Skipping a Grade in School: Should a Gifted Child Move Ahead?

Children who are eager to work and beg the teacher for more work are generally the best candidates who will pass their grade. It is these types of children that teachers identify quickly. If this is the case in your child the teachers might have already talked to you about his potential. However, the parents should be careful as some children who have mastered reading still cannot right cursive letter. It is advisable to focus on one type of exercise and leave out exercises that they do not like to do.

Boredom

This is not a sufficient reason for deciding to skip class. Other factors are to be considered such as the child's maturity, acquisitions and capabilities. These aspects are to be handled by the teacher and if the suggestion to skip class comes from him and you agree with it, go ahead. It is better not to skip class if the psychologist and the teacher are not in favour of it.

The problem in very young children is not necessarily due to an advance in school. Sometimes this reflects a problem at home, for example when the child lacks motivation or has no free time or if he feels that he is not spending enough time with his parents.

Early diagnoses

If your child is diagnoses early with the help of psychological tests, several solutions are possible for the child. If he gets excellent results in most subjects and he gets bored, skipping a class may be considered. Two-thirds of children are gifted in one or two areas but suffer in other subjects like history and writing. To help them flourish in school, extracurricular activities should be encouraged. If this is not enough, there are special schools which give special courses during college.

The child is the best judge

As to whether a child should skip class or not, he remains the best judge! Even at the age of 3 to 4 years he is capable to express what he wants. Some children want to progress faster because they get bored in class. Others will be satisfied with working additional exercises, preferring not to leave their classroom and their peers. Others fear of losing their status by changing the class. If the child is not ready to skip a class do not consider doing it. If you force him to skip class without his approval the child will lose his confidence and may failure intentionally in his exams in order to return to his previous class.

Sources:

http://www.brainy-child.com