My thoughts

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Home : 2003 : November : 20

My thoughts
By Kathy

I definitely agree with the previous posts that this is completely your decision to make. But since you asked for advice, here's mine:

Based on what you have said in your post, I believe it would be a mistake to place
your youngster in third grade at this time.
He's 6 now so is already a bit young for second grade. And you said yourself that he was not that emotionally mature. If other children are teasing him now and it is affecting him negatively, I can't see how the situation would improve by placing him in third grade. Having taught third graders for the past 15 years I can tell you that

crying is not acceptable social behavior at that grade level and would only be the grounds for more teasing.

My further concern is that you said his spelling and handwriting were at second grade level. Third grade is a huge transition and there is a LOT more written work than in first and second grade. Also, cursive is usually stressed in third grade which your son will probably not be ready for at age six.

Actually, it is not that unusual for children to be able to read (or do math)at higher grade levels. I have had first graders read The Black Stallion. And last year one of my fourth graders scored on the 12th grade level in one area on the ITBS. I do not feel that either child was bored in my classroom--although both did require modifications in learning. Good teachers can (and should)challenge their gifted learners.

I would say the biggest problem right now is that your child is in second grade where so much of the schoolwork is skills--which it sounds like he already has. As a result, it can get boring and your concern is that he not be turned off from learning and school as a result.

I think once he gets to a higher grade, you may find that the subject matter will capture his attention. There is still an emphasis on skills in the higher grades, but also intriguing science and social studies material.

Your immediate dilemma is how to keep him from getting bored in school at this age. There have been several interesting suggestions in previous posts. One idea that comes to my mind would be to homeschool him for a couple years to get past these primary grades where the emphasis is so strongly in learning basic skills. Another is to present your dilemma to his next school and see what their advice is.

It's a tough decision to make, but you sound like a parent that has her child's best interest in mind. Good luck in whatever you decide!