Skipping a grade      

Syndicated column from The Parent Institute

[APRIL 4, 2006]  Q: Our daughter is in third grade. She learns so quickly and easily that she's always bored in her class. I don't want her to start giving up on school just because of boredom. We are considering asking the school to let her skip to the fifth grade next year. Is this a good idea?

A: Your consideration is valid. Gifted children learn quickly and easily, but if they aren't challenged, they may have too much time on their hands. Typically, children who are able to skip a grade are so far ahead of their classmates that they spend most of their time in school waiting for others to catch up. Some students don't seem to mind -- they read, work on the computer or pursue independent projects. Others get bored and turn off altogether or act out. Following are some things to consider before making a determination:

• Request a conference with your child's teacher and the principal of her school to see what options are available in your school district. Ask for suggestions on ways you and the school can challenge your daughter. Is there a program for gifted learners?

• Can she be accelerated in one or more subjects? Will this option continue to be available? (Otherwise, your daughter could end up repeating material in a later year.)

• Meet with the school psychologist. Remember that skipping a grade means your daughter would need to socialize with older kids. If she's mature emotionally and physically, skipping a grade can be a successful experience. If she isn't, it may be best to look for other ways to meet her academic needs.

• Acceleration means that your daughter might no longer be the best in the class. Both you and your daughter should be ready for this.

As you talk with the teacher, discuss ways to make the rest of the year challenging and rewarding for your daughter. Does she have a special interest? Perhaps she can work on a project related to that interest once she has finished her work. Can the teacher give her assignments that will let her learn in greater depth? Ask if the teacher can give your daughter some responsibility in the classroom. Giving a student a job is a great way to help her become a leader.

Provide your daughter with some extra enrichment at home. The school will do what it can, but your child will also need stimulating activities outside the classroom. A child who's bored in school may thrive in an after-school theater class, an art course or a computer class. Give her every chance to nurture her gifts, but don't forget that your gifted child is still a child. Encourage your daughter to do some things just for fun.

[The Parent Institute]

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Copyright 2006, The Parent Institute

"Ask the Learning Advisor -- Ideas for Raising Successful Children" is a free, syndicated column from the Parent Institute.