My kid is kind of a genius!? what should i do?

Question

my kid is 4 years old, he knows advanced multiplication, he knows division, he knows basic algebra(solving for variables), he knows all this math stuff, plus he can read....do i push him up a couple of grades or leave him at the same level but have him learn nothing?!

Answer 1

A 4 year old that reads and does algebra is not a "kind of genius," he is a genius.

You need to get assistance right away. Look on the net for sites dealing with gifted children, and try to get advice from the school system about what assistance is available for him, even though he is not yet in school. The time is now.

But at the same time, he is only 4. So he needs to be with kids and have playmates and learn to socialize.

So let him do all the reading and math and whatever else interests him that he wants. And try to keep him involved with other kids. Hard to do, since he is normal and not normal at the same time. So bumping him up a few grades is not going to do it, as he will be out of his element, age wise, and if he is doing algebra, it is a good deal more than a few grades indeed.

He needs something else, like a school for gifted kids, and I know that you can get the school district to pay what they would spend on him toward the gifted school.

And think about home schooling, too. The point is that you can get financial help from the school for a better way to deal with his giftedness, and at the same time have him in a socialization environment.

Answer 2

Even if he skips some grades, he'll probably need a social outlet with kids his own age.

If he doesn't skip then he can have a leisurely childhood. He could always keep ahead on the things he is especially interested in.

Then perhaps he could skip when he was older so he'd have a more "normal" education and childhood for the early years.

Obviously it's your choice, but here's how I see the possible pros and cons:

Pro skip:
- will feel that class material is "at his level"
- if he is more mature emotionally as well, he'll be with kids he can relate to
-will be able to start college earlier
-won't get lazy from having too little work to do as he might if he didn't skip

Anti-skip:
-might get teased because he’s different or at risk of bullying due to size difference
-might find it too difficult and feel pressured
-will have less of a chance to just be his own age
-won't be able to choose to skip for himself (maybe he could decide that in jr high or high school)
-might have excelled more and had more free time for extra-curricular activities by not skipping a grade (thereby increasing chances for a full scholarship somewhere)

Answer 3

Okay,
The schools are having to deal with this problem quite a bit now with all the computers and fast paced learning toys. At 4 it is hard to tell what kind of a program the public school will feel is appropriate for your child. Each state is different and many families have opted for homeschooling for different reasons.
Each families needs are different as to how much attention and money they can afford to escalate a child's education.
Private schools have scholarships even for pre-schoolers. I guess the most important thing is that your child is happy in his or hers learning environment as well as you being the parents also feeling comfortable.
The public schools do not have a set up gifted or advanced learning program that is universal to all 50 states.
As for advancing grades- I think they also look at the child's social development.

Good Luck and Happy Holidays.

Answer 4

Don't push. Encourage! Persuasion is better than brute force. Ever heard of the Aesop's Fable about the Sun and the Wind?

Let him discover the joy of learning. Keep him challenged and rejoice with him in his victories. Do your best to find new avenues for him to learn more. But do remember that he will not always know all the answers, so be there with him when he seemingly hits a dead end. Be his guide, helper and best friend. By doing so, even a seemingly ordinary child can become a genius. Start now, don't delay.

It was only recently that we discovered our eldest son actually has a gift for music.

Answer 5

Maybe move him up one grade, but no more than that. The other option would be to put him in a girfted and talented program that will satisfy his mental prowess :) This way you could also keep him in the same grade with his friends, and he'd still be getting the enrichment he needs. Talk to his teacher about your options. I wouldn't move him up more than 1 level, especially in elementary school because of all the social developments he's going through. Put him up a couple grades, he's likely to be picked on for being the smart kid. Wait until middle or high school to do that; it's a natural break in schooling and would be easier on him. If I were you I'd keep him in 4th grade, but talk to his teacher about advanced programs he can enroll in, or sign him up for club soccer, boy scouts, or some kind of extracurricular activity. You don't want him to get bored.

Answer 6

Definitely bump him up a few grades. In kindergarden you learn your numbers, letters, and colors. He can do more than most adults can do, and when you're young learning new things is a much quicker process. In the 6 years it would take him to catch up to what he currently knows now, he could learn a lot more. =) I say go for it... take him to the next level, and he'll thank you later in life.

Answer 7

you kid may be very smart, but I"m assuming he will be very bored in school. He may become a social outcast. Your best bet to keep him well rounded socially woudl be to find a school for gifted chilren that work one on one or in small groups of children the smae age at the smae level.

You could also sign him up for music lessons or sports so he can interact with other children.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

You have him tested and find a gifted program. He would not be emotionally ready to be with kids that much older them him and I highly doubt the school would stick a 4 year old in with 7th graders.

Answer 10

It seems like you want him to learn more advanced things yet not be outcast by his age group. Look into the school programs and try to get him to do a social activity with kids his age (basketball, soccer, tae kwon do)