I have a just turned 5 year old (start of November) who is not yet at ‘big’ school. He has taught himself to read and can read almost anything you give him as well as able to comprehend texts, is able to do simple maths (e.g 11-4, or 6+7), and solve quite difficult puzzles aimed at much older children. Has anyone had a child similar and can offer me advice- I am after is some ideas on how to occupy him. He craves more but I don’t know which direction to go into from here on until the new school year when he begins reception.
We play lots of games together, and he plays imaginative games as well as interacts a lot with other children. I find it really difficult to ask this question as when I have brought it up in the past I have been told not to ‘brag’, or generally people simply don’t believe me and therefore I’m not getting any answers for what I’m asking.
Academic ideas for child
Academic ideas for child
Posted in:
Education
20 Replies
Reading Eggs app and mathsletics
Thanks, I’ll look into Mathletics. Reading eggs are not his thing, he is so disinterested in them unfortunately
Thanks, I’ll look into Mathletics. Reading eggs are not his thing, he is so disinterested in them unfortunately
I have this issue with my 7 year old daughter. I find at times when I just can’t keep her occupied enough outings are the best thing to do.little adventures where they can find things, the museum ect.
We’re limited as to what we can do outings-wise due to where we live unfortunately. We simply don’t have anything like a museum to go to. But I find outings do occupy us quite well, especially if it’s somewhere that stimulates him.
My niece is like this.
My sister ended up getting her involved in learning a second language. They did it together and it’s something that’s mentally stimulating my niece that isn’t strictly school work.
It’s great that he wants to learn, I think tapping into his interest in a way that’s not directly related to school is a great way to go.
My niece found things light reading eggs too simple. She had taught herself to read around the age of 3. So by 5 she was reading novels. She was also enjoying sudokus and things like that.
Thank you. He’s really interested in learning about other countries- just learning their names and how they say ‘hello’ at the moment but I think he would be really keen t learn another language!
2nd language is a great idea. Also what about a musical instrument?
Google gifted and talented programs for ideas. Personally I would extend vocabulary problem solving, word problems, and real world experience (PBL) project based learning. As said above - follow his interests and extend on them. For example, my 5 year old loves animals, so we did a fun run, raised money and counted and worked out how much to target, we looked at maps of the course, we created a video to share about it, we planned a costume, we planned the timing for the day. We made an animal encyclopaedia afterwards with illustrations, information, fun facts Etc. You take their interest and then use your knowledge of real world to extend it and guide them but get them to decide on direction and do the work.
If he's starting school next year, contact his teacher and ask them about their opinion on plans for extending him and advice so that you're on the same page.
That’s fantastic, thank you. We have been extending on his ideas, he’s very interested in other countries so have been studying maps and learning countries. Great ideas, we could really extend on this.
That’s fantastic, thank you. We have been extending on his ideas, he’s very interested in other countries so have been studying maps and learning countries. Great ideas, we could really extend on this.
Ooh countries is great!! Language - learning some basics, currency, culture, climate, food which is recipes and cooking together, flags - craft, landmarks, native animals - documentary and books, global position and neighbours. How far from us. Famous people, athletes/sports. There is a subscription box you can sign up for that delivers popular food from a different country each month. That might lead the months investigation.
My daughter was like this, taught herself to read when she was 3 and the only thing I used to do that was educational was read to them and let them watch Sesame Street! He is likely gifted, or at least talented. It's a blessing and a curse! My daughter is now 19 so we didn't have apps or anything to keep her mind going but I'm sure they are out there. Trying to get the school to take you seriously will be another problem as many kids can read before school now but not all of them are gifted. He can be tested by the school psych if memory serves me correctly, if you even want him tested. It is best to as then you can make sure he is catered for each year instead of having to hope each new teacher gives him work at his level. And yes, you will never be able to discuss it with anyone other than school teachers or it's seen as bragging! Really sad actually, if they're gifted at sports or music go ahead and talk all you like but talk about your academically gifted child and you're a pushy parent or bragging!
Agree most people's reaction to someone being clever is to try to make them look stupid. A favourite is to stand by the saying that people have book smarts but no street smarts, or missed out on common sense.
My personal advice is that being intelligent will make achieving what you want easier - to a point, but they bore easily by being fast finishers with no investment in their work. And in life, it is very important to know your passions, because that's what will fuel the grit and long term commitment, and make you successful in the adult world. It's harder to find your passion when you're pretty good at most things, so to find a passion and develop the grit to work hard through challenges is really important.
Thank you. We don’t really have much ipad time so I haven’t even looked into apps, but we read ALOT together, which I believe is where he has made the connections and learnt how to read. Absolutely agree in regards to it being ok to talk about sporting achievements but when talking academic achievements, I get some eye rolls, and even the old ‘oh yes but generally really smart people miss out in common sense and people skills’ which I don’t believe to be true at all.
I am concerned that the school won’t know how to work with him, maybe I might look into having him tested re giftedness. I was under the impression they had to be older than 6 to do so though.
Please don’t go in with the attitude that the school won’t know what to do with him, you haven’t even been there yet, have some faith in the teachers. He most likely won’t be the first gifted student they have taught and let them decide if they feel testing is appropriate.
A lot of prep work is open ended, so it gives the opportunity for the brighter kids to extend themselves. Have an open mind, go with the flow at school, let him settle in and if after a period of time if you feel he isn’t being extended, then approach the teacher. This is a hypothetical situation that hasn’t even happened yet.
I would also encourage, if he’s interested, learning a music instrument. It’s great for their brains and learning and sounds like he would be amazing at it. Learning to read music, as well as enjoyment. Good luck.
Im the person that suggested sport, music, drama etc. Non academic skills will help him maintain healthy work/life balance as an adult if he ends up in a high pressure, professional job. Speaking from experience. My family is highly intelligent. My siblings and I that have passions outside of our intellect/work are happier and healthier than the 2 that don't. It was my mum's contribution to my up bringing... and is the 1 thing I am incredibly grateful for. Also, my kids are similar. They do a bit of extension but they spend a lot of time assisting other kids. It keeps them engaged, develops skills that will be valuable in leadership roles as adults and also develops kindness, patience and understanding that everyone has different strengths. The teachers will definitely keep your son engaged. They won't only do it via extension learning though, so you might not see that he's building capabilities, but he will be.
Can I suggest adding in sports, drama, music etc. They are linked to increased academic achievement but will assist in other areas once he starts school.
I'll suggest cooking!
Not only is it an important practical skill but you've gotta use your noggin too 😊
Ie there's, reading recipes, comprehending the instructions and then putting those methods in to practice, taking measurements, mental multitasking and timing.
It's also fun and fulfilling!
My gifted daughter loves cooking! Her giftedness doesn't extend to the kitchen though 😂😂😂 But it does keep her busy and you're so right, it uses a broad range of skills and they can get very creative with it.