What do you do in a gifted program? Is it worth it? Any problems with getting an overinflated sense of self? Do the other "normal" students resent gifted students?
momof3girls
Favorite Answer
Well, I was in one WAY BACK WHEN!! I quit because the kids in that program were so different than my friends. I think there are some great programs and they can be very beneficial. Just make sure your son is challenged, not just busy work. Leave him the choice. Let him pick if you want and if he hates it, take him out. He's still very young and by 3rd grade most kids end up around the same learning level unless they are highly gifted or have learning disabilities.
If you're instinct is to wait, give it another year and see where he ends up. It's up to you really. I doubt it will hurt him either way.
denialsparks
I was in a gifted program for 8th grade and the friends I made there I am still very close with. It was a great environment. I remember that the kids from the normal program were at times resentful but they were friendly with us too and we always went on field trips together. I also had learning disabilities so I think personally being in a setting without so many trouble makers made it easier for me to function and get the help I needed. I'm all for the gifted program! But I do think grade 2 is a little young. Where I came from I think 6th grade was the norm.
coolio_mandy
I am in the GATE class(gifted and talented education)
I don't think the other kids resent us. I do not have a huge ego. It's more challenging. Some of the kids who are truly smart were afraid of being put in because they thought it would be too hard, but it really isn't. It just helps more gifted students grow.
Anonymous
I think you should let your son be in the gifted program. Smart kids who aren't challenged get bored and start to do poorly in school. In a gifted program he will be more challenged and his classmates will be on his wavelength.
Your son is also "normal", he's not going to be freakishly designated "gifted" to every other student. Kids are constantly getting broken up into different groups, the kids don't really notice that much.
Anonymous
I entered the gifted program in second grade and stayed in gifted and honors programs throughout college. I would definitely challenge your son by putting him in the program. His education is important. Other students will be accepting as long as he doesn't get a "big head" or put them down. Remind your son he is no better than they are and that they have talents he doesn't.