How do you keep a child challenged and from being bored.

Kareemah - posted on 11/29/2009

My daughter is highly gifted and talented. She is in kindergarten, but already knows the entire first grade curriculum. They will not move her forward and do not challenge her because of her behavioral issues. My daughter is very sensitive, she loves attention, and when she gets bored she will "act out." Often, she is trying to express that she is bored, but the teacher ignores her. That usually sets my daughter in to a rage and she will become violent as a result of being ignored. I have tried to tell the school administration that she needs to be challenged more. If she is busy and her attention is focused on learning, a project, or figuring out how something works than she will not be violent. My daughter also can be a bit more of a challenge because she does not learn well by listening to instruction. She needs only the minimum of verbal communication and more hands on, physical interaction. She learns by doing, not listening. She has already stated that when people tell her how to do things, she listens for a moment, then the words kinda "blur together" and she don't hear what the people tell her. I'm not sure what to do either, but i am considering home school as an alternative. I think that the social development and interaction can be met if she is involved in activities such as karate, ballet, gymnastics, and/or a musical instrument. I was much the same way and i can identify. Playing the violin was very cathartic in my life.

Mandy - posted on 11/21/2009

Maybe the you and the school need to consider moving her into 5th grade, or have her tested to see what grade level she would fit into. Best of luck to you both!!

Regina - posted on 11/20/2009

I know its not the popular answer but when my daughter got to the point your talking about we skipped her a year in school. We had tried different kinds of schools including homeschooling (not for us but a great option) Most GT programs are enrichment programs IE: more work same stuff.

We talked to our then ten year old and asked her if she wanted to skip, went over the pros and cons, when she decided it was something she wanted to do we went to the school and asked what the process was.( in Oregon it included some testing and a couple of meetings.)

She has done well adapting and is now only bored in 2 classes instead of 7 which for us is a great improvement. In fact she got her first C on a report card and we were so happy because it means shes finally being challenged.

Anyway, I love the reading idea but don't believe its an answer as much as a band-aid.

The right answer for your child is out there , I wish you luck in your endeavor.

Victoria - posted on 11/19/2009

Perhaps some free expression art will draw and absorb extra focus....many times out of boredom comes GREAT creativity. Also learning to be quiet and still are a skills that need to be fostered. I have three 'Gifted and Talented' children, 21-14-10. I chose to send them to Montessori School and by pass the ridiculousness of pigeon hole elementary education. Try to teach her that she does not always have to be 'busy' it is ok just to sit and think. My youngest likes to squeeze clay while he sits and thinks or listens to a lesson at school. We actually chose not to put our daughter in the 'Gifted' program when she transitioned into public middle school. Life is challenging enough without the extra homework that gets piled on. Because my kids never have homework (gets done in class) they lots of extra time after school and we do not do LOTS of extra activities. Also they are ALL great cooks. Try to get her into the kitchen with you. When my youngest is board I suggest he make cookies, or how about chopping the veggies for dinner. When my oldest first got to college at 17 he was the only one who could cook and it made him very popular and when he is home we all cook together. Other fun thing; fort building, reading, writing stories, writing music and songs, and simply playing outside. My younger two have a more difficult time with friends but have managed to find a choice few that get their jokes and their love of March 14.

Rebecca - posted on 11/19/2009

actually i found a couple of website for gifted children. they are pretty good. My five year old loves it and my 7 and 9 year old. I understand what you are going through, sounds like private school is the same as public school. see the following maybe this will keep your daughter busy and challenged. www.starfall.com and get you others in another response.

Kate - posted on 11/19/2009

My daughter is in preschool, but when tested, she proved to have an IQ equivalent to a 1st grader. Last week we went to parent teacher confrences, and the teacher said she seems bored. She always knows the answer, but they discourage her from answering so the rest of the class has a chance. We pay for private school education, because the curiculum is a year ahead of public schools. But uf she is bored, then what can I do for her?

Rebecca - posted on 11/18/2009

I asked them about that and they are allowing her to be a helper and to read after she is done with her work. her math and science teacher sent me an email stating that she has mastered her math skills and said that she showed her long division but is not allowed to teacher her that because they do not teach that until 5th grade and that is something i can work with her on; what i don't understand it's suppose to be GT program but they cannot teach them higher math because they can get into trouble. I can't afford private school. She usually finishes all her homework by the time she gets home from school because she is usually one of the students that finishes her work early. I didn't have this opportunity that she does and i want her to be able to get the best. thanks Mandy for your response. I will continue doing research and have faith in the school system.

Mandy - posted on 11/18/2009

I wish I had an answer....instead I face the same with both my boys. I had to make arrangements with my younger son, in 4th grade to allow him to read during classwork and after tests just to keep him from talking to others while they finish their work. They tried to tell me that it wasn't their "policy" to allow that...serious?? So I told them to let him color...yeah, right....he is now allowed to read. Good luck with your daughter!!