But, He's Reading On A Third Grade Level!

One of the hardest things to accept and understand as the parents of a gifted child is the fact that they will almost always develop "unevenly".

Let me explain:

Little Joey started Kindergarten this year; and within two months he was able to read far beyond children in his classroom. As a matter of fact, most of the children in his class were just learning their letters and the sound each letter makes.

While Joey was bored with, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar", and wanting to read "Insect Soup" (bug poems), he became very restless, couldn't sit still, and loud! He had a severe discipline problem!-- (According to the teacher)

When it came time to come in from playing in the snow and take his boots off, put on his shoes, and of course tie them, Joey needed help. He tried, became frustrated, and in the course of it all, layed down and threw a terrible temper tantrum! He cried, yelled, kicked and screamed in frustration! He just couldn't do it! Again, He had a severe discipline problem!-- (According to the teacher)

Joey knew all his numbers, and even knew how to do two column addition! He again became restless while all the other kids were practicing at writing their 1's, 2's and 3's. He began throwing crayons! He couldn't hold the crayons properly! His severe discipline problems just couldn't be tolerated!--(According to the teacher)

At home, however, he could add by the show of flashcards (His parents took part in this.) He's such a gifted boy!-- (Said the parents) We just don't understand all the discipline problems!--(Parents again)

Physically, he could do cartwheels, play hopscotch and wail a baseball! He could have a "grown-up" conversation with other adults! He was a hard one to handle!-- (It didn't seem that way though!)--(Parents again)

The parents wanted him skipped into the first or second grade! The principal and teacher didn't think that Joey should be passed. "He throws temper tantrums, doesn't know how to hold a crayon or pencil, and can't seem to "relate" with other kids on their level!" (They think the parents are "pushy".)

On the other hand, the parents made numerable attempts to have the child "passed" to a higher grade, not understanding the terrible intellectual and social impact this would have on him, but knowing that he needs to proceed with his advanced learning.

In The Classroom:

The teacher is beginning to show his/her feelings to the other kids when it comes to "handling" Joey. He/she is inadvertently making Joey "stand out"! The children are realizing that Joey is "different", and Joey is realizing that he is not accepted by the teachers or children!

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