What do I do with my 7 year old who is beyond bored in school?

Question

I am in Ireland

My son has just been assessed by an educational psychologist which showed him to be in the higher superior level of intelligence for his age. His reading is at the maximum and is acheiving at a 16 year old level. Hes not geeky, he is a normal little boy that loves to play and be silly like any other child his age.

This morning he just cried and cried before school and it really got to me. He explained that he was having a "low" day. I asked him did he want to stay home and he said no because he wants to see his friends which is great. His problem is the work he is doing is boring him senseless, he is in 2nd class in a classroom which is also mixed with 1st class. He also said that all of the boys are so noisy and its horrible being in there. He said he loves his friends and his teacher AND his school but sometimes its like being back in playschool.

How on earth can I help him to be happier and to just do what is asked of him. I just know he is going to snap at some stage and all h**l will break loose. Hes not violent or extremely disruptive but because of his higher understanding he will mouth off like a teenager. His teacher handles him great and calms a situation but I feel the principal goes over the top.

I live in an area that does not facilitate kids that are acheiving at a higher level and the school has no idea what to do with him. All we want is a happy kid that will go through primary school, enjoy it and appreciate that he finds work that bit easier. Then in Secondary he can get all the eduacation and guidance he will need!!

Any suggestions ??

Answer 1

Yay another smart kid! Ok well I'm apparently over intelligent as well. I also get bored with all the work and all that, I reckon maybe you should ask the teacher to supply advanced work, make him work harder. Or you know, he may be an emo. Just a thought.

Answer 2

I would suggest a Montessori education. Maybe your school board has a free Montessori school or if you can afford it a private Montessori school ( montessori schools are expensive) It sounds like he is the type of kid that is better off learning at his own pace instead of having to wait for the  other kids in his class to learn the lesson also. If this is not an option for you than I would suggest home school at  least until he is out of elementary and than maybe he will be able to go to advanced classes..If none of these options are acceptable than you will have to become an advocate for your son and fight the school board so that he is given a good education that is befitting his intelligence.

Answer 3

If you have the money and the school agree what about having a private tutor in the classroom with him? Doing 'stretch' activities. Ie your son would start with the same work the other kids are doing, but once complete his tutor takes over and widens his knowledge.  Or he does something totally different with his tutor like learning a language.

Alternatively not in school but maybe have a half / half arrangement where he is in school for part of the week but home schooled / tutored for part of the week. In the UK you can do that in extreme cases, and it is usually to do with disruptive children.

Have you talked to his teacher? (s)he is probably as frustrated as your son because there is not time to stretch him in class and would probably welcome a discussion on what can be done.

Years ago (early 70's) I had a teacher who gave all the students cards with tasks written on them, we had to complete them in the school day but at any time and in any order, something like that to give him extra.

One thing, he is a bit young for but you could ask the teacher to try is have him listen to younger / poorer readers in his class.

Maybe he could spend one day a week in the class above?

It's unfortunate you don't seem to have the 'gifted and talented' programme, and I expect a move to England would be too much.  

Answer 4

There are many educational and self-learning books around -- why not find a topic he is very interested in and suggest to the teacher that he could apply what the rest of the class are learning (eg. mathmatics, language, science) to his chosen "enquiry topic" of the month (or week, or school term).  ie. the question he would ask himself would be -- okay the class are learning about fractions -- how could I use fractions in my enquiry topic of "space" for example (or "zoo animals" or "dinosaurs" or even things like "charity", "homelessness", "dentistry", the list goes on depending on his interests and how specific you wish to be) and have him fact-find from library books, the internet, educational software/DVDs etc.

Perhaps his teacher could help the link between the class level and his interests so that while he is not able to advance in the actual difficulty of the maths or whatever, he can use his intellect to further study the applications of the learning area?

Answer 5

change skools .... u dont want ur kid being bored to the point where he cries in the morning because of it .. he will see his old friends and make new friends!  

Answer 6

I know exactly where you are coming from - my son is similar, and got to the point where he was literally bored to tears. But the only way he'd get special help is if he was actively disruptive. What's a parent to do - tell their child to misbehave when the work's too easy? :(

I would seriously look into private education, in particular schools which select on ability. If your son really is as bright as you say, most academic schools will be delighted to take him, and they may well haev bursaries available which will cover up to 100% of the fees for kids whose parents can't afford it (having other kids would be taken into account here). Ask - the worst that happens is that they say no.

And I'm with you on "gifted". It makes it sound like it's something you either are or aren't, whereas actually all kids lie somewhere on a spectrum.

Answer 7

For a child that is this much ahead and gifted you really must get him the help he needs. I live in the US and here I would suggest you start with his doctor. What about the professionals who did the testing on him. Didn't they give you any advise on where to go with him so he can get the schooling he is going to need.

Start researching gifted schools. You never know what kind of finical help you may be able to get.

Answer 8

Homeschool your son.  

Answer 9

Hi,

Have you spoken to the principal about whether your son could perhaps take on some older work?

That's what I had to do when I was younger, my teachers wanted to move me up a few years but I didn't want to do that so instead I used to join in with class activities, but when we had to work alone I would do something different. That way I got to stay with my friends but wasn't constantly bored.

Also I the teacher got me to help other children with their work and reading.

It must be really hard for you, but it sounds like you're being really supportive! The school should be helping you more.