Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion Anyone with a creative child? a leader?

n/a

I don't think home school is necessary, just a better pre-school environment. Perhaps Montessori would be a better fit for him.

I'm not sure my DD8 had quite that depth at that age because she keeps alot of stuff inside her head. Also, I didn't send her to full time preschool until she was 4 and it was an academic based preschool, though she did excell there. Kindergarden was another story (and the next 2 1/2 years) and now, yes, we homeschool...

But I agree with epoh that a different school might be a better fit...I don't know why any school would label a 3.5yo non compliant. It's not like he's hurting other kids or running around in circles during quiet story time or something, right?

I have learned quite a bit about the difference between Montessori, play based preschools and academic based ones (chains like KinderCare). My younger DD (almost 5) gets "wild" in play based schools...she dumbs down and regresses. She is doing much better in an academic PreK/K program...

I agree that a Montessori might be better for him or if you have a charter school that you think would be a good fit when he is ready for regular school, maybe they have an associated preschool or you could ask that school what area preschool they reccommend?

Honestly, if I was in that situation with a kid that age, I'd be looking for another school...

Hi,

It's a real shame his preschool doesn't appreciate his strengths. We switched ds out of a preschool earlier this year for reasons like that, it was just over-focussed on structure and group obedience.

The future for creative preschoolers is a subject close to my heart subject as we are trying to decide what to do with ds4 for next year, with the default being the local public K. Currently he is in a montessori-esque play based preschool and reasonably happy there and they do see his creativity as a strength, which is wonderful. When he refuses to go along with activity rules there they just let him do his own thing (ie with a memory game he might use all the pieces to construct a fantasy world where everything comes in pairs, or save all the animal pieces from a flood, etc).

Took ds to a educational specialty type psychologist who said formal school will be hard for him no matter when we do it or in what way, but we should look for alternative approaches for the early grades (mentioned Waldorf and a private gifted, both too distant to commute. Or leaving him in preschool as long as possible, which I think might bore him to tears). Called him strong willed with a strong fantasy life. They thought he would be unhappy in a traditional K. So we're not sure what we will do next year. Move?

Polly

We had issues with Montessori at 3 (only going 2x3 hours a week) as the teacher was fairly rigid and frowned upon "creative" use of equipment. DS tended to use it properly once then try to combine activities while acting something out. At least they didn't force him to do anything he didn't want to. Day 1 of a purely play based preschool and he said he enjoyed it (never said last year). We will see what school brings... Can't see how the fit will happen and I would consider homeschooling if I had to.

Oh gosh yes Annette! You are describing my dd to a tee. She started her 3 year program at 2 1/2 because of odd birth date cutoffs in our state. Despite being months younger than the next youngest kid in the class she was so far ahead socially, verbally and creatively that they had to bring in a similarly social 4 year old for her to interact with. But they did it and it worked out great.

I vote for a play based program for the creative ones. The last year in this play based laboratory program she "wrote" (dictated to a student teacher) a play every day, then cast her classmates in the supporting roles and they performed it. No one ever knew what she was going to come up with next and it was totally supported by the teacher. This was completely dd�s idea - the program was 100 percent child based and child driven - it was a perfect match.

The right teacher is key here. Creative kids can "push buttons" if they are paired with adults who don't "get" them. Meet the teachers and see how they respond to your ds. You will probably quickly see if they encourage the creativity or try to contain it or direct him to certain tasks.

One really helpful tip I got when looking for a preschool was to look at the artwork on the wall. If you see a bunch of identical apple trees or penguins on the wall it tells you a lot about what the program stresses. My dd's program did not even provide for teacher made examples. They just put out a bunch of materials and had the kids explore and play with whatever interested them in whatever way it interested them. This approach may not work for the kids that thrive on structure and discipline but was wonderful for my creative, outgoing dd.

The only drawback was that we *may* have picked up her ld's earlier in a more academic program. I have wondered about that but have decided that with all the difficulties she has ahead of her in school I am glad we gave her the gift of 3 years of absolute joy in preschool.

Good luck!

The first thing that came to mind when I read this post was Marcia Gross's "Small Poppies", about highly gifted children in the early years. If you haven't already read this article, you might want to. I have also shared it with many a teacher.

http://giftedkids.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=giftedkids&cdn=parenting&tm=3&f=00&tt=14&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.davidsongifted.org/db/Articles_id_10124.aspx

Keep encouraging the creativity!

Hi Annette- so much of your post resonated with me and reminds me of my 4.5 yo son- he too is creative, did extensive pretend play at an early age and continues to struggle to find peers in his age group who have the same imagination/play ability.

He really needs an understanding 7 yo to do complex pretend play for a couple of hours daily LOL - which means he plays a LOT with me and his favorite babysitters and copes with, but does not love preschool. He is benefitting from preK- just to help him learn how to get along in a group of kids with varying skillsets, to actually sit in circle time and participate in the crafts. BUT, I sense his frustration and feelings of being different than the boys (even older ones) in his class who still seem to prefer crashing cars than real imaginative, cooperative play.

Hugs to you- I am actually eager for Nick to start kindergarten where he'll have MORE kids to choose from and I already see him getting along better with many of the girls who seem to be more into pretend play at this age...

Oh, and

First of all- your son sounds completely charming and bright and FUN!
Second of all, is there a vomit emoticon? Because that teacher should NOT be teaching if she's against pretend/creative play. It truly upsets me...
ick

Annette:

My dd's preschool was indeed a dream come true. Her teacher swears by "the naeyc curriculum." Here is a link to finding a naeyc program in your area. You may not get as lucky as we were but it could help point you in the direction of a school that would support your ds.

http://www.naeyc.org/families/search

Another program dd absolutely loved was Music Together. We have lots of music programs in our area but this one really tapped into her creativity.

http://www.musictogether.com/