Daydreaming while waiting impatiently!

[tortoise]

He doesn't do well with online schooling. Worse than homeschooling. Our district has a virtual school, which was awesome because he could see his learning guide / teacher in person. But still not enough. They skipped him to 7th grade (when he was in 4th) so he could take high school classes for credit. He got mad that the high school classes were too easy and refused to participate.

I could put him in community college at my expense if I was willing to homeschool him. The district will pay for community college if they don't have equivalent classes - he would have to take AP classes first. It's possible to graduate from high school with an Associate's degree here. BUT, if I let him do that, then I don't have a gap year plan. I'm trying to delay high school graduation until he is 16, but I don't know if that will be possible. He will live at home until 18 because of his ADHD.

 

[NH Homesteader]

Ah complicated! I hope they have someone good there to help find the right fit for him. What does he want? Is he able to be a part of the decision making process?

 

[tortoise]

He has mixed feelings! He wants to go to community college. He wants to play on the new playground at the elementary school because it has a spider web. He wants to be intellectually challenged, but he doesn't want to do the work.

I think a couple weeks in 5th grade with agemates will be good for him. Show him how spoiled he has been with academic match. Demonstrate why working at challenging work is worth it (because being bored is worse)

 

[sumi]

This is so complicated, I wish I had a better answer than I hope you can find the perfect solution for him. I have a feeling this child is going to grow into one of those that change the world What a gift, if a complicated one!

 

[tortoise]

We had first day of school, which is pictures and meeting teachers, etc. He's seated between 2 boys he has done okay with in the past. His friend (sorta) is in the class and they share a locker. We have a country neighbor with a younger boy DS10 likes who is grade-skipped into his classroom. Teacher seems okay with the arrangement that I'll send work for DS10. I spent a couple hours photocopying his books and printing worksheets to minimize distractions to himself and his classmates.

So, yep, he's heading into 5th grade with 2nd semester Algebra 2, AP Bio and some physics, obscure history, Shakespeare, college level music theory, and for light reading... Moby Dick. I wonder if he'll do any other stuff I send or if he's going to be a nuisance and show off during classes. I'm expecting nuisance.

 

[tortoise]

Now that DS10 is squared away, I can focus on planning activities and books for DS2. Oh my, that little boy is something else. He's mastering skills and showing more academic interest that DS10 did at that age. I'm petrified, but also "whatever", I'm learning how this all goes. DS2 is currently interested in right and left, tracing, counting, and airplanes. I need to buckle down on potty training. This morning he told me "no potty! Just want diaper. Poop [in] it!"

 

[tortoise]

I've felt a little "off" since our road trip out West, but getting better. DS10 spent a couple weeks at grandma's and DS2 was *easier* then. Surprise! We will see how it goes! I have a doctor appointment tomorrow and I won't have DS10 to babysit in the waiting room. That will be interesting! I expect I'll be able to get out of the house more - and since DS2 always is more agreeable in novel surroundings I expect everything will be a bit easier. Except my doctor appointments. And going to the gym.

 

[tortoise]

Oh boy! You know exactly how it is! Not easy at all! I've heard the dilemma many times of a school refusing to give advanced work until the student completes the stuff they already know. So annoying because kids like ours - the actually academically advanced - get skipped over for high achievers who might not actually be academically advanced. Are you familiar with Davidson institute for Talent Development? They're amazing, there's a wealth of info on their website. Is your son going to take the AP tests?

 

[milkmansdaughter]

He took a bunch of AP classes in his last school, passed some, didn't pass others depending on the homework. He had mono much of the year, plus sleep apnea (diagnosed in Jan, not treated till end of April) in addition to several other ongoing issues (liver transplant, kidney disease). All the teachers in every class say he understands the work. The whole last school year was pretty much a wash. I am not familiar with the Davidson school but will definitely check it out. I am sooooooo tired of batting my head against the wall. And like your son, socially, he could use time in school with other kids. He's not always emotionally ahead of the other kids, but he sure is intellectually. Music was the only redeeming factor the last few years. His best friends at the school were the librarian, janitors, and cooks. I hate that school had been such a disaster for him. I'm already discouraged that the online school will short change him. They only want to transfer 17 credits and he has 23. I'll look up that school. Thanks!

 

[milkmansdaughter]

Hm, thought I just responded to this. I wonder where it posted...