Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion Strange little guy

And I mean that affectionately!

Yesterday GS9 said, "I feel like I'm distancing myself from my old self." I asked him what he meant. From what he said, he apparently is getting comfortable with who he is now, and likes himself now. The kids(including the 5th graders!) are starting to get his jokes(is that the real meaning of "they all level out at 3rd/4th grade" ?) He's finally picking up on all those social cues, and knows who will understand when he says things like "distancing myself from my old self".

I was so frustrated with the parent/teacher conference that I couldn't even go back to my thread and post what happened. Basically I decided he's gotten way ahead of his classmates without any acceleration at school, so I'd just have to keep challenging him at home. For him to start feeling socially accepted, and happy with himself is really nice, and I think his teachers have helped with that.

I'm sorry the conference was so frustrating.

Anything we can do to help?

It's a constant juggling of that balance, I think.

No, but thanks for asking. I went in expecting the teachers to talk about how far ahead he is and what we can do to challenge him at school, but it almost turned into a 'pick on his weakest area' fiasco. He loves to talk, but when it comes to writing he's a man of few words. But I don't think he's had much instruction in writing at school. It's almost like they know he's smart and expect him to already know all these things. Each child did a big report in 4th grade last month. He said the teacher never did come around and help him, like she did the other kids. He got 100%, even after she knocked off a couple points for using a crayon for the drawing instead of colored pencils. He had to do it all at school, so I gave him some general instruction in writing reports at home.
I've just had to adjust how I view school for him. I have to work away from the farm, so school is a free babysitter. As long as his social needs are met, and he's had a few emotional/social issues to work through over the last 5 years, then I'm not going to push for too much else at school right now. But middle school is coming up in 1.5 years, and that will be different, I guarantee that.

Different how?

Middle school will be accelerated, or he's coming home and being homeschooled full time for the middle school years. I'll put pressure on my boss to let me work from home 2-3 days/week to keep him company. Even at this stage he needs little direct instruction. My husband is home full time on the farm. I think we could work this out, if the school won't.

Ah! I'm so glad you have a plan for him. It sounds like you have your ducks in a very nice row!

What are the chances that the school will cooperate and accelerate him?

I've got several friends who are/were teachers in this district. Apparently the proverbial snowball has a better chance! But I just can't make him stay with the standard curriculum in math and science past next year.

Well, here's hoping the snowball survives and they do the right thing for him!