challenging my DS aged 5... not classified G&T so far

[masuki]

Hi there, just starting to think about whether DS might be at this level - would love any comments.

He joined Reception last Sept, had already achieved all but one of the EYFS goals, is now writing stories daily, lots of misspellings, but completely flowing with it all, reading lime so easily, going to try the next level tomorrow (blue???), Nursery always said his maths skills were unbelievable, he is very happy and adjusted with life in general, and very curious about everything. Reception teacher hasn't said anything about his level to me, just 'she has no worries re his abilities. A parents evening coming up soon - what should i ask/say?

So wondering what we can do at home to help his development etc, is he exceptional or just doing well?!!! Was thinking of finding some simple science experiments to do and also some maths workbooks for him to look at...

We haven't been pushing him at all , just letting him grow at his own pace, but i am feeling that i could do so much more to help him develop.

Did your ds learn to read and write before you sent him to school, or has he picked it all up since starting there?

There are always fun things you can do to keep him interested and stimulated without him even knowing that he is learning. Science experiments sound fun, joining wildlife walks could be good, reading perhaps more advanced bedtime stories, taking him to museums and art galleries (and talking to him in an age appropriate way about what you see). If he is good at maths, perhaps he is ready to handle his own pocket money. Cooking encourages very useful skills. He might be ready for a musical instrument. Above talk lots to him.

begood, i guess we had done alot of the building blocks - phonics sounds at playgroup and lots of alphabet work / simple numbers in magazines/little workbooks etc - it is like the pieces of the puzzle have come together in a flash and suddenly it is all flowing..... i just want to encourage all of his enthusiasm and curiosity really...

thanks cory re museums and art galleries - that sounds good idea, yes we do baking at weekends, any thoughts on good bedtime stories for this age group?

bedtime stories will depend on his interests and level of thinking, also how sensitive he is: I was reading Noel Streatfield to dd at this age (or even a little younger), Laura Ingalls Wilder- but that all seems a bit girlie

he might be a bit young for Narnia and Professor Branestawm- though then again, dd insisted on the entire LOTR trilogy (ouch!) at age 6- though not, I must add, in one sitting (still painful, though)

I'd start with something like The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark, see how he likes it and then gradually go more complex

My DS is has just turned 6 and has been fascinated by codes and codebreaking for ages. I have asked Godparents to email letters to him in code which he can then de-code and write back.

Also, anything Detective and or spying! We got him a Scotland Yard kit with fingerprinting and magnifying glass. Also, how about a little microscope (the science museum does a good one for about £6) so he can find things in the garden or park to examine?

At night he's been reading Pippi Longstocking (honorary boy!) which was one of my favourites as a child. Roald Dahl always hits the spot too. Agree with others who said usual things about galleries etc. and doing anything with you will be the most enjoyable thing. Good luck and enjoy him - he sounds very bright and lovely!