Today was Christopher's first day of T.A.G. at school and he enjoyed it very well. He's been in reading TAG (Talented and Gifted) since first grade and has had the same teacher every year. He basically gets excused from his regular class for an hour or so, and goes to another classroom three days a week for TAG. Sometimes he likes it, sometimes he doesn't. There are 57 TAG students at his school, and I think it's nice that he is challenged. It bothers me though, that other kids who aren't in it, might feel like they're less talented and gifted. Yet I still appreciate the extra opportunity he has. He's always been an excellent communicator and I am very proud of my little boy for being such an excellent student.Christopher is doing very well riding his bike to and from school every day. He came home from school one day last week, after bicycling home by himself for the first time, walking into the house, removing his bike helmet, all sweaty and red-faced, exclaiming, "I feel like such a big boy!" I'm so glad I'm finally comfortable to allow him to do this, as the exercise is good for him for one thing, and the responsibility and confidence he's feeling are an added benefit. I have been nervous to let him do it in the past, as it's a half mile to the school, and is during the morning traffic, so I was worried that he was too young. Now I feel he's mature enough and he understands the traffic better and can be cautious enough. He'll get to ride his bike to school next year too, in fifth grade. He'll start riding the bus for middle school the following year--yikes!
Comments
I'm sure it feels funny having your child set apart for something very good (talented and gifted), while other children are not. But I read in a recent Time magazine that the average school spends only 10% on their gifted programs of what they spend on "remedial" programs, helping the lesser-abled kids to catch up. So the gifted kids are getting out-spent ten to one!! Maybe that makes you feel better.
Talented and gifted kids need just as much support from the school as the remedial kids.
It is fabulous for Christopher to get the responsibility of riding to and from school. I remember well how grown up I felt when I was allowed to walk to school by myself at 10 years old. And I only stopped by the See's Candy shop on the way home once a week or so!! LOL
My Christopher was also in TAG and he always brags to me about it. He says they had to put him in there to keep him interested because everything else was too easy. He is such a show- off! I am glad your Christopher is enjoying school.
Go Christopher!!!!
As for riding to school - be glad you have the weather for it!!! As you know, our first day of school poured rain initially - today however (day 2) was sunny and dry. We live in the farthest corner of the entire district - so unfortunately, there is no bike riding to our schools for my kids - it would be fun though.
Now, to get myself to ride the 'indoor' bike each day before my shower... that would be an accomplishment!
congrats to christopher. glad he's doing so well.