Is getting your child into a Gifted & Talented program important to you?

Question

If so, would you enroll your 4-6 year old into a pre-k program (2-3 hours a day) that focuses on literacy, math and classroom procedures. (the skills on the entrance exam)

Please, I want to know what you would do...not what I should do. It isn't about me personally.

Thanks everyone!! The question wasn't about me personally. I have a few co-workers we think parents will buy into this type of program...I tried to tell them it wouldn't fly. Thanks...

Answer 1

I would not place any of my children in a special pre-k program in hopes of trying to get them in the Gifted Program later. Children who qualify for the Gifted Program must reach a certain score on several different tests. The content of those exams is not something that can be learned. So many people are misinformed and think that children who are in the Gifted Program are "smarter". Its not that they are smarter, its that they learn in a different way, and yes, many of them do in fact do better than their peers in many areas. I have 4 children, 2 of them in school and they were both just about equal in abilities/levels at the same ages, but 1 qualified for Gifted and one didn't. The one who didn't still reads several years above the other children in her grade, is way ahead in math, and does not struggle at all in any subject. She does fabulous and all our children make us very proud! Having our other child in the Gifted Program was not even something we ever considered, and I can't say we would keep her there permanently either. She is successful in it, it challenges her, and she loves it, but it is not important to us that she is there. Having that label does not make her better than anyone else.

Answer 2

If my child were not challenged in regular classes then it would be important for him to be in a Talented and Gifted program. IF it were more challenging and not just more work. It's not about me, just my child and if it becomes a need for a parent to get her child into a TAG program, then she has pride issues.

I certainly would not put a young child in a pre-K program that stresses those things. They are little kids and learn from play. Any preschool program should do all it's teaching through play and avoid almost any formal education.

I homeschool my kids, but they each went one year to preschool. I volunteered at least once a week and was there to see what was going on. I like the messy play and the group songs and all the really fun things they do. I never expected my kids to learn anything academic. I can teach them to read and do math, they need to play and sing.

Starting early doesn't necessarily give a child an advantage. Lots of homeschoolers (not us though) use a "Better Late Than Early" approach and those kids are on the same level as early readers by 4th or 5th grade. Here's an article:
http://www.excellenceineducation.com/better_late_than_early.php

I'd just keep it fun and introduce letters and sounds in games. Same with math. Counting things is fun. Measuring, calendar, etc. Oh, and read, read, read.

Answer 3

It is important to me that my future children have a good education, definitely. I think that enrolling in a Pre-K program that focuses on things on the entrance exam would be a smart idea. But at the same time, Math for a four year-old seems a bit excessive. I do not have experience with preschool, but I know that kindergarten these days is much more strict and there's more than just the "paint, play, learn to read" thing.

That being said, I wouldn't personally do it around here (South Dakota) because the G&T programs are a joke.

Answer 4

First, I take MAJOR issue with the term "gifted and talented" as it implies children who don't make the cut are not gifted or talented, and that's just not the case.

I wouldn't take steps to TRY to get them in, but if their teacher recommended it, I'd be okay with it. The program is important because those kids need the extra stimulation and challenges to reach their full potential, but if the motivation is for the parents, not the kids, I don't think that's right.

Being in a program like that has few long-lasting benefits, so it's pointless and wrong to push a child too far to get in the program. I know people who took remedial math who went on to be very successful doctors, nurses, lawyers, architects, even stock brokers. I know some "gifted and talented" people who live with their parents, working at Dairy Queen and addicted to recreational drugs.

I do have my kids in a good preschool that works on learning to read, write, do simple math, and has "science", but it hadn't ever occurred to me to have them in any special program. I just want them ready for kindergarten.

Answer 5

I guess it could be good if you are not able to put the time into teaching them yourself. Since kindergarten is not required a lot of family of mine has taught their children how to read, basic math and spent most of the learning time on what the child was interested in. All of the kids in my family have grown up and are brighter than most kids. I received a full scholarship and so have the others in my fam. Plus we all have some sort of talent we LOVE doing. So if you can't do it yourself then I guess go ahead and trust someone else to do it for you.

Answer 6

I wouldn't. But that is because I'm a homeschooing parent I choose to teach my kids at home.

My oldest 2 though are going to a co op once a week in the fall. My youngest is 5 and he just isn't interested in that right now.

Answer 7

Head start is great and all but gifted and talented programs are for people with exceptional gifts and that can't be taught. I certainly would not try to artificially inflate my childs abilities to get them in. It will only leave them floundering if that's not where they belong and harm their self esteem as well as their joy of learning.

Answer 8

Yeah i t hink its good for a
child to get a head start. i put my 18 month old into a head start day care and its great.
I don't think it over works the kids at all. As long as the teachers are letting the kids have fun while doing it, i think its great.

Answer 9

My daughter ( who is now in sixth grade) went to regular kindergarten and has been in the accelerated programs since she was in 2nd grade. She just got so bored with the regular curriculum. We didnt make her that way, and we certainly didn't make it the primary focus. in fact she hates when its pointed out .dont make it into such a big focus,let the kid be a kid.

Answer 10

my daughter is graduating from such a program next week. i didn't put her in it b/c of a desire to get her into a gifted/talented program. my intentions were to socialize her, and while doing so choosing the best academic program possible. i don't believe in pushing children but i do believe in offering them the best possible tools to succeed.