farts"...I think she likes the name, but it's hard to tell.
So, I guess for now, we see what happens. We continue to drive her to Ballet um-teen hundred times a week and continue to pay attention to her over-all happiness. I know that she could be working 2 grades ahead in every subject. She get 100% on just about every test and quiz she takes. But, just because she CAN do it, I guess doesn't mean that she HAS to do it to be happy.
It would be an easy way to make her happy, but there must be other ways too! She might be happy when she is giving the speech at graduation!
Just some crazy ranting...:) Thanks for listening if you have made it this far!
