Have any other mums had their children IQ tested, and their child skip a grade of school?
We have a very emotional 9yo who had a few troubles in the last semester of school. He clashed with his teacher, is very bright and opinionated.
We were advised by the school guidance councillor at the end of last year that we should seek a psychologist. We were referred to a psychologist who specilises in paediatrics/behaviour/education.
She has the opinion that we should IQ our child with the possibility of skipping year four. Our child is scheduled to have the IQ test working the next fortnight.
We don't know anyone who has been through this, and have no one to talk to about this. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thank You
3 Replies
No personal experience, but when I was in school I know a girl that skipped grade 4 and went straight into grade 5. She's doing very well for herself now. I still remember her being top of the class, even though she was by far the youngest. I'd just wait for his IQ score and base your decision on that. Being smart though, is different to being opinionated.. so maybe have lots of discussion with him about when it is appropriate to voice an opinion. You can have a high IQ but a low EQ (emotional intelligence). It's my understanding that many 'genius' types do tend to swing lower on the EQ scale. Important for him to learn respect for his teachers etc.
I had iq tests and skipped a year and was still top of the class by far. I personally don't think that's the best route. What he needs is individualised appropriate level stimulation and challenges and a teacher with the understanding to fully support gifted and talented students. He won't necessarily get that in the higher class either.
Think of it as a special need, it really comes with its own set challenges and drawbacks. without correct stimulus he will get in trouble, but worse, he will get bored. If he cruises he will lose interest and passion and drive, and lack ability to interact and socialise with peers and authority, and outcast himself from mainstream humdrum, and drop out, which is where a lot of highly intelligent people end up.
I was a child who was skipped ahead a grade because of IQ and 'boredom' with the standard year level curriculum. I was still top of my class but I ended up spending a large part of my time feeling completely left out, especially once I got to high school. I was always much younger than everyone else in my class. Now I have two children who are testing well above average with both IQ and standardised school testing. I have opted instead to speak to the school and have them put in a class with a teacher who works with them and encourages their gifts. They are both happy and settled at school, and still excelling in their classes. But all that said, as someone else pointed out, there is a big difference between IQ and EQ and even with their smarts, my children have never 'clashed with teachers' or been considered 'opinionated'. What are you going to do if he skips year 4 and is still 'bright and opinionated' and clashes with his teacher? Perhaps as well as focusing on his IQ you should also consider teaching him appropriate respect and about appropriate behaviours and timing?