[deymm]

Hi there,

Our 5 yo DS is showing signs of giftedness and we don't know where to begin. He is reading at at least the first grade level and can spell and count and all kinds of things that kids his age can't do.

He will be in Kindergarten next year and we're struggling between public and private school because we aren't sure the private school would have services for him. While we do believe homeschooling is beneficial, it is not something we are able to do at this time.

It is all overwhelming and such a huge responsibility. I don't want to do wrong by him.

Do schools even test kids this young? Where should we start?

 

[no5no5]

It all depends on your state and district. Some private schools may work for some gifted kids but not others. Likewise with public school.

I'd start by checking out your local schools and their policies. See http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/StatePolicy.aspx for an overview.

 

[cdahlgrd]

You can also check out www.hoagiesgifted.com to get more info about where your child may fit and testing options.

Let us know any other questions you may have.

 

[aris99]

Hi,

We had the same problem w/our eldest. We sent her to a good public kindergarten and there were other children, maybe 4-5 out of 17, that could read and had 1st grade math skills. The teacher was experienced and good at encouraging children at both ends of the spectrum. My daughter had a good yr. What I learned was that I could supplement what my daughter was learning at school and keep her interest in learning intact. She was reading chapter books so I bought her LOADS of these and we went to the library. I began teaching her french and latin. So if the school is a good one you could always send your child to school and supplement his learning outside of school.

We are homeschooling these days as we had to leave the "good" school district. I am much happier with this because I can modify and adapt subjects to keep up with my daughter's interests. For us, though ps is "do-able", nothing can beat homeschooling

! Good luck w/your decsion.