DS in Year 4 and getting bored

[wangle99]

DS is in Year 4 at local primary. He's been labelled as the class clown and is always getting into trouble for being the 'naughty' one. It seems he is getting bored and is finding the work too easy. He has the most amazing mental maths skills (puts my 15 year old daughter and myself to shame!) and has been whizzing through worksheets i've been printing out.

He loves learning but I really don't think school are meeting his needs. I'm hoping this doesn't come across as me being a pushy mother because i'm not, I really don't know whether I should speak to school or whether just leave it - although if I leave it I suspect DS is going to get more bored and get into more trouble.

Any advice gratefully received.

Thanks

Sarah

Speak to the school- is there another area he needs to focus on instead of you printing him out more worksheets? How's his writing? Sometimes it's an issue for bright boys.

Of course you should speak to them. The last thing you want is for your son to get turned off from education because it doesn't suit him. Perhaps when you speak to them you could offer some solutions. If he's finding his work far far too easy how would he manage with some gcse topics in maths? Can anyone in the family help him with maths that's quite a bit more advanced than the stuff he's getting at school?

Thank you for your replies, I didn't want to step out of line by saying something to the school and them getting stroppy (which I think they will anyway).

His writing is a bit of an issue to be honest! Also, he's left handed which doesn't help (apparently). He is in the top group for spellings and always gets them 100% right. He also loves science so was thinking we could do some experiments.

DD is currently studying for her higher GCSE maths so can help a little bit. It's parents evening soon and I will speak to the teacher but I also had a meeting with her recently to discuss DS's disruptiveness.

Your Son sounds exactly like mine.
I have a very bored but very bright but very cheeky/naughty 8 yr old.
Top of the top sets for everything, but his handwriting is terrible.
I have enrolled him in as many activities as is feasible, & that seems to be working. He loves the games etc at cubs, finds French club fun. & is passionate about sport.
His teacher has allowed him to go to the next year group for Maths.
What I have found has helped him the most, is to have an ongoing supply of really good books. Each time he finishes one he gets some cards for his football card collection. I get him to tell me about the story, what he liked about the book etc. He takes the current book to school each day, & if/when he finishes a piece of work before the other children, his teacher lets him read his book.
It does seem to have cut down on his chatting, & generally being annoying to the other children.
Hope you get something sorted soon

chickydoo - you could have described DS there to a tee!!! He has just started cubs (being enrolled properly next week!), he loves language but not sure there is anything around here like that and loves sport! (Currently coming up to the end of a 6 weeks ban on sport due to horrific appendix op in December but the ban is up on Friday yay!)

The book idea is great - I think I will do something similar.

Thank you