In general, the beginning of school has been fantastic! Both kids are enjoying their teachers, being back with friends, and getting back into the school routine. In fact, I actually heard these words come out of Caiden's mouth on Saturday evening: "I wish tomorrow was Monday instead of Sunday!" GASP! He loves Mr. Wiens!
Last night, we went to the school for the annual "Open House" Night. Some schools may call it "Meet the Teacher" Night. Anyway, all was well until we were directed to the ELP room (Extended Learning Program, aka Gifted). Last year, Caiden began going to that room with a group of kids to work ahead in math. We've always known that he is a great problem solver and has good number sense. He was excited about the challenge of working ahead, although he complained a little bit about missing other things. Last night we found out that this same group is starting the year at the beginning of the 4th grade math book. What?? He had homework yesterday in math, and he was definitely not as excited about school as he had been the other days. Now I know why!
We've had several thoughts on this:
1. Do we get him tested or not? Somehow, I'm reluctant to do this. It feels like there's no turning back if it does, in fact, prove he is advanced. The ELP teacher would like for him to get tested and feels like he would probably qualify for "real" services. On the other side, if he wouldn't qualify, we would finally know and could go on from there. Part of me doesn't want him to be labeled as "gifted" and I'm not sure why. I keep processing this question in my head over and over!
2. I'm not sure he really got a good handle on important 3rd grade math concepts like multiplication facts and fractions by skipping through the book. He needs those to successfully move on.
3. I think ELP could be a good challenge for him. And, it would be good for him to be challenged by someone other than his mother! If he goes back to 3rd grade math, he could get bored and cause other problems - maybe.
4. Caiden is used to breezing through things, and maybe he isn't learning enough from that. If he has to work a little bit to get the right answers I can see a benefit from that. When he was working on his homework yesterday, I didn't really check in on him because I usually don't have to. When I looked at his work later, it was clear that some of the questions were tricky for him. Working ahead may help him to ask more questions and think more critically.
For now, we're praying for wisdom to do what is best for Caiden. We'll give it a few weeks and see how this all goes. We definitely won't make a decision on testing for quite a while. I can honestly say that I never thought we would have this kind of "problem" to work with!
Last night, we went to the school for the annual "Open House" Night. Some schools may call it "Meet the Teacher" Night. Anyway, all was well until we were directed to the ELP room (Extended Learning Program, aka Gifted). Last year, Caiden began going to that room with a group of kids to work ahead in math. We've always known that he is a great problem solver and has good number sense. He was excited about the challenge of working ahead, although he complained a little bit about missing other things. Last night we found out that this same group is starting the year at the beginning of the 4th grade math book. What?? He had homework yesterday in math, and he was definitely not as excited about school as he had been the other days. Now I know why!
We've had several thoughts on this:
1. Do we get him tested or not? Somehow, I'm reluctant to do this. It feels like there's no turning back if it does, in fact, prove he is advanced. The ELP teacher would like for him to get tested and feels like he would probably qualify for "real" services. On the other side, if he wouldn't qualify, we would finally know and could go on from there. Part of me doesn't want him to be labeled as "gifted" and I'm not sure why. I keep processing this question in my head over and over!
2. I'm not sure he really got a good handle on important 3rd grade math concepts like multiplication facts and fractions by skipping through the book. He needs those to successfully move on.
3. I think ELP could be a good challenge for him. And, it would be good for him to be challenged by someone other than his mother! If he goes back to 3rd grade math, he could get bored and cause other problems - maybe.
4. Caiden is used to breezing through things, and maybe he isn't learning enough from that. If he has to work a little bit to get the right answers I can see a benefit from that. When he was working on his homework yesterday, I didn't really check in on him because I usually don't have to. When I looked at his work later, it was clear that some of the questions were tricky for him. Working ahead may help him to ask more questions and think more critically.
For now, we're praying for wisdom to do what is best for Caiden. We'll give it a few weeks and see how this all goes. We definitely won't make a decision on testing for quite a while. I can honestly say that I never thought we would have this kind of "problem" to work with!
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