I'm new here and find myself at a place where I'm not really sure I know what to do. I was hoping that some of you have been there previously and may be able to offer some advice.
DS4 should be entering PreK this fall but I will be staying home starting in August (am expecting then, so that adds to the fun). Although never tested, I have no doubt that he is gifted. He is in preschool right now and the (accelerated) school recommended K for him next year as he is working on a late 1st grade level or higher in all subjects (except maturity, there he's ahead as well though). He reads well, can easily do double digit addition/subtraction, easy multiplication, understand concepts of death and other abstract ideas, ... He is able to write sentences but still struggles with structure for anything more complex. He learns things quickly and rarely requires any repetition. He remembers things that occurred prior to his 2nd birthday and questions EVERYTHING. He loves to be read to and will listen for hours. Favorites for bedtime are Robinson Crusoe, Moonfleet, Little House on the Prairie, Around the world in 80 days, greek myths, etc. He does not frighten at all and just seems enthralled by everything.
I was considering starting home school part time this year and see how it goes. If I don't think I can manage, I will learn this in time to find an appropriate private school for his true "K" year. That said, he's also well beyond K. I was thinking I start with 1st that way it's not way too easy but gives him some easier work. I don't want to push him too far but also feel that he needs some sort of challenge. But what if things change and he has to go to school, would him being years ahead that it would feel like punishment? That said, if I filled his days with sports and activities, he would play math games on my ipod touch for fun but would still be happy (I think).
Thanks for any insight,
Susan