We have some issues, already for quite some time with Littlelish and preschool. I’ve tried to ignore them in the hope that it is just a phase and they will pass but Littlelish says she hates preschool.
When I asked her today why she hates preschool she told me it was because she “already knows everything that is important in the world”.
“Mummy I know about listening, about holding hands when you are told to, about being kind, about playing with others.”
What’s more she said she hates the activities at school, she hates writing, she hates reading… Quite frankly it’s leaving me a bit worried. Especially with her starting school this September.
There is no doubt that Littlelish is an exceptionally bright little thing. We’ve known it since she was small. I know all parents think their child is bright but Littlelish really is. She can sound out 3 and 4 letters words which means she is already reading basic books. She can spell and write short words too. Her vocabulary is outstanding for a child of 3. She uses words like captured, injured and gulp on a daily basis and if you ask her the meaning of some really grown up, complex words she will be able to tell you without hesitation. She also speaks Dutch and can translate between the two languages. She is really into science in a big way and will be able to tell you all about gravity and earthquakes if you ask her.
I’m sure it’s all linked with her being highly sensitive and we are really just trying to understand it all and figure out the best way, as parents, to deal with it. I’m very much led by her and what she wants to do. I never force work or activities upon her (nor could I, she is so strong willed). Mostly she likes to be social, play with her friends or make up imaginative games. Sometimes I feel guilty, that I should be pushing her more, to develop her obviously very capable brain but then I think she is so little, knows so much already I’d rather just let her have fun and relax. After all she will be at school soon enough.
Yesterday we found out which school Littlelish will be joining in September. It’s a wonderful, small school with a very warm, friendly atmosphere. I’m hoping it will suit her sensitivities well. But I’m also so nervous about how she will take to a full day spent on learning activities. Especially as many of the initial activities, phonics, numbers etc are things she has known for more than a year now. I’m hoping to goodness they are prepared to work with us on providing activities that will stimulate her and not leave her feeling bored and uninspired.
Which is exactly how she seems to be at preschool at the moment, not being challenged by her peers or teachers is really getting to her. She has even started to occasionally speak like a baby again which as I just read in this excellent article (about young gifted children at school) is often the case when trying to fit in with their peers. Littlelish is a child with a true love of learning, I really hope we can give her the education she deserves when school time comes around!
Zack went through this phase in the run up to transitioning to school as well. The teachers he’s had since he started (3 in primary 1… just as well he was smart and could easily handle it!) always seemed to know just what to do to keep him engaged.
He’s now 7 and is on the second Harry Potter book, speaks much more intelligently than a lot of adults I know, and is loving school!
He’s always been a very sensitive young man, and can get upset about things most kids wouldn’t bother about (the adverts on tv about children dying/needing vaccines/water etc leave him very quiet and contemplative, and have in the past led to tears shed). I see this as a strength. He’s old beyond his years, and is an amazing big brother to his wee brother Max, who is severely autistic.
I’ve often wondered if he’s gifted, but it’s not the sort of thing you can just talk to the school about without feeling a bit pushy, you know?
Anyway, I’m sure LL will do wonderfully at school. The first few weeks will be about getting to grips with the new environment and routine, along with social “integration”. I’ve no doubt that she’ll enjoy that, and by then her teacher will have had enough time with her to know how to help her excel. :)
Marylin recently posted..Blockage
I have a little LISH in my class at the moment, also unbelievably bright and highly sensitive. A couple of pointers, the end of the year and especially for the leavers is often difficult, they are truly outgrowing their surroundings and have probably been there for a while and as they soon will, are ready to fly the nest. It is also pertinent to say that with highly intelligent often comes manipulative (meant in the nicest way esp as I have never met LL and would also describe myself as a manipulative person for the good and bad). Where as other 3 year olds don’t really want to be parted from Mummy they cannot express themselves so readily, don’t underestimate that LL can and knows that this may be means to an end to stay with Mummy instead of being parted, as a teacher I highly doubt that in your absence she s having anything less than a fun time at school.
As for “big school” these days teachers are taught to differentiate and teach to the individuals and not the class as a whole and by putting her in a small local school you are likely to experience this and if at all possible make friends with her teacher (who couldn’t like you Luce) and make sure LL gets what she needs and deserves.
What a lovely message Katy xxx You are absolutely right that she is manipulative, she knows exactly how to work me to get what she wants! It is so tough sometimes… I struggle to keep the control in the house if I’m honest. I’m sure she is probably fine at school, it is a fantastic montessori preschool (I chose it especially!), she would just rather be doing whatever SHE wants to be doing. Her dad and I were talking about it at lunchtime, she does not like authority AT all. Hmmm sounds like someone else I know!! Sending lots of love to you and the family xxxxxxxxxxx
firstly – that pic of here on your instagram feed in her fairy outfit – just gorgeous!! she sounds like a little superstar! xx
mascara & mud recently posted..these days
Thanks lovely! She is a little cutie. I just hate to see her cry every morning :( Sure we will get there though! x