Long term consequences

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Home : 2003 : November : 16

Long term consequences
By Jade

I agree with the poster who said that maturity needs to be a huge part of this. It's not enough to have the ability to do the work, but task commitment and emotional stability are very important.

I've had many combinations
from a third grader who was still 6 when started 3rd grade to the 10-year-old in third for the first time. The 6-year-old handled everything well except anything having to do with fine motor--he wasn't developmentally ready yet for cursive writing.
Your new school may have some options for you, but I think skipping a grade should be toward the bottom of your list. What happens when

he's in middle school and his hormones aren't matching those of classmates? If he wants to play high school sports, will he be able to compete athletically? Are you prepared for a 17-year-old heading off to college?

My school offers some acceleration options. I currently have second graders who come to my room for reading and I have third graders who go to a fourth grade room for reading. We have also done this for children in math when it was warrented. They remain with their age peers for specials, recesses and any subjects they are not accelerated in. This has worked well and seems to provide the best of both worlds.

I believe that truly high achieving kids often do some self-extending. It sounds like you do things at home with your son that help expand his knowledge. That may be all he needs. I believe in home schooling public school kids--if you know what I mean. There is nothing wrong with learning happening at home as well as at school!!