My child is not exceptionally bright. Maybe not even that bright.

[Anonymous]

Try apps if you have an ipad or tablet. They work great for learning the basics. Also, Leap Frog videos and Preschool Prep.

[Anonymous]

I have a "gifted" kid and a "normal" kid. Gifted kid started talking at 6 months, knew all his letters by 18 months, was reading/writing at 3, gets straight As without effort, etc. He's also in therapy because of his emotional issues.

"Normal" kid is bright in his own ways ... loves art, math, etc. ... but where he really shines is emotional intelligence. I think life will be easier for him than his "gifted" brother, and he may very well end up more successful long-term. Academics aren't everything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's okay, OP. My son, now 12, didn't show any signs of being particularly smart or bright or gifted or whatever you want to call it at 3 or 4 or 5 years old. But, he is smart, he just does things on his own time and at his own pace. He is also an exceptionally hard worker which I attribute, in part, to the fact that no adults were fawning over him and telling him how gifted he was (kids pick up on this even if its just said "around" them and I should know, my brother was profoundly gifted and has struggled to live up to his IQ his entire life). Well, DS just got accepted to St Albans, based on his grades, academic record and test scores. Don't sweat it. Your DS is 3. There is lots and lots of time for him to grow into academics. All I would say is keep reading to him as much as he wants!

Ha! You just described my boy during his early years. My son is a little older than yours and he's also at STA and doing extremely well. He's smart and gets the job done at his own pace, as well. I wouldn't describe him as gifted or a genius. However, he's emotionally brilliant and can fit in among all kind of people and is a keen observer and problem solver.

This sounds like many of the STA boys we have known, met and heard about. I am so glad you commented. My DS is looking forward to going there next year. We always called him our "Joe Average" as a young kid because he was. He is still average in the way you seem to describe - he can fit in with most other boys really easily and readily tries everything. He can get along comfortably in most situations and with most people. He is definitely smart emotionally which I believe is more valuable than the highest of IQs.

[Anonymous]

You can't tell intelligence at this age. Well, there are some children who are writing their first book at age 6, but is that really what you're looking for because, otherwise, it's totally unreliable to try to gauge intelligence in this way. In addition: high IQ does not translate to a successful life. I would much rather my children have high social intelligence and good work ethic over extremely high IQ. Your child only needs to be intelligent enough to get a degree and maintain relationships.

[Anonymous]

Wow. Way to label a kid who can't even tie his own shoelaces yet.

[Anonymous]

my 2 yr old is so average that a parent at our school pulled their child out of our class b/cshe felt the younger children (mine is the youngest and most average) were holding her precious snowflake (PS) back.

[Anonymous]

I am a pre-school teacher. Growing up- my 2 brothers & I were NOT academic stars (minor LD.) Fast forward ...we are adults now...and all VERY successful & passionate about our careers.

I think the "3 P's" are most important for success:
* Personality
* Passion
* Perseverance

OP- your son sounds fine to me!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a parent of a bright child who is now in 2nd grade, I can tell you I wish my son was more of an average child. He basically taught himself to read when he was 3 yrs old. So he was reading chapter books by the time he started K. The vast majority of other kids weren't. So he rarely was ever taught at his level. Well, he was never taught at his level. He has spend 3 years fooling around at school and getting in trouble for it. I'll take an average child any day b/c my son thinks school is pure torture. Not a good thing when you go everyday for many many more years.

Best humble brag ever!

[Anonymous]

As A. Lincoln once said, "The Lord must love the ordinary man because he made so many of us." I have a sister and brother wbo are gifted, in Mensa, and other than being very, very smart, they are miserable. I'll take average and ordinary because it is so nice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a parent of a bright child who is now in 2nd grade, I can tell you I wish my son was more of an average child. He basically taught himself to read when he was 3 yrs old. So he was reading chapter books by the time he started K. The vast majority of other kids weren't. So he rarely was ever taught at his level. Well, he was never taught at his level. He has spend 3 years fooling around at school and getting in trouble for it. I'll take an average child any day b/c my son thinks school is pure torture. Not a good thing when you go everyday for many many more years.

Best humble brag ever!

Agreed. Many kids start reading early. Kid misbehaves for other reasons.

[Anonymous]

He talks and reads books in his desk. I used to read books in my desk when I was in school and my teachers would recommend other books for me. And he gets in trouble for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He talks and reads books in his desk. I used to read books in my desk when I was in school and my teachers would recommend other books for me. And he gets in trouble for it.

Correct.he should be in trouble for it if the teacher hasn't allowed it. Your son hates school because you've set it up in his and your, minds that he is bored and shouldn't have to do menial tasks.

[Anonymous]

Oh my Gosh, he's fine! He will learn his letters and learn to count and all that in due time. Right now he is playing, exploring, being a little boy! Don't worry OP, just let him be himself and enjoy being his parent. I'm sure he is smart. And remember, smart can look very different from one way to the next.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Try apps if you have an ipad or tablet. They work great for learning the basics. Also, Leap Frog videos and Preschool Prep.

This is terrible advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He talks and reads books in his desk. I used to read books in my desk when I was in school and my teachers would recommend other books for me. And he gets in trouble for it.

Correct.he should be in trouble for it if the teacher hasn't allowed it. Your son hates school because you've set it up in his and your, minds that he is bored and shouldn't have to do menial tasks.

I guess reading is bad in school today. How dare he! And my son hates school all by himself. He knows what he already knows and does the best he can. My advice to the OP is to follow your child's interests but know that it is better that he learns at school. Schools were designed to teach the kids in the middle and it isn't a bad thing to be there.