AMDG+

Dear Parent;

When you have an academically advanced child, one trick that can work is to stay on grade level with the lesson plans and core subjects, but do enrichment with everything else.  That way, your child has age-appropriate activities, but can also be challenged to work at a higher ability level as well.

I know children who spell beyond their expected grade level, but who are unable to comprehend the dictionary and vocabulary exercises included at a more advanced spelling level.  So, while a child may be an advanced speller, he or she might not be ready for the rest of the program.

It is not a bad thing to let a child enjoy being a good speller or reader, without necessarily advancing him or her to the next level.  This is where enrichment activities come in.  The advanced reader, for example, may read the usual assignment for his grade, but then be challenged with outside reading or activities related to science or social studies at a higher reading level.

In addition, bright children often finish their assignments easily and quickly.  This leaves time for them to pursue other interests, which may or may not be academic, but can certainly be educational as well.  Perhaps the child would like to study a foreign language, use his or her advanced language arts skills to write stories, dabble in crafts, cooking, or pet care.

And congratulations on your parenting and teaching skills, which have produced such a bright little girl.  Isn't homeschooling a blessing?

May our good Jesus bless and guide your happy school days,

Nancy Nicholson