Help!

[supertay]

My little boy has just turned 6 and was put on the gifted register when he started reception. He is reading Roald Dahl books, he loves science and knows all about cell structure, respiration and photosynthesis. Anything he shows an interest I teach him about. He loves language and Geography. My problem is his school don't seem to care!
I have spoken to his teacher around 6 times about giving him harder work but he said that my son isnt doing his work in class so he wont give him more work till he does. The thing is my son knows how to do all the work and being 6 doesn't see why he should learn it again. I find this a fair point. Its driving me crazy that he doesn't seem to care. I spoke to the head mistress and she put me in touch with the gifted co-ordinator for the school. She didn't even know my son existed! Does anyone know what I can do to help my boy? I teach him at home but he needs the support at school also. It seems insane that so much help is given to children with learning difficulties but non is given to gifted children. what is the point of the gifted register? is it supposed to just satisfy us parents who are made to feel pushy for daring suggest there child is advanced??? Would be great to hear from people in similar situations.

[BelleDeChocChipCookieMonster]

The thing is though, that you know he can do it, your son knows he can do it but the school don't so they need him to show them. It's not that they don't care, every parent wants a bright child so they will have had numerous adorimg parents tell them that little Johnny can do quantum physics at the tender age of 4. They need to see it for themselves. I'd stop teaching him at home as he'll be bored at school if he's already done that topic! If you want to do extras with him then teach him something that isn't on the curriculum, marine biology for example. In the mean time, you need to tell your son that he needs to work hard at school so he can show his teacher what he can do.

[josie14]

Hi Superstay, Just read your post and see how frustrated you are. I posted a couple of days ago as we think our ds is 'gifted' and were curious about what, if anything, the majority of parents with gifted kids do extra and I got some very sound advice. My ds is only 4 and has not been formally identified in any way and I think we will let things ride for now as he is very happy in school and the importance of him learning good social skills, for me anyway, right now is his priority. Your ds is 2 years older and if you check out Redfreds advice to me on my post 'mixed feelings' 2 down from yours right now. I hope you dont mind me saying this, but I do think other types of special needs often should be prioritised over gifted as the increased life chances brings them closer to the average whereas done right, gifted special needs provision would probably open doors the rest of us mortals could only dream of. I would try to refrain from making the comparison.

[bubbleymummy]

supertay, I would persevere with the school but keep teaching him at home. Have you considered HE if you don't get anywhere with the school? I'm currently HEing my 4yo and he's doing great - work tailored specifically to his level and interests. Yes, socialising is important but we have plenty of other opportunities to mix with children outside of school and I think it is more important that he keeps his interest in learning rather than just sitting bored in the classroom and potentially getting up to mischief! :)